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Back From Sharpening? Check These 5 Things

By SalonScissors editorial team Updated

Joewell FX PRO catalogue photo: an offset cutting scissor with a blue pivot cover and FX-PRO engraved on the blade.
Check the engraving matches the pair you sent, like the FX-PRO on this Joewell’s blade.

Your main pair is back and the first client’s in at nine. Five minutes of checks now saves a bad surprise mid-cut.

How to check scissors after sharpening

  1. Check it’s your pair

    Compare the brand, model, size, hand and engraving with your service note or photos. Similar silver cutters are easy to mix up.

  2. Look along the edge

    In good light, look down each blade from the pivot to the tip. The tips should meet, with no nicks or marks.

  3. Do the tension check

    Tips up, open into a cross, let one ring go. It should drop a little. Here’s the full drop test.

  4. Wipe and oil it if your maker says to

    Wipe both blades, then oil the pivot if your maker’s routine includes it.

  5. Try it before your first client

    Open and close it a few times, then try a few cuts on a practice tress or a clean, wet section.

Read the report, or ask for one

A good report says what was done: sharpening, realignment, a tension setting or new parts such as a screw or finger rest. Keep it with your maintenance log, so the next sharpener knows the history.

No report? Ask for one. A one-word “sharpened” won’t tell you whether the alignment or tension changed.

If something’s not right

Keep it out of use and don’t adjust it yourself. Contact the sharpener with:

  • the note you sent with the pair;
  • what’s wrong now, and where on the blade;
  • photos of any nick or mark.

Use your backup pair until it’s sorted. If we arranged the service, contact us with the same details.

Common questions

My scissors feel different after sharpening. Is that normal?

A fresh edge can feel sharper and the tension may have been reset. Do the tension check. If they catch, fold hair or grind, contact the sharpener before you use them on a client.

Should I oil scissors after sharpening?

If your maker’s routine includes oil, yes. Kasho says to oil the pivot daily, apart from its Millennium and X-treme Perfection series.

How do I know the sharpener sent back my pair?

Check the engraving, model, size and hand against your note or photos. If anything differs, ask before you use it.

Next step

All good? Put it back in the rotation and log the date. Its next service is usually 6 to 12 months away; the care guide covers the routine until then.