Sharp scissors for clean cuts

Tired of dull scissors that bend paper instead of cutting it? Whether you’re using household scissors, garden snips, or pruners, a sharp edge makes all the difference. In the garden, dull tools can damage plants and make cutting a struggle. Fortunately, sharpening scissors is easier than you think—and with the right technique, you can get razor-sharp results in minutes!

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ How to sharpen scissors properly
✔ The best sharpening tools to use
✔ A step-by-step method to restore a sharp edge
✔ How to test your scissors after sharpening

🎥 Bonus: Don’t miss the “How to Sharpen Scissors” video at the end of this post!

🛠 What You’ll Need to Sharpen Scissors

✅ Diamond Sharpening Stones (Diamond Paddles) – A set with coarse, medium, and fine grits works best.
✅ Water or Honing Oil – Helps lubricate the sharpening surface.
✅ A Rag – To wipe the blade clean.
✅ A Screwdriver – If your scissors have a screw for easy disassembly.
✅ A Permanent Marker (Optional) – Helps track sharpening progress.
✅ A Test Sheet of Paper – To check sharpness after sharpening.

💡 Why Use Diamond Stones? They’re affordable, portable, and work on all types of scissors and garden tools (secateurs, loppers, pruners, and shears). You can even keep them in your garden apron for quick touch-ups on the go!

✂ How to Sharpen Scissors – Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Prep Your Scissors

📌 If your scissors have a screw, take them apart – This allows better access to each blade for an even sharpening.
📌 If they don’t disassemble, open them fully – You’ll sharpen them one side at a time.

2️⃣ Sharpen the Flat Side of the Blade

✅ Start with the flat (back) side of the blade – Lay it flat on the sharpening stone and use gentle, sweeping motions.
✅ Remove burrs and rust – If needed, start with the coarse grit paddle and work up to fine grit.
✅ Continue until you see clean, shiny metal.

📌 Why This Step Matters: A smooth, flat backside ensures a precise cutting action when the blades come together.

3️⃣ Mark and Sharpen the Beveled Edge

✅ Use a permanent marker to color the cutting edge – This helps track where you’ve sharpened.
✅ Hold the blade at a 10-20 degree angle and sharpen outward in smooth strokes.
✅ Use medium and fine grits until you see a uniform, polished edge.

📌 Scissor Sharpening Tip: Unlike knives, scissors cut by shearing rather than slicing, so keep your sharpening slightly off-perpendicular to the bevel for the best edge.

4️⃣ Test the Sharpness

✅ Try cutting a piece of paper – A properly sharpened scissor should cut effortlessly without tearing.
✅ If it doesn’t cut smoothly, repeat the sharpening process and refine the edge.

📌 Pro Tip: A sharp blade should also be able to “push-cut” paper with an open scissor blade. If it struggles, hone it a little more.

🎥 Watch: How to Sharpen Scissors (Video Guide)

▶ Watch the full tutorial on YouTube

💡 Prefer a visual guide? This quick sharpening video will show you how to restore your scissors, pruners, and other tools with ease!

🛠 Buy the Best Tool Sharpeners

Want to keep all your scissors, garden snips, and pruners razor-sharp year-round? Check out our collection of tool sharpeners and diamond paddles—perfect for keeping your garden tools and workshop blades in top shape!

🔗 Shop Scissor & Tool Sharpeners Now

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Tools Sharp

✔ Sharpening scissors doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right sharpening tools and technique, you can keep your scissors, pruners, and garden shears sharp for years to come.

✔ Once you start, you’ll want to sharpen everything! From kitchen shears to garden loppers, sharpening tools makes cutting easier, cleaner, and safer.

🔗 Want more sharpening tips? Check out our full Tool Sharpening Video Library for scissors, mower blades, pruners, and more.

🚀 Now go grab those dull scissors and get them razor sharp!