Scissor Sharpening | Paul Sellers

In this video Paul Sellers shows you the simplicity of sharpening any type of scissors to take them to their optimal cutting performance.
To find out more about Paul Sellers and the projects he is involved with visit paulsellers.com

[@seagorilla9704]

Hmm. My wife is a dressmaker and general sewing ace and has her grandmother's scissors from when Gran started in the lace making factory as a girl. They have to be 100 years old and haven't been sharpened in living memory. Until tonight. A very useful lesson. Thank you.

[@zhizhang916]

all his videos have a soothing effect. So even when I have no scissors to sharpen, it is still nice to watch it.

[@henrywilson5204]

Paul, I’ve been watching you now for about 6-months. The tips and techniques you reveal are absolutely priceless. So I grabbed a few sticks of wood and applied your techniques and was amazed at the results I got. You’ve helped me replace the joy in working with wood again. Now, at age 70, all I have to do is build a wooden canoe I’ve always wanted. Wish me luck and thank you very much.

[@karenmcboogerballs3434]

Did you ever build that canoe?

[@stringlarson1247]

. . . and a nice quiet body of water. Hopefully you are out gliding along the water without interweb access. :)

[@lornamurdocheaton624]

Paul! How on earth did you manage to make a subject like sharpening scissors so interesting?! I WISH you had been my teacher (of ANY subject) at school all those decades ago! Thank you.

[@pentuplove6542]

Had a Physics teacher who made learning fun. Learning must be fun to get the best from it. Otherwise the students will shut down their minds and day-dream. This is the teachers fault not the students. Teachers blame students, which is wrong. A bad workman will blame his tools.

[@someguy2744]

@@pentuplove6542 Dulce et Utile - Sweet and Useful

[@stringlarson1247]

It's an addiction. It kicks in when you hear the metal sing, see the cut, or the wood shaving or the steel curl, etc. If you like to cook, watching someone like Jaque Pepin or Marco Pierre White et. al. chopping veg. without looking (or effort) is stunning. I'm just going to keep saying that nobody should be allowed to graduate HS w/o having at least 2 sem. of basic 'shop' and 2 of a specific trade. After that, your can go on to 'business communications' or marketing or whatever other BS you choose.

[@nickmastro9287]

My father was a custom suit tailor and learned his craft as an young boy in Italy and did his own sharpening until the day he retired. I remember him sharpening his shears exactly how you demonstrated it. Thank you for sharing this with the next generation.

[@jeanlucvassort6411]

bonjour Paul, this video is 10 years old and i kept it in my files records, it is again a large pleasure to listen to you and watch you demonstrating. Thanks for all your videos which have changed our lives day by day - regards

[@cblaster171]

This is the ONLY decent scissor sharpening video on youtube- Thank you Paul!

[@katiedotson704]

My Mother was not a master seamstress. She earned most of her knowledge by trial and error, but learn she did. She made clothes for her 3 children, the quilts we slept under, curtains and other household items. Good tools were hard to come by and cherished. I was about 6 years old when I decided it would be a good idea to use her sewing scissors to cut some paper. I was so wrong. That was not a good idea. Some lessons are learned quickly and are never forgotten. I am 71 now and cringe at the idea cutting anything but cloth with my sewing scissors. I had not thought about using the diamond plate for sharpening but it seems to be advantageous over the file as it would be easier to keep from rounding point of the scissors. I will mention something at this point that I didn't learn until about 15 years ago. When dealing with any apparatus concerned with sewing, use only sewing machine oil or 100% silicone oil. Oils such as 3-in-1 Oil have additives that solidify to a gunk that is difficult to remove over time. Sewing machine oil is very clean and doesn't build up a residue over time. Silicone sprays and even many silicone oils have additives that can vary from one manufacturer to another. Silicone oil meant for treadmills is usually 100% silicone. Though more expensive, I prefer to keep food grade silicone oil so that no matter what I need to lubricate, it is safe to use. Just my opinion on this which is worth what you paid for it. For any that wish to verify this, I suggest that you contact any sewing machine repair person as I am just some old bat on the internet.

[@steeletaylor8079]

That final tip was worth its weight in gold. Thankyou for sharing your wisdom, and once again, a fantastic explanation.

