What Can Trauma Shears Cut? The Truth About Materials and Uses

Trauma shears are the workhorse of any medical kit. You see them on the vests of combat medics, in the pockets of EMTs, and strapped to the kits of responsible citizens. But have you ever wondered just how tough these scissors really are?

Many people think they are just for cutting clothes, but they are capable of much more. To understand their power, we also need to understand exactly what they are made of. In this guide, we will explore their practical uses, clear up confusion about steel grades, and explain why material origin matters for international import.

Beyond Clothing: The Versatility of Trauma Shears

The primary job of trauma shears involves quickly exposing a wound. However, in an emergency, barriers come in many forms. Orthopedic technologists often use them as a safer alternative to cast saws for removing fiberglass casts and splints.

The blades are designed with a serrated edge and a strong pivot point. This engineering allows them to cut through materials that would ruin standard office scissors.

Common materials trauma shears can cut:

• Thick Denim & Leather: Jackets, boots, and belts.

• Seat Belts: Essential for vehicle extraction.

• Thin Metal: Aluminum sheets or coins like pennies.

• Small Twigs: Clearing brush in an outdoor setting.

• Wires: Speaker wire or thin cabling obstructing a patient.

Uses of Trauma Shears in Other Industries

Because they are tough and cheap, these tools have found a home outside of hospitals and ambulances.

• Fishermen: They use shears to slice through "spider wire" and heavy braided fishing lines.

• Gardeners: Great for opening heavy fertilizer bags or cutting plastic pots.

• Divers: Salt-waterproofing models are used to cut through fishing nets if a diver gets tangled.

• Chefs: In a pinch, they are strong enough to cut through poultry bones or tough meat.

• Rock Climbers: Used to cut away jammed ropes or clothing stuck in equipment.

The Truth About Material: AISI 420 vs. 20Cr13L

This is a critical section for our B2B partners and wholesale buyers. There is a lot of confusion in the market regarding "Unbeatable 420 Stainless Steel."

Many suppliers claim their shears are made of AISI 420. However, AISI 420 is an American standard. If the steel is not produced in the United States, it technically should not be labeled as AISI 420. Most high-quality shears produced in China are actually made of 20Cr13L (National Standard), which corresponds to the European standard X20Cr13.

Are they different? Chemically, they are almost identical. We value honesty at YEYETAC™. We use top-tier 20Cr13L steel that offers the comprehensive hardness and corrosion resistance you expect.

Chemical Composition of YEYETAC™ Trauma Shears based on Mill Test Certificate (MTC), the Chromium content is over 12%, ensuring these shears won't rust easily in humid environments, while the Carbon content ensures they stay sharp after cutting seatbelts.

Important for Importers: EU Sanctions and Russian Steel

If you are importing medical kits into Europe, you need to be aware of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. Since October 2023, there has been a strict ban on importing iron and steel products containing raw materials originating in Russia.

Customs officers in Poland, Germany, and Lithuania are checking these shipments strictly. If you cannot prove the origin of the steel, your goods can be seized.

How We Solve This Pain Point: To clear customs, you need an MTC (Mill Test Certificate) or a Declaration of Raw Material Origin. At YEYETAC™, we provide a full document package for our clients. We source our steel from a non-Russian entity and provide the chemical analysis report to prove it. This ensures your logistics flow smoothly without legal headaches.

Don't Lose Your Gear

The best shears in the world are useless if you drop them in the dark or leave them at the scene. In tactical environments, you need to keep your hands free.

We strongly recommend attaching your shears to a tactical retractor. A retractor allows you to pull the shears out to use them and immediately let go, knowing they will snap back to your vest. This prevents loss and keeps your kit organized.

Conclusion

For our wholesale partners, knowing exactly what you are buying and having the paperwork to prove it isn't Russian steel is just as important as the cutting ability. At YEYETAC™, we ensure you have the quality and the compliance documents you need for a safe transaction.

Need a quote for custom-branded trauma shears with full export documentation? Contact us at support@tacticalmedicalkit.com today.

FAQs

Can trauma shears really cut through a penny?

Yes. If the shears are made from high quality steel like 20Cr13L with the correct hardness, they can cut soft metals like copper pennies. However, doing this repeatedly will dull the blade and make it less effective for fabric.

What is the difference between 420 Stainless and 20Cr13L?

Chemically, they are nearly identical. 420 is the US standard designation. 20Cr13L is the Chinese standard designation. We use the correct label to reflect the origin of manufacture to be honest with our clients.

Why do I need an MTC document for importing shears into Europe?

EU Regulation No 833/2014 bans steel products with Russian raw materials. Customs will demand an MTC (Mill Test Certificate) to prove your steel is not from Russia. Without it, your goods can be seized.

Can I autoclave standard trauma shears?

Generally, no. While the steel blades can handle the heat, the plastic handles on standard shears may melt or deform in an autoclave. They are designed to be cold-sterilized with bleach/alcohol or treated as single-use items.

Does YEYETAC™ offer custom logo printing on shears?

Yes. We support wholesale orders with custom branding. We can laser engrave your logo on the blade or add it to the plastic handle mold.