In the news dated January 21, 2026, it was reported that the kitchen scissors of the well-known Chinese brand Hangzhou Zhang Xiaoquan Group (referred to as “Zhang Xiaoquan”) had once again raised concerns about quality issues.
On January 19, a netizen posted a video on social media claiming that the Zhang Xiaoquan brand kitchen scissors they purchased broke the plastic handle when cutting fresh fish. Upon closer inspection, they found that the handle of the scissors was not the traditional one-piece steel-wrapped plastic structure – the ends were metal while the middle was plastic.
The netizen’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. They had chosen this pair of scissors precisely because they thought the all-metal design would be sturdy and durable, and they had a high level of trust in this brand – after all, a century-old brand reputation is not built on empty promises. Having the scissors break after just over a year’s use was not just a minor loss for them but also a blow to their trust, feeling like they had been deceived.
They believed that the design of scissors with non-integral steel handles that expose metal on both ends could mislead consumers. In their conventional understanding, the blade and handle of scissors should be a unified structure.
After posting the video and photos online, many netizens in the comments section shared similar issues with their Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, noting that the plastic at the bottom was brittle and not sturdy, with some even resorting to fixing the broken handle with zip ties.
It was speculated by netizens that this non-integral design was likely intended to reduce costs. However, the problem lies in consumers potentially mistaking it for an all-metal structure based on its appearance, thus raising their expectations of durability. When reality does not meet the expectations, the sense of disappointment naturally escalates.
Reportedly by Xin Kuai Bao, on January 20, they contacted the individual involved, Mr. Ma (pseudonym). He mentioned that the scissors were purchased from Zhang Xiaoquan’s flagship store on their e-commerce platform in 2024, priced at 34.59 yuan.
Mr. Ma expressed his long-standing trust in the Zhang Xiaoquan brand, but was dismayed to have the scissors break just over a year later. He stated, “Last night while cutting a piece of fish, it suddenly snapped. Both ends of the scissors are metal, and the middle is plastic. I thought it was an integrated design when I bought it.” He emphasized that he had never used it roughly, only for handling fresh fish, chicken claws, and similar ingredients, with the blade remaining in good condition as proof. Following the incident, he promptly contacted customer service at the flagship store, hoping for a replacement, but was informed that the product warranty period was limited to six months, which had expired.
Regarding Mr. Ma’s query about the potential misleading appearance of the non-integral handle resembling an integral one, Zhang Xiaoquan’s customer service responded that the product page clearly stated the handle material as plastic. However, Mr. Ma believed that few people would meticulously read through the material description.
Feedback on the situation raised by netizens was reportedly provided to Zhang Xiaoquan company, with customer service personnel acknowledging the issue and reporting it to higher authorities. However, Zhang Xiaoquan’s side did not offer further response. Mr. Ma stated that on the afternoon of the 20th, Zhang Xiaoquan had contacted him, assuring him of sending a new pair of scissors.
Hangzhou Zhang Xiaoquan Group Limited Company primarily engages in the production of scissors, kitchen tools, and other products, being one of China’s renowned longstanding brands.
Public records indicate that Zhang Xiaoquan was the first listed company in the Chinese knife and scissor industry. Before 1949, Zhang Xiaoquan scissors were highly regarded in the Chinese scissor industry, often referred to as “as famous as Wang Mazhi in the north and Zhang Xiaoquan in the south.”
In recent years, Zhang Xiaoquan has been embroiled in continuous controversies, frequently involving “blade breakage incidents,” prompting responses.
In early July 2022, a customer in Guangzhou had a Zhang Xiaoquan kitchen knife break while crushing garlic, sparking discussions and gaining attention.
Subsequently, on February 21, 2023, another Zhang Xiaoquan blade breakage incident became a trending topic. Less than a month later in March, another netizen revealed a fracture in a Zhang Xiaoquan boning knife while cutting bones, leading to another round of “blade breakage” turmoil for Zhang Xiaoquan.
In response, Zhang Xiaoquan’s deputy general manager stated, “Improper use of the knives.” The customer service response from Zhang Xiaoquan mentioned, “Incorrect force and angle of knife usage.”
In 2023, Zhang Xiaoquan company reported operating income of 811 million yuan, a 1.82% year-on-year decrease; net profit of 25.1183 million yuan, a 39.48% year-on-year decrease; non-net profit of 20.2666 million yuan, a 42.69% year-on-year decrease; the company’s net profit and non-net profit have continuously declined significantly for two consecutive years.
On May 22, 2023, Zhang Xiaoquan received an inquiry letter from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, requesting detailed explanations for the decline in net profit and future risks. At the same time, the exchange inquired about the status of the actual controller and controlling shareholders’ executions, asking Zhang Xiaoquan to clarify and disclose publicly by June 5.
Due to the failure to fulfill the payment obligations specified within the designated period according to the effective legal documents, in April 2025, Zhang Xiaoquan and the legal representative Zhang Zhangsheng were executed for 3.13 billion yuan, with restrictions on high consumption.
Risk information from Tianyancha shows that the company currently has 6 individuals with execution records, with a total amount exceeding 3.8 billion yuan.