My scissor spring broke a few years ago, and even though I replaced it, it’s never been the same – if no spring works for you, you’re probably missing anything. And you’re right about the toothpick being heavily used. I actually lost mine while at my parents during Christmas, and had to wait two weeks until the replacement arrived. During that time, I was really surprised how many times I went for it only to be reminded it was lost.

(I ordered the 6-count replacement pack so that won’t happen again.)

I’ve been carrying this one since the 1970′s. It went all the way to Kathmandu and back in 1980 and then disappeared in the early 2000′s. Found it five years later under the sofa cushions.

I’ve gone for years at a time without the spring for the scissors–a test of dexterity–until finding a new supplier.

Probably what gets the most use is the toothpick.