[@OrionHellraiser]

I must say, when I first saw one of this videos on my recommendation I said "pfffff 20 minutes long? no way I'll ever see this" and then I kept watching and watching, I ended up suscribing and I'm amazed of how every minute is full of wisdom everytime, Thanks a lot, your videos helped me a lot and I learned a lot from you :)

[@Sam_Molina]

Orion Hellraiser oh man....wait til you watch his workbench build video....you'll end up buying some 2x4's, a #4 Stanley and embark on a lovely journey into woodworking

[@HaydenICM]

Lol, I said/ did the exact same thing. He's an interesting chap, isn't he?

[@sanjay9300]

True, all that you've said in Paul's favour above. But I am still one who believes in the power of keeping these videos as short as possible (w/out cutting out anything important, of course). It helps the viewer in many ways, not the least of which is holding his whole interest and attention.

[@mickmitchell1145]

Thank you for the great info. I sharpened up seven pairs of scissors some of which hadn't cut decently for many years. My wife is certainly pleased with the improvement in her sewing scissors.

[@paolahopley9422]

Yesterday I bought a new pair of tailors scissors, today I came back to my old ones and after 2 o 3 videos and 1 hour unsucessful was ready to take them to an expert to do it for me, this is till the last minute I saw yourvideo, didnt have to wat h the whole way through noe they are like new, thank you so much for sharing... at present I am going a little bit mad about learni g to do things my self, with so much university education we dont learn the basics of life, thank you very happy now, and best of all how you dismistify the process and explain things wanting to share (not boast) about what you know

[@eddyvideostar]

Paola Hopley: There are too many variables, multiplied by each persons concept or philosophy to make topics of practical life syllabus friendly.

[@TaylerMade]

Love the concise explanations on all Paul's videos. A true craftsman.

[@carmelpule6954]

Good tips about sharpening scissors. I spent about 25 years assisting the local hospital maintain the surgical scissors in sharp condition. The most difficult were the curved scissors and the small eye scissors which come in a left and right version and the cutting edge is curved. What is more the torque to operate the scissors needed to be with an accepted value as sometime the surgeon relies on the feel of the scissors. Sharpening a curved scissors is not an easy task.

[@brianmiller9365]

I just love this stuff. My world is much better with Paul Sellers in it.

[@apesonegotrips7]

Everybody’s is, even those who don’t even realize that he exists

[@nevillejennings7334]

PAUL The Master ! You have a Certain knack which you calm all those rough edges off ! #SmoothAsSilk #Fantastick #Everyvideo #Wellworthanyonestime Bravo 😎💪👏👏👏

[@phototommy]

Brilliant. Simple, effective and explained so clearly that it's a joy to watch. We need to regain these skills and stop throwing things away.

[@kurtlanford1448]

The world needs more craftsman like Mr Sellers ! Thanks you sir !

[@aaltan]

you are a true master dear Paul... many thanks from Turkey... Cheers..I am delighted to watch, as if I was 5 years old and listening a very interesting story.. joyful... tasteful.. All the best..

[@Michaels_lack_of_AC]

Ahmet Altan I

[@MariaMorales-kr1ps]

Me and my mom are trying to sharpen our scissors but it end up worst and useless until I watch your video which is really a great help. Your demo is perfectly done, very clear and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

Finally!!! Someone who makes sense sharpening a pair of scissors. Great instructions and you make a lot of sense to me...I have watched a few videos where they were talking about draw filing and they had no idea what they were even talking about. I draw file just like you do...great video.

[@firstmkb]

I wonder if the original machine ground edge acts more like a serrated blade. If I remember right, a serrated knife cuts synthetics faster than a straight one, but nobody ever said why. It seems to act that way with nylon rope when I’ve tried. I agree with Paul about liking the hand-filed appearance and feel over the machine ground original, and will be using this.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

I have always struggled when sharpening a scissor! I think the video is really helpful!

[@3obardThawn3]

Scrap wood City I AGREE !!!

[@eddyvideostar]

To SWC: I continued to struggle with other prior videos and techniques, but I am hoping to restore faith -- and my scissors by listening to this fine dignified gentleman.

[@TomLeg]

Beautiful, and important to everyone, not only woodworkers. No reason why a good pair of scissors should not pass from generation to generation. Thank you

[@madamerosario]

So high quality. You're my favorite KZbin woodworker. Many thanks.

