Kitchen scissors are one of the humble and often neglected tools in the kitchen. They are very useful and practical in snipping leaves and herbs, opening food packaging, and cutting down meat and poultry with little to no hassle.
This tool comes in a variety of types and sizes depending on its function and purpose. Kitchen shears are a convenient must-have in any kitchen, and keeping them in top shape should be a priority.
However, unlike kitchen knives with electric knife sharpeners available, kitchen scissors require manual sharpening methods. Luckily, there are several ways to sharpen kitchen scissors and all of them are easy to do.
Read on to know the practical and easy ways on how to sharpen your kitchen scissors.
Methods of Sharpening Kitchen Scissors
Here are the different methods on how to sharpen kitchen scissors:
Using a Sharpening Stone
Sharpening stones are one of the easiest and traditional ways to sharpen blades. Sharpening stones are easy to find available in almost all kitchen supply stores.
The first step is to properly disassemble your kitchen scissors, wet the stone with honing oil or water then take a turn in sharpening each blade. Make sure that the cutting side of the shears faces the sharpening stone. Slowly and firmly grind the blades on the stone with gentle strokes.
You can use a spot of ink as a marker to show if you have sharpened the blades enough. When the marker has been sanded away, that means your scissors have been sharpened successfully.
Using an Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foils are affordable, easy to find, and are always available in the kitchen. Aluminum foils are useful in honing slightly dull edges and blades and for touch-up sharpening.
Get an aluminum foil about 8 to 12 inches long and fold it lengthwise in several layers. Use the scissors to cut the aluminum foil at least 15 – 20 times. Make sure to use fluid and full stroke cuts into the foil until the cuts are smooth and clean.
Wipe the blades, and your scissors are now ready to use.
Using Sandpaper
If your scissors are properly working, not damaged but are cutting roughly, you can remedy this by sharpening the blades through the sandpaper.
Take a 150-200 grit sandpaper sheet and fold it in half with the rough edges on the outside. Graze the scissor blades on the sandpaper by cutting them in long strips with full scissor strokes.
Do this about 15-20 times, and the blade will be sharper every time you cut. The sandpaper is also useful in smoothing dents and nicks on the scissor blades.
Using a Rotary Tool
One of the most recommended ways to sharpen scissors, in general, is by using a rotary tool or Dremel tool. A Dremel tool can be used in various ways and is the most effective and efficient way of sharpening kitchen shears and scissors.
Before you start, make sure that the scissor blade is clamped into a vise facing upward to ensure easy sharpening, but the grinding stone in the rotary tool, then tighten the collet nut to avoid wiggling.
Turn on the motor while holding the tool with both hands and keep the stone moving at all times. Grind the scissors blade at the set angle until the edge is sharp.
After that, remove the scissor blade from the vise. Repeat the same process for the other blade.
Using a rotary tool can be tricky for first-timers, so make sure you read the manual and instructions thoroughly and have practiced several times before turning it on.
Final Words
Sharp and well-maintained kitchen scissors ensure optimum performance, convenience, and a plus factor in adding fun and joy in cooking and preparing food. The methods mentioned above will ensure that your kitchen scissors are in its best condition.
