How to Properly Maintain Scissors and Other Cutting Tools

If you're looking for a way to sharpen scissors with a knife sharpening rod, you might be disappointed. Scissors and knives, despite both being cutting tools, have distinct differences in their blade structure and maintenance requirements.

Do Not Sharpen Scissors with a Knife Sharpening Rod

It is important to understand that attempting to sharpen scissors with a knife sharpening rod is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful to both tools. Scissors are designed with a different blade shape and orientation compared to knives. Their flat, large blades are made to cut and tear, often in a repeated scissoring action, whereas knives are sharpened on a single cutting edge and designed for slicing and chopping motions.

The Role of Honing and Sharpening

For precise and effective maintenance of cutting tools, it's crucial to use the correct tool and technique. Scissors primarily benefit from honing, which realigns the blade edges to maintain their sharpness, rather than the abrasive process of sharpening that removes metal to create a sharper edge.

Honing Rod vs. Sharpening Stones:

Honing Rod: This tool helps refine and realign a dull edge, making it more effective but not as strong as when new. It's commonly used for maintaining the edge of knives, scissors, and other cutting tools.

Sharpening Stones: These are abrasive stones used to remove metal in order to re-create and sharpen a blade's edge. While effective for knives, they are not suitable for scissors due to the high risk of damaging the delicate blades.

Proper Maintenance for Scissors

Properly maintaining scissors is key to extending their life and keeping them efficient. Here are some best practices for keeping your scissors in top condition:

Cleaning

Regularly clean your scissors with a cloth or paper towel to remove any debris or dirt that might be lodged between the blades. This helps prevent rust and ensures that the blades are free from anything that could dull them.

Oil Application

Apply a thin layer of oil to the hinges and cutting edges to keep the moving parts smooth and prevent rust. Choose a food-grade mineral oil or a special lubricant designed for scissors.

Regular Honing

Use a honing rod to realign the metal strip. This step is crucial for scissors to maintain their sharpness without altering their edge as significantly as a full sharpening process would.

When to Consider Professional Sharpening

If your scissors are severely damaged or have developed a completely blunt edge, it may be time to take them to a professional. Some scissors, especially those designed for fine work like hair-cutting shears, can be difficult to maintain at home and require expertise to repair without damaging the tool.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to maintaining scissors and other cutting tools lies in knowing which tools to use for which tasks. Honing is a precise and gentle technique that can keep your scissors and knives in excellent condition for a long time.

Stay informed about the best practices for the tools you use, and you'll keep your kitchen, workshop, or personal workspace running smoothly and efficiently.