[@raysmith1578]

Hi Paul, just sharpened 4 pairs of scissors, wow what a difference, you are a star, your videos are full of little gems of wisdom presented in an easy way to follow and then to apply into the workshop.

[@gailpengelly8581]

Superb...this is EXACTLY what needed. I have old scissors that have been sat in my workshop for YEARS, not any more! THANK YOU Peter. I love your videos. X

[@1435682]

Paul, I have watched sever videos on this subject matter but yours is the best. I was about to go and purchase two more pairs of brand new scissors but you saved me about $30 bucks. I followed your method and now my scissors are now cutting like new again. Thank you.

[@billminckler6550]

Thank you for your talent and time. I learned several scissor tuning techniques from this video. Consequently, I was able to return several pairs to usable service that I was ready to discard. Sincerely, thank you!

[@slash18gabita]

I've tried your method and I've put new life into my scissors. Thank you Sir!

[@michaelroy5877]

The tip of the scissors is harder because the heat can depart that area faster in the quench when hardening. In the case of pointed scissors it is a benefit, where in most hardening operations you don't want any one part of the tool to harden faster or it will crack. The radius given to sharp angles being hardened is to slow the hardening of such areas, so you wont see too many sharp 90 degree angles on hardened tool steel parts.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Great input there Michael, thanks

[@minniyoutubaster]

Paul Sellers What about kitchen-aid kitchen-shears, where the bevel is serrated? Can a metal nail file be used both for planing flat side, and for the bevel? I hardly have any tools. Is Clauss & Camillus good? P.S. I once got a shear sharpener from Fortune Products and I think it ruined my shears. Also tried cutting alum.foil. No dice.

[@mrox7223]

Michael Roy

[@someguy2744]

Unrelated, but emery paper is sand paper 2:46

[@raysaw]

Thank you Paul. I just used your advice to sharpen a pair of fabric shears for my daughter. My first try and it came out excellent!

[@alext9067]

I'm watching this for, at least, the second time and the close-up camera work is spot on. Somebody is a genius. Don't lose that camera person.

[@michaelj5463]

Paul thank you! For the first time EVER I followed your advice and achieved a pair of scissors that actually cut like new. You make it look simple, but until I saw this video it was not simple, it was futile. Thanks again!

[@Eliel7230]

Thank you Mr. Sellers for taking the time to make this instructional video for do it yourselfers like me. These are great tips. 😀

[@ashishpathak9182]

Well, I have tried to sharpen scissors and made a mess of them - I was in eighth grade then - got a telling from my Grandma - I thot I was trying to help.... now I LOL. Thank you Paul for another amazing vidoes - such brilliant little nuggets of wisdom - like the one where what to do when the tip does not close all the way - Love it. Many Cheers.

[@mikeballinger6992]

I tried to sharpen a pair of scissors 6 months ago and after watching this I can see why my attempt didn't work too well. I'm going to try again armed with this wealth of knowledge. Thanks a million Paul!

[@CECS1]

Those markings are necessary on tailoring shears to capture and cut fabric. It's like a micro serration. Your file is still providing a micro serration, just a fine scratch pattern.

[@seanpsilva]

Thank you for doing these videos. One off my favorite youtube channels. Each video teaches something useful.People now days dont know these simple things, we are use to buy and not fixe or maintain things simply because we were educated to buy buy and buy. But times have changed I think and in my point of view thats good. Thank you again

[@rogercarroll1663]

Paul Sellers you are a gift to those of us who enjoy this .

[@1965Haval]

Thank you Paul for another brilliant video on KZbin you are a real craftsman

[@VeronicaShukla]

Fantastic video, thank you! You have a very easy-to-watch personality. I was nodding along just as if you were here with me.

[@Dagrond]

Love the simplicity of your method. And the tips. Thanks Paul.

[@w0mblemania]

Thanks for this. Great as always. I love these more "basic" videos; they're practical.

[@civic13mangaming51]

when i saw you posted another video i was extremely happy because you havent really posted much and just knowing your still very active brings a smile. nice video.

[@Jethrotar]

Pop over to www.woodworkingmasterclasses.com and join for free for extra vids not on youtube. Most recent is finishing in Shellac. Plus you can sign up to the paid section if you want full access to his masterclasses.

