Shear FAQ
Answers to the questions that hit Kenji’s inbox every week. Each answer links to the full guide so you can dive deeper when you have a spare ten minutes between clients.
Buying & authenticity
How do I confirm a shear is genuinely made in Japan?
Cross-check serial numbers, warranty cards, and origin markings against the authenticity checklist. Genuine brands supply matching documentation and engraved serials—no stickers, no vague “Japan steel” claims.
Which brands should I start with on a $400 budget?
Stick with Mina or Ichiro value sets. They ship direct from Japan and give you real 440C or VG-10 steel while you build maintenance habits. Jump into the value tier roadmap for specifics.
Maintenance & sharpening
How often should I sharpen?
It depends on steel and workload. 440C runs 4–6 months, VG-10 6–9, premium cobalt 9–12. Log every service and follow the sharpening cadence chart.
Can I oil the pivot daily without overdoing it?
Yes—one drop, open-close ten times, blot the excess. The daily care reference outlines the full five-minute ritual.
Ergonomics & technique
My thumb aches after long point-cutting sessions. Which handle should I use?
Move to offset or crane handles and ensure the pivot is tuned—tight pivots torch thumbs. Revisit the ergonomic foundations checklist.
How do I balance slide cutting and blunt work without wrecking edges?
Use a convex shear exclusively for slide work and keep a beveled workhorse for blunt lines. The advanced cutting guide shows the drills.
Still need help?
Drop me a line with your current kit, pain points, and deadlines. I’ll point you at the exact dossier or maintenance plan you need.