Sharpen Your Scissors

by Paul Gygi

You can learn to sharpen your own scissors. It's not difficult but does require initial patience. You will know when you have done it right because your scissors will cut.

There is no magic to doing this, just a little learned skill, a 2" x 8" (5 cm x 20 cm) [approximate dimensions] smooth sharpening block [you can buy at any hardware
store] and light to medium weight machine oil. You can use mineral oil from the drug store. Lubrication is important.

First, put a paper towel under the block because some oil will run off the block onto the table or counter surface. Pour some the oil on the block before you begin. Use another paper towel to wipe off the blades when you have finished. You can individually test the blades while you are sharpening [but not on your fingers.] They should be able to cut the edge of the paper towel, though this is just a simple rough test [and is unnecessary] that depends on the paper towel.

Carefully take the blades apart with a screwdriver and begin. Make certain the screwdriver blade fits snugly the screw slot before you attempt to remove the
screw. If it doesn't buy a screwdriver that does fit. You do NOT want to burr the screw slot.

NEVER sharpen the flat side of the blade. Put oil on the block and repeatedly pull each blade across the block and toward you at an angle. If you can hand
sharpen a knife, you can do this. You probably (almost certainly) won't get it right the first time as the angle of the blade to the block is critical. Sharpen only the very edge of the angled side of the blade NOT the whole angled surface.

When you think you have the blades sharpened correctly, put the scissors back together and try them. If they cut, you're done. If not (which is most likely the first few times), take them apart and try again.

Two important things to remember.

You ONLY need to sharpen the very edge of the angled side of each blade and
NEVER sharpen the flat side!

That's it! You're done! Cut! Cut! Cut!