The crafting of Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors began in 1663. Making Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors involved as many as 72 processes.

The inclusion of steel into scissors has turned what used to be a local name in Hangzhou in east China to an international brand, being recognized at industrial expos in the world.

Crafesman Wang Jianlin said, "Steel and iron do not naturally bind together. They should first be heated to over a thousand degrees Celsius in this kiln and hammered together."

Industrialization means that scissors are now commonly made by automatic machines.

The brand has simplified the 72 procedures into 24. But the original technique of plating steel is facing extinction, with less than twenty craftsmen able to finish the entire 72 procedures. Most of them are now over 70 years old. Craftsmen of Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors say they need government help to be able to pass on the valuable skill to future generations.

(CCTV February 20, 2009)