Wick Trimmer

This has a raised edge along one blade to catch the cut wick pieces.   Both crusies and candles needed wicks to burn and wick trimmings or snuffing was a crucial part of making sure the fat, oil, tallow or wax was burninng efficiently. Wicks that were too long produced more smoke, less light and burned twice as quickly. It was important therefore, to trim wicks frequently - sometimes several times an hour. This was done with a pair of wick trimmers which have sharp blades and look like ordinary scissors with a box or raised edge attached to one of the blades to catch the trimmings.