Swiss leader detects sound of cutters (6)
I believe the answer is:
shears
'cutters' is the definition.
(I know that shears is a type of edge tool)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for shears that I've seen before include "Large clippers" , "something for lifting loads" , "Garden tool like large scissors" , "Garden cutting implement" , "Big scissors" .)