A clamp suitable for clamping a handle from which a blade extends or a pair of scissors when the blade is being tested or sharpened. The clamp includes a first jaw, a second jaw and a releasable lock if the form of a latch and teeth. At least one of the jaws are able to swing with respect to the other jaw through a hinge mechanism. The first jaw comprises two outer padded parts and a central padded part. The outer and central padded parts are aligned. The central padded part is recessed such that a curved handle or pair of scissors can lay against all three padded parts when clamped. If a straight handle is clamped, the handle only contacts the outer padded parts. The second jaw also comprises padded parts which are inwardly angled for gripping.