[@gunterschone8402]

Hi Paul, thank you for the beautiful video where you show us how easy it is to sharpen scissors, even if the scissors are older.

[@Littlelewie151]

First time to this channel! What a nice guy and great teacher!

[@iratepeople455]

I get ASMR from the sound of scissors snipping!

[@kareno8634]

I have watched this many times throughout the years, I must be slow, i have yet to 'master' this. No worries, I may not do well on purpose. I Know this helps, surprised neighbor ask 'how', he's one that, 'Can build, work on anything'; Told him to watch - He was Thrilled! Thanks!

[@johnhammond5314]

Thank you Paul for your most informative videos. You are a true master. Keep making the vids Paul we learn so much.John from Australia.

[@wayneg5296]

Thanks for this instruction, Paul, I'm going to the thrift store, buy a few pair of old scissors and practice this procedure! Then I'll sharpen my own and my daughter's!!

[@raysmith1992]

Another great video, another lesson learned and now I can go round the house and sharpen all the blunt scissors, thank you Paul.

[@richardhenson9182]

Paul! You are a gem! Thank you!

[@thechemtrailkid]

You can use some string or a rubber band to fix the loose, upright shear to the one fixed in the clamp.

[@RobertGott-c3f]

This is a great instruction video 😊😮 There is also another video on garden shear sharpening Excellent videos all you need Thank you😮😮😊

[@thomasgibbons353]

Hello Paul. Got here from a post left on Davie McPhail's fly tying site from a fellow who was passing info on how to sharpen a sissor. As it turns out I needed to learn this technique so I killed two birds with one stone. Thank you. Tommy.

[@davidleasure9138]

Mr Sellers you are the master and an awesome teacher. Wish I could have been your apprentice

[@rpehlman135]

Thank you for this great video. I am running to the hardware store right now to start my new. "Look what I can do" project. I really love the little details. About the rivets.

[@leestinson9548]

Very pleasant easily understood. Great camera work. I will return and learn more. Kudos.

[@vhirsch4270]

What a lovely calming, informative video..thanks so much.

[@95SLE]

Paul, your videos are spot on. TY

[@andrew-xr1de]

That was the best explanation. very good!

[@nedo3505]

Simply the best. Estremamente pratico senza concessione a teorie astratte

[@richarsenault1004]

ThAnk you for your knowledge. I wish my teachers were like you.

[@dennismedeiros5125]

thank you paul for the videos you make. I learn so much from them.very helpful in so many ways.thanks again Dennis

[@heatherzimmerman2636]

I would love to be in the workshop with this guy. I can't figure out what angle he is holding the file. It looks like he flattened the edges right down.

[@no_handle_required]

Love watching this. It's like blade art.

[@TheLordArion]

Great video full of good tips and information. This helped me alot in getting my scissors sharpened in a better way. Thanks

[@StewTrekBoxes]

you have a very easy to listen to manner of teaching. thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@JustoErnestoCob]

Thank you very much, it is really helpful. I am glad we have you around.

[@henryraynald7947]

Thank you Paul for another wonderful video!

[@no_peace]

It's so sweet how many people are sharpening scissors for loved ones or wishing they could have

[@nctxweaver]

Thank you so much for this video! I use scissors a lot for weaving and cloth cutting. My collection of working scissors will be sharpened now that I know how. Yay!

[@shahabsaniei3288]

You are the best Paul Thank you very much!

[@andrewarmstrong9210]

Paul, thank you so much for this tutorial. My Italian scissors that I have had since 1965 have driven me nuts with the tightening screw always coming loose. I thought you borrowed my pair for your demo from the centre pop marks around the screw. I'm now heading out to the workshop to sharpen them and fix the screw.

[@hoplahey]

Did it work?

[@hhvaldez2466]

thank you paul for passing along such valuable info.

[@Shetasen]

Hello from quarantine. I just finished sharpening all the dull classroom scissors I have.They all cut now. Thanks.

[@TheReza1341]

Great job Paul, Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@SauronsEye]

Videos like this. Such a simple he is sharpening, an every day tool but the subtlety of instruction contained in this video makes it a repository of human knowledge. A modern day Rosetta stone if you will. Vision, universally understood by creates with vision. Well, as far as we understand from our perspective at least.

