Can You Sharpen Scissors With A Knife Sharpener? (And How?)

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Having a sharp pair of scissors is essential for various tasks, ranging from everyday household chores to more specialized activities, such as crafting or sewing. Over time, scissors can become dull, making it difficult for them to cut properly. While there are several methods for sharpening scissors, one common question is whether or not you can use a knife sharpener.

The answer is yes, you can sharpen scissors using a knife sharpener. Knife sharpeners, such as honing rods and sharpening stones, are effective tools for maintaining and restoring the sharpness of your scissors’ blades. Using a knife sharpener not only prolongs the life of your scissors but also enhances their cutting performance, making it easier to achieve precise cuts for your projects.

Understanding Scissors and Sharpeners

Types of Scissors

Scissors are common cutting tools found in households, offices, and workshops. There are various types of scissors designed for specific cutting tasks. Some common types include:

• Fabric scissors: Designed for cutting fabrics and textiles, these scissors have a longer and sharper blade.
• Kitchen shears: These are heavy-duty scissors used for cutting meats, vegetables, and opening packages in the kitchen.
• Children’s scissors: Featuring rounded tips and smaller handles, these scissors are safe for kids to use in art and craft activities.
• Utility scissors: General-purpose scissors for everyday tasks like cutting paper, cardstock, or plastic.
• Hairdressing scissors: Precision cutting tools used by hairstylists for efficient trimming and styling of hair.

Types of Sharpeners

Scissor sharpening is essential to maintain their cutting performance. There are several types of sharpeners available, catering to different sharpening requirements:

• Sharpening stone: A traditional method of sharpening scissor blades, using honing oil or water to moisten the stone before sharpening.
• Knife sharpener: Some scissors can be sharpened using a knife sharpener for convenience, especially if this tool is already available in your kitchen or workshop.
• Scissor sharpener: Specific sharpeners are designed to maintain the optimal blade angle and edge of scissors during the sharpening process.
• Electric sharpener: Electric knife sharpeners can make sharpening more straightforward and efficient, with the machine controlling the angle and edge.
• Steel knife sharpener: A honing rod often used for maintaining knives can also be suitable for removing burrs on scissor blades.
• Ceramic plate: A cost-effective alternative for removing burrs after sharpening, utilizing the unglazed edge of a ceramic plate.

Choosing the appropriate sharpener can significantly affect your scissors’ performance and longevity. Regular maintenance and proper sharpening techniques will ensure your scissors stay sharp and ready for use.

Sharpening Scissors with a Knife Sharpener

Preparing Your Scissors

Before you can sharpen scissors with a knife sharpener, you need to clean and disassemble your scissors, if possible. Removing any dirt, lint, or hair from the blades and unscrewing the screw that holds the two blades together will make the sharpening process more effective. If you cannot disassemble the scissors, ensure that they are clean and dry before proceeding.

Choosing the Right Angle

The angle at which you sharpen the scissor blades is essential for creating a razor-sharp cutting edge. Many scissors have a beveled edge, so you must maintain the correct angle while sharpening. Inspect the bevel and adjust the knife sharpener to match the angle of the bevel. Sharpening at the wrong angle can damage the blades and reduce their cutting performance. Generally, kitchen scissors and most household scissors have a 20–30° angle, while hair cutting or fabric scissors might have a different angle.

Creating a Razor-Sharp Edge

To sharpen your scissors with a knife sharpener, follow these steps:

1. Starting with one blade, carefully glide the flat, side of the blade (opposite the bevel) against the knife sharpener. Apply light to moderate pressure, depending on the dullness of the scissors.
2. Continue honing the blade along the full length of the beveled cutting edge in a smooth, steady motion. Ensure the blade is flat against the knife sharpener to avoid damaging the cutting edge.
3. Repeat this process for around 10 strokes on each blade. Check the edge after each stroke to ensure the blade is sharpening properly.
4. Once you have sharpened both blades, reassemble the scissors (if you had disassembled them) and test their sharpness by cutting through paper or fabric. If the scissors are still not as sharp as desired, repeat the process with a few more strokes on the honing steel.
5. When the scissors are sharp, wipe them clean, removing any burrs formed during the sharpening process before using them.

