First Impressions of Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 promise a versatile cutting tool for various tasks, from everyday needs to more demanding outdoor applications. These 8.25″ shears from Clauss boast titanium-bonded stainless steel blades, serrated edges, and an integrated bottle opener, packaged in a clam shell. I was looking for a rugged, multi-purpose shear that could handle everything from trimming fishing line to opening food packages on the trail.
My search for a robust pair of shears started after a particularly frustrating camping trip. I needed to cut paracord, open a stubborn freeze-dried meal pouch, and even attempt some minor gear repairs. My flimsy kitchen scissors just couldn’t handle the workload. I considered multi-tools with scissor attachments, but wanted something dedicated to cutting. I considered the Gerber Short Cut Scissors and Leatherman Raptor Rescue Shears.
Upon receiving the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052, my initial impression was of solid, functional design. The gray and red synthetic handles felt grippy and comfortable in my hand. The weight, at 0.28 lbs, feels substantial enough to inspire confidence without being cumbersome.
Compared to the Gerber Shortcut Scissors, which are smaller and more focused on precision, the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 felt more heavy-duty. While the Leatherman Raptor shears offer more advanced features and higher price point, the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 are designed for general utility. I chose these shears for their balanced approach: durable construction, useful features, and a reasonable price. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. These appear to be a solid tool, but real-world performance will be the ultimate test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 during a weekend camping trip to the Adirondacks. My activities included cutting paracord for setting up a shelter, opening various food packages, and trimming branches for kindling. The shears performed admirably in dry conditions. The serrated blade gripped the paracord effectively, providing clean cuts without fraying.
In slightly damp conditions, the handle grip remained secure, even when my hands were wet from rain. Cutting through thicker cardboard food packaging proved challenging due to the blade length. This required more force than expected. No immediate issues arose after the initial use, but I noticed some minor scratches on the blade.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 have proven reasonably reliable. The shears are used regularly for cutting fishing line during fishing trips and opening packages. The titanium-bonded stainless steel has held up, resisting rust and corrosion despite exposure to moisture. The cutting performance has slightly declined; requiring more force to cut through tougher materials.
The synthetic handles still look new, though some scuffing is visible on the gray portion. Cleaning is fairly straightforward, typically requiring only a wipe down with a damp cloth. The bottle opener remains functional, although I have only used it a few times. Compared to other shears I’ve used in the past, the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 hold their own in terms of durability. I expected them to maintain their edge longer.
Breaking Down the Features of Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052
Specifications
- The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 have an overall length of 8.25 inches. This provides ample leverage for various cutting tasks.
- The blade material is titanium-bonded stainless steel. This is a durable and corrosion-resistant material.
- The shears weigh 0.28 lbs. This offers a solid feel without being too heavy.
- The serrated blade design enhances the gripping power. This makes it useful for cutting through fibrous materials.
- An integrated bottle opener adds functionality. This is useful in a variety of settings.
These specifications are important for the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052‘s overall performance because they balance durability, cutting power, and utility. The titanium-bonded stainless steel is essential for corrosion resistance, while the serrations enhance cutting performance. The overall length provides sufficient leverage, and the added bottle opener improves versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 perform adequately for light-to-medium duty tasks. They are effective for cutting fishing line, paracord, and thin cardboard. They struggle with thicker materials like heavy-duty cardboard or leather.
The main strengths are the serrated blade’s gripping power and the comfortable handle design. One weakness is the limited blade length, making it awkward to cut through wider objects. The shears meet expectations for basic tasks, but fall short for more demanding applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 are designed with functionality in mind. The gray and red synthetic handles offer a secure grip. The weight feels balanced in hand, contributing to comfortable use.
The shears are relatively user-friendly. Minimal learning curve is needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The titanium-bonded stainless steel construction enhances the longevity of the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052. The shears are designed to withstand regular use and resist corrosion.
Maintaining the shears involves simply cleaning them after each use and applying a thin coat of oil. This prevents rust and keeps the cutting action smooth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 do not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available for this model.
The shears are designed as a standalone tool, focusing on essential cutting functionality.
Pros and Cons of Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052
Pros
- Durable Titanium-Bonded Stainless Steel Blade: Resists corrosion and maintains edge reasonably well.
- Serrated Blade Design: Provides enhanced grip for cutting fibrous materials like rope and paracord.
- Comfortable Synthetic Handles: Offers a secure and ergonomic grip even in wet conditions.
- Integrated Bottle Opener: Adds versatility for outdoor and everyday use.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry in a tool bag, backpack, or tackle box.
Cons
- Limited Blade Length: Makes cutting through wider materials awkward.
- Cutting Performance Decline: Requires more force to cut over time.
Who Should Buy Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052?
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 are perfect for casual campers, anglers, and general DIY enthusiasts. They are ideal for those needing a durable, multi-purpose cutting tool for light-to-medium duty tasks.
These shears are not suitable for professionals requiring heavy-duty cutting power or precision. Someone who needs to cut tough materials consistently or needs fine, detailed cutting should skip this product.
Must-have accessories are a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge and a small amount of lubricating oil. This can prevent rust and keep the cutting action smooth.
Conclusion on Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052
The Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 offer a reasonable blend of durability, functionality, and value. At $16.99, they are an affordable option for anyone needing a versatile cutting tool. The titanium-bonded stainless steel blade and comfortable handles provide good performance for a variety of tasks.
The price is justified by the build quality and functionality. However, it’s important to consider the limitations in cutting power and blade length.
I would recommend these shears to anyone looking for a reliable, general-purpose cutting tool for light-to-medium duty tasks. Invest in the Clauss True Professional Shears CL18052 and experience a versatile, durable cutting solution for everyday and outdoor adventures.