Q: Which scissors should I get?

Convex edge scissors (Japanese-style) are versatile, being exceptionally good at slide cutting or wisping, and performing well with layer cuts or scissor over comb.

Bevel edge scissors (German style) are not as good at wisping, but are better than convex edge scissors with layer cuts in particular.

Overall, convex edge scissors tend to be the better choice. Read about scissors in more detail on the Articles tab.

Q: How do I properly care for my scissors?

We encourage you to dive deeper into the specifics of scissor care, read more in the -Proper Care & Adjustment of Scissors- section on the Scissor Care tab.

Q: How can I tell if my scissors or shears need sharpening?

Sharp shears cut effortlessly. Signs of a dull blade include: pushing or bending the hair/fur, needing extra force or repeated snips to make a cut; hearing a clicking or chattering noise when you open and close the scissors; or ragged/uneven ends on the cut hair. If you notice any of these, check the tension first, (refer to scissor tension FAQ). If the tension is correct and cutting is still poor, the blades are dull. In short, if cutting feels rough or requires effort, it’s time to sharpen. Feel free to call or text us if you have questions on this topic.

Q: How do I properly tension my scissors?

Grooming scissors have an adjustable screw or tension knob, located in the pivot point where the blades connect. Tension is something that you will develop preference on as you gain experience, but this is a good starting point: Hold your scissors in the closed position by one of the rings, then use your other hand to pull the opposite ring so the scissors are open in a perfect cross “+” shape. Let the ring go so the scissors can fall back to the closed position. If the scissors close about halfway up the blade or 2/3rds of the way up the blade, they are tensioned properly. If they don’t close enough, they’re too tight and need to be loosened. If they fall all the way closed then they are too loose.

Q: How often should I have my shears sharpened?

It depends on usage. For professional groomers or stylists who use shears daily, a common guideline is every 2–4 months for heavy use. Many sources recommend sharpening about three to four times per year for grooming shears and slightly less frequently for hairstyling shears. For less frequent use (e.g. part-time or home use), sharpening every 6–12 months is usually sufficient. In any case, don’t let a service interval stretch beyond 6–12 months – dull shears can tug hair or cause uneven cuts. Keeping a regular sharpening schedule ensures consistently sharp performance.

Q: What should I do if I drop my scissors?

Immediately stop using a pair that has been dropped. Even a short fall can bend a tip or nick an edge. Have a backup tool on hand so you can finish your job safely. Inspect the dropped shears and look for the above mentioned abnormalities indicating they need sharpening. If there are abnormalities, send them in for sharpening and repair. Continuing to use a damaged shear will worsen the damage and shorten its life.

Q: Do you sharpen clipper blades, and what brands do you service?

Yes. We sharpen all common clipper blades used in grooming and styling. This includes all detachable blade systems for brands like Andis, Oster, Lister, Wahl, Heiniger, and more. We prepare all blades by cleaning and inspecting them, then sharpen and oil them. When you send blades to us, make sure they are clean and loose parts are noted. We will return them sharp, oiled, and ready to use.

Q: How do I care for my clipper blades between sharpening?

Proper blade maintenance is crucial. Please visit our scissor care section for an in-depth guide on caring for your blades between sharpenings.

Q: What types of tools and scissors do you sharpen?

We sharpen virtually any scissor or shear you might send us. This includes hair-cutting and grooming shears (straight, offset, or curved), thinning/texturizing shears (sometimes called chunkers, blenders, or thinning shears), and clipper blades. In addition, we can service other cutting tools like sewing/fabric shears, pinking shears, quilting scissors, or other industrial scissors. (Basically, any scissors with a steel blade can be sharpened; we just need to find the correct angle and machine.)
To summarize, our focus is grooming and beauty scissors (barber, pet groomer, salon shears), but we also handle specialty blades – even surgical or medical scissors, quilting shears, leatherworking or kitchen scissors – if the edges are grindable. If you have an unusual tool, just ask us; we’ll let you know if we can sharpen it.

Q: Can you sharpen thinning or texturizing shears (chunkers/blenders)?

Yes. Thinning or texturizing shears can be professionally sharpened. The sharpener will hone the smooth blade, and possibly the tooth side in some circumstances, so that the shears cut cleanly without folding or pulling the hair. Pack them carefully and mail them in. After sharpening, your thinning shears will be able to create clean, textured cuts again.