Following these steps will help you sharpen your scissors using a knife sharpener and maintain their cutting performance. Regularly honing the edges will prolong the life of your scissors and keep them in optimal condition for years to come.

Alternative Methods and Materials

There are several alternative methods and materials you can use to sharpen scissors when you don’t have a knife sharpener. In this section, we will cover three popular methods: using a sharpening stone, sharpening with sandpaper, and utilizing aluminum foil.

Using a Sharpening Stone

A sharpening stone, or whetstone, is a versatile tool that can be used to sharpen the blades of various cutting instruments, including scissors. To sharpen scissors with a whetstone:

1. Choose a whetstone with a coarse side and a fine side. The coarse side is used for initial sharpening, while the fine side is for refining the edge.
2. Wet the surface of the stone with water or honing oil before using it to ensure better results.
3. Place the inner side of the scissor blade flat on the coarse side of the stone and apply light downward pressure.
4. Move the blade along the stone, maintaining the beveled edge, and making sure to cover the entire length.
5. Repeat the process on the other blade.
6. Switch to the fine side of the stone and repeat the previous steps.
7. Remove any burrs on the blade with a bench stone or diamond stone.

Sharpening with Sandpaper

Sharpening with sandpaper is a simple, cost-effective, and DIY friendly method of sharpening scissors. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a piece of sandpaper with a rough grit, such as 150 to 200 grit.
2. Fold the sandpaper in half with the abrasive sides facing outwards.
3. Cut through the sandpaper several times with the scissors, making sure to use the full length of the blades.
4. Switch to a finer grit sandpaper and repeat the process.
5. Wipe the blades clean with a cloth to remove any debris.

Utilizing Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is an easily accessible material that can be used for sharpening scissors. Here’s how:

1. Take an 8-10 inch long piece of aluminum foil and fold it lengthwise multiple times to create a thick, folded strip.
2. Cut through the foil several times using the entire length of your scissor blades. The layers of foil will help to sharpen the blades with each cut.
3. Remove any debris from the blades and test the sharpness of the scissors on paper or other packaging materials.

These alternative methods are handy and easily available options for sharpening scissors without a knife sharpener. Depending on the materials you have at hand and the desired level of sharpness, these methods can provide satisfactory results.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Scissors

Cleaning and Honing Scissor Blades

Regular cleaning and honing of your scissors will keep them in good working condition. Remove any debris from the scissor blades using a soft, dry cloth. You should also oil the joint of the blades with a soft cloth on the screw area every few months. A few drops of lightweight multipurpose oil (like 3-in-One Oil) is recommended to keep the blades moving smoothly and without friction¹.

Honing your scissor blades with honing steel will help maintain their sharpness. However, you may also use a knife sharpener to sharpen your scissors when they get blunt². It is essential to place the flat, inner side of one of the scissor blades on the stone and give it 10 strokes, from the back of the blade towards the tip, keeping the edge flat against the stone³.

Understanding Manufacturer Recommendations

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to maintaining and caring for your scissors or kitchen shears. Manufacturers may have specific care or cleaning procedures for their products, and following their recommendations will ensure that your scissors stay sharp and functional for longer.

Storing Scissors Properly

Proper storage plays an important role in prolonging the life of your scissors and shears. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, which can cause rust. You should also store your scissors with a protective sheath or in a dedicated storage compartment to prevent accidental damage to the blades.

Remember, maintaining and caring for your scissors will help them maintain their sharpness, extend their lifespan, and improve their cutting abilities.

Conclusion

Scissors are essential tools in various settings and ensuring their optimal performance requires regular maintenance and sharpening. This comprehensive guide has outlined the different types of scissors, sharpening tools, and methods, emphasizing that a knife sharpener can indeed be effectively used for sharpening scissors. We’ve also delved into alternate sharpening techniques with readily available materials such as sandpaper, a sharpening stone, or aluminum foil. Moreover, this article has stressed the importance of regular cleaning, proper storage, and adhering to manufacturer recommendations to prolong the life of your scissors. Regardless of the task at hand, keeping your scissors in their best shape is a simple yet vital aspect of maintaining their functionality and longevity.