Sharpening and Maintaining Leather Cutting Scissors: A Craftsmanship Journey

Having spent a good chunk of my life not only working with leather but also repairing and maintaining Leather Craft tools, sharpening leather-cutting scissors happens to be a subject close to my heart. These scissors are more than just tools; they are an extension of the leatherworker's hand, and keeping them in top shape means so much to any artisan. I recall, as if yesterday, my first leather-cutting scissors that were brought to me for sharpening. It was my early days in this career learning how to handle tool maintenance. Those scissors belonged to an older craftsman who had over 30 years in the business. He handed me the scissors, saying, "These were with me since day one, now take good care of them." That's when it clicked: the bond between leatherworkers and their tools. It wasn't merely a matter of sharpening the blades but preserving the relationship between a craftsman and his tools.

1. Knowing When Your Leather Scissors Need Sharpening

The great thing I have learned over the years is to listen to your tools. Leather-cutting scissors will let you know when they need attention. Difficulty in cutting the leather, catching on cuts and, more visibly, nicks on the blades are all signals that your scissors are screaming at you for a sharpening session. When I begin to struggle with the cut of leather or start to find uneven edges, I know that it is time to get down to business. I love the satisfying feeling I get when smooth clean cuts begin again and only a sharp pair of scissors can offer.

If you're unsure of when to sharpen or replace your scissors, consider Choosing the Right Leather Scissors for Each Project.

2. Leather Scissors Sharpening Tools

I did several pairs of scissors on different methods in my workshop, but I think that the sharpening stone is one of my favorite ways. It is almost a meditative thing, running those blades across the stone, meticulously returning that edge. I use different grits depending on the state of the scissors. For being a really worn-out pair, I'll start with a coarse grit, while for keeping them in order, I tend to use finer grit. It is the little things, like the smooth glide of the blade sharpening to sharpness once again, which make my work a joy. I have also used diamond sharpening rods and scissor sharpeners for more precise blades. Of course, these all work great, but something about using a whetstone seems to carry some sense of art with it. You aren't exactly sharpening metal; you are infusing life right back into a tool.

3. Sharpening Leather Scissors: The Step-by-Step Process

Every time I work with a whetstone, the scissor blades are separated. That way, I can work on each of the blades and have finer control over the angle. The blade is held at a slight 15-20º against the stone, stroking smoothly and even from the pivot point towards the tip. It is a very methodical process that involves some patience, which is always well worth the results. Then, after sharpening, I reassemble them and test them on a discarded piece of leather; there's no better feeling than effortlessly creating a clean cut with freshly sharpened scissors. For speedsters, there's a quicker fix: for those in a pinch, cutting through aluminum foil or even sandpaper sharpens scissors a bit until one is able to do a complete sharpening. These are not as thorough methods, such as using a whetstone or diamond rod, but they do serve in maintaining the edge when you are in a pinch.

To further compare these sharpening methods, you might find How to Choose the Right Scissors for Cutting Leather helpful.

4. Caring for Your Leather Scissors

Among the things I have learned in the care and maintenance of tools are that sharpening alone is not enough, but one should also clean and lubricate these regularly. I always make it a point to wipe the blades clean of fiber or any other material stuck in them after use. Leather, especially working with cuts that could be thicker, makes a residue that residue will, in time, dull blades if the scissors aren't cleaned rightly. Another most important thing to do is lubrication of the scissor's pivot. A single drop from light machinery oil keeps the blades running easily, not becoming stiff. I have seen so many pairs of scissors that come into my atelier with rusted or stiff pivots because they hadn't been suitably lubricated. Small move, big in the difference in how long the instrument would last.

For more information on maintaining your scissors and other tools, check out Best 5 Scissors for Leather Cutting Mastery.

5. Reminiscence of the Craft

In these years, I have been fortunate to work on many pairs of leather-cutting scissors, each with different stories and characters. I think about one pair owned by a young leatherworker who had just set out into the world. Dull and a bit worn from misuse, they were good as new again after all the sharpening and maintenance work. The look of his face when he made his first cut with freshly sharpened scissors reminded me why I love this craft so much. There is a pride satisfaction not only in paralleling beautiful leather works but also in maintenance of the tools that make it possible. Every scissor, awl, or knife that passes through my hands becomes a part of my journey in the craft.

It's a tradition passed down from craftsman to craftsman, and one that I sincerely hope I will be able to carry on for many years to come.

If you're deciding between different types of leather scissors, Leather Scissors vs. Other Leather Cutting Tools: Which One’s Right for You? is a great resource to explore.

Conclusion: The Love of the Craft

Sharpening and maintaining leather-cutting scissors is a chore but indeed an art. Whether one is an avid worker with leather or a beginner in this field, time devoted to taking care of the tools will not only elevate the work but deepen the connection to the craft. There isn't anything quite as pleasing to me as knowing that the scissors I have worked on help someone create something beautiful from leather. Every time I take a scissor in my hand, I get the feel of history and love associated with this profession. If you are a hairstylist or barber who has not sharpened your scissors yet, then I would encourage you to try doing so. In addition, it will become gratifying with time and practice, and you will learn to deeply appreciate the tools that make possible your craft.