Shear Maintenance Basics
After Every Client
- Wipe blades with a soft, dry cloth to remove hair and moisture
- Check for hair caught in the pivot area — remove with a fine brush
- Close blades gently — never snap them shut
Daily (End of Shift)
- Apply one drop of scissor oil to the pivot screw
- Open and close the blades 5–6 times to distribute oil
- Wipe off excess oil with a clean cloth
- Store in a dry case or pouch — never loose in a drawer
Weekly
- Remove the tension screw and clean the pivot area with a soft brush
- Check blade alignment — blades should meet smoothly without gaps
- Re-oil the pivot and reassemble
- Inspect the rubber bumper and finger rest for wear
Monthly
- Check tension — hold shears by one handle at 45°. The other blade should close about halfway under its own weight. If it drops fully, tension is too loose.
- Wipe blades with a slightly damp cloth then dry immediately
- Inspect blade edge for nicks or rough spots (indicates sharpening needed)
Sharpening Schedule
| Steel Type | Sharpening Interval |
|---|---|
| 440C | Every 2–3 months |
| VG10 | Every 3–4 months |
| ATS-314 Cobalt | Every 4–6 months |
| Nano Powder Metal | Every 6–12 months |
These are guidelines — your actual schedule depends on how many clients you see daily and your local climate.
Australian Climate Tips
- Coastal cities (Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast): Higher humidity means more frequent oiling. Store with silica gel packets.
- Tropical (Darwin, Cairns, FNQ): Oil daily. Watch for corrosion on lower-grade steels.
- Dry inland (Adelaide, Canberra): Less humidity risk, but dust can affect pivot action. Clean pivot weekly.
What NOT to Do
- Never use WD-40 or household oil — use proper scissor oil only
- Never sharpen your own convex-edge shears — this requires professional equipment
- Never store shears wet or in a damp environment
- Never drop shears (impact damage isn’t covered by warranty)
For the full maintenance guide, visit our Care Guide or explore our Steel Library to understand your steel type.