I put these shears to a side by side text with the standard shears that come in most kits. These shears not only look great but cut like butter. I tested with all types of materials that they would typically be used for in a medical situation. These new trauma shears made the work a lot easier. One of the tougher materials I tested on was the trigger-fold seams on jeans which is thicker and a tougher material. The normal shears took a lot of force to get trough it. The new trauma shears cut with ease. I looked at the serrations between the two and there is a difference which is why the new trauma shears cut smoother and easier (see photo).