How to Sharpen Scissors

Buy a sheet of sandpaper. A 150-200 grit sandpaper works, but you can choose a finer grit (higher number) if you want the scissors’ blades to be smoother. Fold the sandpaper in half with the rough side facing out.

• Remember to keep the rough side out so that both blades of the scissors are sharpened as you cut through the sandpaper.

Cut the Sandpaper. Cut the sandpaper into strips, approximately 10-20 times. With each cut, you will notice the blades becoming sharper. Use the full length of the scissors, starting from the base and moving towards the tip.

• This method is ideal for sharpening scissors that are not too dull, but just need a little more sharpness.
• Sandpaper can also help smooth out any chips or dents on the blade.
• Other materials you can use to sharpen scissors instead of sandpaper include abrasive cloth and steel wool.

Clean the Scissors. Use a damp paper towel to wipe along the blades and remove any debris that may have adhered to them from cutting through the sandpaper.

Find a Sheet of Aluminum Foil. Fold a piece of aluminum foil, approximately 20-25 cm long, multiple times along its length to create a thick stack of layers.

• The multiple layers of foil will help sharpen the scissors each time you cut through them.

Cut the Aluminum Foil Stack. Use the scissors to cut through the entire stack of aluminum foil. Start cutting from the base of the scissors towards the tip.

• Depending on the width of the aluminum strip, you can sharpen the blades multiple times (by cutting many narrow strips) or just a few cuts (by cutting fewer, wider strips).

Clean the Scissors. Wipe along the blades with a paper towel dampened with warm water. This step will help remove any aluminum particles that may have stuck to the blades while cutting through the foil.

Buy a Sharpening Stone. Sharpening stones are available in most tool stores and are used to sharpen various types of blades. These stones usually have two sides: one rougher and coarser side, and one smoother side.

• If your scissors are very dull, start with the coarse side of the stone, then finish the sharpening with the smooth side.
• If your scissors are not too dull, you may only need to use the smooth side of the sharpening stone.

Prepare the Sharpening Stone. Place a towel under the sharpening stone and lubricate it with water or honing oil.

• Stores often sell honing oil alongside the sharpening stones, but you can use any type of oil, or even water, to lubricate the stone.

Disassemble the Scissors. Remove the screws that hold the two blades together. This step is necessary so that you can sharpen each blade individually and make the process easier.

• Typically, you can use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the screws and separate the blades.

Sharpen the Inside Edge of the Scissors. Place one blade of the scissors on the sharpening stone with the inside edge (the flat side that contacts the material being cut, opposite the inner side of the other blade) facing down. You need to form an accurate angle between the inner edge of the blade (the part you're sharpening) and the cutting edge (the top edge of the inside). The area where these two edges meet needs to be sharpened for the scissors to cut effectively. Grip the handle firmly and gently slide the scissors over the stone towards you, keeping the edge flush against the stone.

• Repeat this slowly and carefully about 10-20 times until the blade is sharp.
• Do the same with the other blade.
• Practice on a few old pairs of scissors until you become skilled at sharpening the blades.

Sharpen the Cutting Edge of the Scissors. Hold the scissors firmly and tilt them toward yourself until the cutting edge (the beveled edge that meets the inner side of the blade) is flush with the sharpening stone. Adjust the angle as closely as possible and continue sliding the scissors forward. Repeat this process until the blade is sharp.

• If you began sharpening with the rough side of the sharpening stone, make a few extra passes with the smooth side for a finer finish.
• If you've never sharpened scissors this way, you might not know when the edge is fully sharp. Here's a trick: before you start, draw a line with a non-erasable marker on the cutting edge. Begin sharpening, and once the ink line wears off, you know the scissors are sharp.

Remove the Metal Burrs on Both Blades. After sharpening, you may notice metal burrs along the sharp edges of the scissors. You can easily remove these by reassembling the scissors and opening and closing them a few times. Then, use the scissors to cut through materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric to ensure the burrs are completely gone.

• If your scissors are as sharp as you'd like, then the sharpening process is complete. If you want the scissors even sharper, repeat the process.

Clean the Scissors. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down both blades and remove any debris that may have stuck to the scissors during the sharpening process.

Place the Glass Bottle Between the Open Blades. Open the scissors fully and position the glass bottle between the two blades.

• The glass bottle should be placed directly in the middle of the blades. You will need to hold the bottle with one hand and the scissors with the other.

Cut Into the Glass Bottle. Grip the scissors and cut into the glass bottle so that it slides between the two blades. This action is similar to cutting paper or fabric. Apply light pressure and let the glass bottle assist you in sharpening the scissors.

• Repeat this process until the edges of the blades are smooth and sharp.
• Be sure to use a glass bottle you're not afraid to damage, as the scissors may leave scratches on it.

Clean the Scissors. Use a damp paper towel to wipe along the blades, removing any fine glass particles that may have stuck to the scissors while cutting the bottle.

Find a Thumbtack. This method follows the same principle as using a glass bottle but with a smaller tool.

Cut Into the Thumbtack. Cut into the thumbtack so that it slides between the two blades of the scissors. This action is similar to cutting paper or fabric. Use light pressure and allow the thumbtack to help sharpen the scissors.

• Repeat the process until the edges of both blades become smooth and sharp.

Clean the Scissors. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down both blades, removing any metal fragments that may have been left behind when cutting the thumbtack.