Sharp instruments are almost unnecessary (7)
I believe the answer is:
needles
'sharp instruments' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'almost unnecessary' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (most of the word but not all of it).
'unnecessary' becomes 'needless' (similar in meaning).
'needless' with its final letter taken off is 'NEEDLES'.
'are' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for needles that I've seen before include "Isle of Wight feature - irritates" , "Annoys, pointers" , "Teases or provokes with knitting implements" , "Christmas tree leaves" , "IoW rocks" .)