Let’s cut to the chase.
But what about your kitchen shears or your office scissors?
There are few experiences as unpleasant as trying to cut with a dull pair.
Credit: Getty Images
Luckily, the fix is easy.
Here are two easy sharpening methods as well as their tips.
How Often Should You Sharpen Scissors?
When it comes to sharpening, there’s no standard timetable.
It boils down to how often you use your scissors and what you’re cutting.
A good guideline is to sharpen them about twice a year.
How Do You Know When To Sharpen Scissors?
“Effort can also be defined as having to increase amounts of pressure to close/cut with the scissors.”
A good way to test your scissors is by using the paper test, shares Mor.
If the scissors are unable to cleanly cut the paper, they are due for a sharpening.
When testing, start at the maximum opening of the scissors until they close completely.
Sharp scissors should give a pristine cut at every part of the blade.
Before you begin, keep in mind that scissors should be sharpened a little differently than knives.
“This angle is typically much more obtuse than a knife.
He goes on to note that the back of each blade should be flat.
“The edges of the two blades need to contact each other for the scissors to properly function.
Whatever sharpening method you choose, Mor advises separating the scissor blades before sharpening, if possible.
Somescissors come with hingesthat allow for disassembly.
The bevel is the lip of the scissor blade that slopes downward.
Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Files and mini diamond hones will work, too.
When using sandpaper, Malkasian says that the grit count should be around 200.
An easy way to use sandpaper to sharpen is to fold it in half with the grit facing outward.
Cut the sandpaper a few times using the entire blade, from handle to tip.
Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
The one thing Malkasian would not recommend is using a rotary wheel to sharpen your scissors.
One way to keep your scissors sharp longer?
Havededicated scissorsfor different tasks instead of a tool for all trades.
“We always recommend using your kitchen shears specifically on food for the best results,” he states.
Shears dedicated to cutting food shouldn’t be used to open boxes or bags.
“There is one caveatusing them to cut small bones will reduce the time needed between sharpening.”
Which Scissors To Use For The Job
Some scissors are created for a specific job.
In addition to being anessential toolin the kitchen, dedicate other scissors to different tasks around the house.
you’ve got the option to also dedicate a pair to crafts and sewing.
“For good kitchen shears, sharpening and maintenance should suffice,” Malkasian says.
“Many styles of kitchen shears will easily come apart for cleaning and sharpening.
“This will help maintain the edge of the blade and reduce the frequency of sharpening.”
Other tips from Malkasian and Mor include handwashing your shears and drying well toprevent rust.
It also helps remove dirt that can damage the blades or affect cutting.
Similar to tinfoil, this will sharpen blunt blades.
Just fold the sandpaper in half so the fine grit faces outward and cut through the layers.
Even with regular sharpening and cleaning, scissors need to be replaced every five years.
High-quality scissors can last up to 15 years.
Replace any scissors when the blades have nicks, are bent, or wont sharpen anymore.
