I use scissors every day at work. I bought both pairs to see which one is best. I used them for three weeks. Here is what I found on the job.
Klein Tools 2100-7 Review
I started with the 2100-7. This is the classic pair. It feels very stiff at first. You must push it open and pull it closed. I like this for tight cuts. It feels safe. The blade is very hard. It cuts wire clean.
I used it to strip old phone wire. The notches work well. It grabs the coating and pulls it off fast. The blade stays sharp. I cut a lot of wire and it did not get dull.
| Pros | Cons |
| The blade stays very sharp. | The hinge is hard to move. |
| It cuts wire cleanly. | It can rust in the rain. |
| The screw lets you adjust it. | You need two hands to use it. |
But I did have one problem. I left it in my truck one night. It was damp out. The next day, I saw a tiny brown spot. Rust. The plating chipped off near the screw. You must oil this tool. If you keep it dry, it is great. If you work in the rain, be careful.
Klein Tools 2100-9 Review
Then I tried the 2100-9. This pair is made of stainless steel. The first thing I felt was the hinge. It is very loose. If you hold one handle, the other one falls down. This scared me at first. It felt broken.
But on a ladder, it was great. I could open it with one hand. I did not have to use two hands. It makes work very fast. I worked in a wet basement with this pair. My hands were wet. The air was wet.
| Pros | Cons |
| It opens very fast. | The loose feel is odd at first. |
| It does not rust at all. | It can fall open in your bag. |
| Great for wet jobs. | The blade is a bit softer. |
The steel is tough but softer. I cut a hard wire and felt it give a bit. It did not break, but it felt different. The best part is no rust. I wiped it off and it looked new. If you hate rust, get this one.
Details Comparison for Klein 2100-7 vs 2100-9
Here is a close look at the main differences.
The Steel Type
The metal is the biggest difference. The 2100-7 uses hard steel with a coating. It is very sharp. It keeps an edge for a long time. The 2100-9 uses stainless steel. It is softer. It is tough but can dent.
| Feature | Klein 2100-7 | Klein 2100-9 |
| Metal | Hard Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Edge | Very Sharp | Tough |
How They Open
This changes how you work. The 2100-7 is stiff. It stays where you put it. You have total control. The 2100-9 is loose. It falls open. This is called “free-fall.” It is fast but takes practice.
| Feature | Klein 2100-7 | Klein 2100-9 |
| Feel | Stiff | Loose |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
Rust and Water
I hate rusty tools. The 2100-7 will rust. The coating can scratch off. Once it scratches, water gets in. The 2100-9 is safe. It is stainless steel. Water does not hurt it.
| Feature | Klein 2100-7 | Klein 2100-9 |
| Rust | Yes | No |
| Care | Needs Oil | Wipe Clean |
Stripping Wire
Both tools have notches. They strip 19 and 23 gauge wire. I tested both on data cable. They work the same. The cuts are clean. The stiff 2100-7 is easier to hold steady. The loose 2100-9 can slip if you are not careful.
| Feature | Klein 2100-7 | Klein 2100-9 |
| Notches | Two Sizes | Two Sizes |
| Ease | Easy | Takes Skill |
Hand Feel
These are small tools. The loops are bare metal. Neither one is soft. The 2100-9 is easier on your hand. You do not have to push it open. The 2100-7 tires your thumb out after a long day.
| Feature | Klein 2100-7 | Klein 2100-9 |
| Comfort | Okay | Better |
| Work | Harder | Easier |
Conclusion
If you want a sharp blade that lasts, buy the Klein 2100-7. It is strong and precise. If you work outside or want speed, buy the Klein 2100-9. It will not rust and is fast to use. I kept the 2100-9 in my bag.