Palmer, E.W. A Course in Bookbinding for Vocational Training. New York: Employing Bookbinders of America, 1927.
I’ve never thought too much about using a scissors, and can’t even recall ever being taught. I’d usually hold the sheet of paper on the left side, with my thumb on top of the paper. But after reading Palmer, I’m a convert the “proper method”. It seems to result in a straighter cut, since the paper ends up slightly curling parallel to the direction of cutting, as well as acting as a more stable counter point for the action of the blade. This right eye view, shows the exact perpendicularity of the scissors to the paper plane, as well as reminding us that often diagrams can show essential information much more clearly than a photograph can.
Of course, this is a small matter, and not using the “proper method of scissors cutting” will not hasten the end of civilization as we know it. But it does relate to the demise of technical education in general, and makes one worry about the hundreds (hundreds of thousands?) of other techniques that have disappeared, are almost forgotten or will become lost in the future.
Peachey Conservation 
Apparently now I will have to change to this system of cutting and when you really think about it make sense.I tried my normal way which was thumb on top. Something else to make my life simpler!
This book never seems to have been carried beyond the first, elementary, volume; its a pity, because as far as it goes it is one of the most thorough binding manuals. I have always assumed that the Depression put an end to the project.
Yep, the more I reread it the more I like it. Even some of the teaching methodology, like the class project of making a cloth cutting table seem useful, in the way it draws all members together. It seems very close to Pledger in its thoroughness, or potential thoroughness, but from a decidedly pedagogical orientation.
Cool. What kind of scissors do you use?
Thanks Jeff for sharing all your knowledge on paper cutting and a little humor too boot! It was informative and I love learning something new.