Over time, the blades on scissors that are used continuously will decrease in sharpness compared to when you first bought them, until they eventually become dull. If you're having trouble cutting something with blunt scissors, you might want to buy a new one as the scissors are usually not very expensive. However, there are ways you can sharpen your scissors at home using some common household tools, as well as a little practice!
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Method 1 of 5: Using Sandpaper
Step 1. Prepare a sheet of sandpaper
You can use an emery paper with a grit number of 150-200, although you can choose a finer sandpaper (with a higher grit number) if you want a smoother blade result. Fold the sandpaper in half, with the rough side facing out.
Point the rough side of the sandpaper facing outward, so that it is in contact with the blades of the scissors when cutting
Step 2. Cut the sandpaper
Cut the sandpaper into long strips, about 10-20 times. The two blades of the scissors will sharpen each time you cut the sandpaper. Make cuts lengthwise from the base to the tip of the scissor blade.
- Cutting sandpaper is suitable for sharpening scissors blades that are not too blunt, but need a little sharpening.
- Sandpaper can also smooth out any dents or scratches on the blade.
- Materials that can be used as a substitute for sandpaper for cutting are a file and fine wire.
Step 3. Clean the scissors
Clean the blades of the scissors with a damp paper towel to remove any grit grit that may have stuck to the surface while sharpening.
Method 2 of 5: Using Aluminum Foil
Step 1. Prepare a sheet of aluminum foil
Take a sheet of aluminum foil 20-25 cm long, and fold it the same length several times, so that it forms a thick foil fold.
The layers of aluminum foil will help sharpen the blade each time the scissors are used to cut it
Step 2. Cut the aluminum foil
Cut the aluminum foil sheet with scissors until they are completely separated. Use the entire blade of the scissors when cutting from the base to the tip.
You can sharpen a scissor blade by cutting a lot (thin folds) or a few (thick folds) of aluminum foil, depending on the thickness of the sheet you are cutting
Step 3. Clean the scissors
Clean the blade of the scissors with a tissue dampened in warm water. Scissors need to be cleaned to remove any bits of aluminum that might stick to the blades when you use them to cut.
Method 3 of 5: Using a Sharpening Stone
Step 1. Prepare the whetstone
You can buy sharpening stones at most hardware stores, and they can be used to sharpen any blade you have. Sharpening stones usually have two sides to sharpen the blade, namely the rougher side and the smoother side.
- If the blades of your scissors are very blunt, you can start sharpening them on the coarser side of the stone, then use the finer side to finish sharpening them.
- If your scissors only need to be sharpened slightly, you'll only need to use the finer side of the stone.
Step 2. Preparation of sharpening
Place a towel under the grindstone and moisten it with water or sharpening oil.
Hardware stores sell sharpening oil in the same parts as sharpening stones, but you can use any oil or even water as a substitute
Step 3. Disassemble your scissors
Remove the bolt that holds the two blades together. After that, you can sharpen the blades of the scissors one by one, making it more flexible when doing it.
Often times, a flat-blade screwdriver fits the tip of the bolt so that it can be used to remove the blades of the scissors from each other
Step 4. Sharpen the inner side of the scissors blade
Place the inside (flat side on the inside of the scissors that touches the object you're cutting, and against the inside of the other blade) of the scissor blade against the whetstone, facing down. You should try to create a sharp angle between the inner edge of the blade (the part you are currently sharpening), and the tip of the blade (the top edge of the inner side of the blade). Where the two ends meet is the part that has to be sharpened to cut something. Grasp the handle of the blade and slowly pull the blade over the whetstone toward you, keeping the tip of the blade resting against the whetstone.
- Repeat this step slowly and carefully until your blade is sharp. You may need to pull the whetstone 10-20 times.
- Repeat this step on the other blade of the scissors.
- You should try to practice sharpening old scissors until you master how to sharpen blades.
Step 5. Sharpen the cutting edge of the blade
Grasp the handle of the scissor blade, and tilt the blade toward you so that the cutting edge (the slanted end that coincides with the inside) rests flat on the whetstone. With the blade horizontal to you, pull the blade across the stone toward you, keeping the beveled end against the whetstone. Adjust the angle as much as possible, and continue by sliding the blade forward. Repeat this step carefully until your blade is sharp.
- If you start sharpening on the rough side of the stone, finish by rubbing the blade a few times against the smooth side of the stone to get a smooth edge.
- If you've never sharpened scissors this way, you may have a hard time determining which blade is sharp. Consider it this way: before you start sharpening, mark the edge of the blade with a permanent marker. Then sharpen the blade, and after the marker you made peels off, you've succeeded.
Step 6. Remove the metal pieces from the blade
After you sharpen the scissors, there may be pieces of metal stuck along the blade. This piece of metal can be easily removed by attaching a pair of scissors and then opening and closing it several times. After that, use the scissors to cut things out of paper, cardboard, or fabric. That way, the pieces of metal that are still filled will be released from the blade.
If the scissors are sharp enough for your needs, you're done. But if you need sharper scissors, repeat the sharpening method above
Step 7. Clean the scissors
Use a damp paper towel to wipe the blades of the scissors and clean them of any bits of whetstone that might stick to them when you sharpen them.
Method 4 of 5: Using Glass Jars
Step 1. Glue the blade of the scissors around the jar
Open the scissors as wide as possible and place the blade against the side of the jar.
Place the jar in the widest opening of the two blades. Hold the jar with one hand, and cut it out with your other hand
Step 2. Cut the jars
Press the scissors together and slide the jar between the blades of the scissors. This method is similar to when you cut paper or fabric with scissors. Press lightly to close the blades of the scissors, allowing the glass jar to sharpen it.
- Repeat this step until the blade of the scissors is smooth and sharp.
- Be sure to use jars that you no longer use, as the blades of the scissors may leave scratches on the surface.
Step 3. Clean the scissors
Rub a damp paper towel over the blades of the scissors to remove any small shards of glass that might have stuck there when you cut the jar.
Method 5 of 5: Using a Pen Needle
Step 1. Prepare the pin
This is done following the same principles as using a jar to sharpen scissors, only with a smaller tool.
Step 2. Cut the pin
Press the scissors together, and slide the pin between the two blades together. The method is the same as when you cut paper or cloth. Press the scissors slightly until they are close together, and let the pins sharpen them.
Repeat this step until your blade is smooth and sharp
Step 3. Clean the scissors
Rub a damp tissue over the blades of the scissors to remove any metal debris that might have stuck there when cutting the pins.
