Do you use your scissors to make the 45 degree cut? Typically I cut it from the plant, leaving it a little longer than I intend, and get it into water immediately. Then just before dipping it into the powder I make another clean 45 degree cut in the proper place. So I can see using a scissors to remove it from the plant but I'd still use a razor blade to make the final cut. Unless you use a scissors the whole way through then perhaps I'll give that a shot and see if that makes any difference.