[@markdmaker3173]

Awesome lesson! Thanks for sharing. Putting this to use right away.

[@LawStudentsNightmare]

Thank you soooo much! I just sharpen my scissors the way you did and it worked really well!!!

[@michaelblake662]

Funny you should say that Paul, I started in the trade like you but I started 5 years later and at Ancoats in Manchester. Also My mother was a dress maker, we couldn't touch her scissors that she used for doing the dress making. As the years went by I got the job of sharpening her scissors, but after she had been cutting the material for a while she used to top up the sharpening by doing a cutting action on the neck of a bottle of milk.

[@oleggarbeechy5443]

I enjoyed your video a couple of days ago and found a use for your technique today! very useful! thanks Paul!

[@Cricce80]

This is a great video! And it came at a great time. In January this year I bought about 15 old pair of scissors for a few euros, among them 2 pairs of bigger tailor scissors that looked great but need sharpening (as al the other ones too), so this video really helps! Thanks!

[@laineywright2696]

Great video. I know an expert when I see one. You Sir, are an expert. Thanks for the master techniques. I will add this video to my favorites.

[@375GTB]

I just sharpened an old pair of very dull Tudor Italian scissors, kept in a kitchen drawer.. I used a fine jewelers file from my camera repair tools. Center punch and small ball peen. Touched up a second pair... I wish I could have done this for Kathy and my Mom... I tried to use STONES rounding edges.. Live and learn.... J.C.

[@malcolmoxley1274]

amazing what you can learn, just by a good easy tuition by a learned man well done Paul

[@betrisher55]

I have just sharpened a pair of twenty-year-old scissors that have been 'mended' by several male relatives over the years and never really cut properly since they were new. Using your method, I have an as-new pair of very useful scissors again. I can't thank you enough!!! It took less than five minutes to use a diamond stone (haven't got a file, but will be getting one ASAP) to repair the shamefully ratted edges on my scissors and make them live again. My question is, does the same method work for my serrated edge sewing shears? Last time my shears became dulled, hubby bought me a new pair at a Huge Cost. I'm thinking I can save lots by fixing my own scissors. :) Thank you very, very much, Mr Sellers. :)

[@aleblanc3547]

Excellent tutorial! Many thanks.

[@davidsmart8594]

Good to see you back. Thanks for that most informative video.

[@dr.rongoldstein1633]

Another great video. Really, really love your teaching us woodworking!!

[@55dpc]

Did he say SIMPLE? He did a great job explaining. Very impressive!

[@Mr71paul71]

it works !!! one little pair of scissors sharpened, that know actually cut thank you Mr sellers for teaching me this new skill

[@ShopSDB]

Man, i love the way you talk. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@someguy2744]

2:46 - Emery paper is sand paper 10:25 - Adam Savage is of the same opinion - he separates scissors he uses for cloth and scissors he uses for paper - apparently, scissors dull when they are used to cut paper and so by only using it on cloth (or at least not on paper) his scissors for cloth stay sharp for longer. (The video in question is "Adam Savage's guide to workshop scissors" uploaded by "Adam Savage's Tested") 14:25 - center-punch

[@billrickett5871]

Missed you Paul... glad you're back. It's time for some more "real" woodworking.

[@wendycohen9038]

Brilliant! You are a great instructor.

[@greg6107]

Paul your one of a kind, great video !!

[@smfield]

The only thing I disagree with is that a good set of scissors will not last just a life-time but several generations. My grandfather was a clothier supplier and my grandmother a seamstress and I still have many a pair that are as good as the day the were made, even though they are at least 85 years old!

[@hoplahey]

Why did they leave that many pairs if they lasted for generations? Not trying to be funny, but why did they need so may pairs?

[@artheen4713]

Different scissors for different jobs. For cutting thick cloth, you want heavy scissors with the handles at an angle, so you can rest it on the table as you cut. For round cuts, you want shorter scissors without a sharp tip that can catch. For snipping thread, you want light scissors with a sharp tip. And for buttonholes and corner folding cuts, very short scissors with a heavy tip for a precision cut length. Add that it's convenient to have a set at each place you work, so you don't have to get up to get scissors from somewhere else. But most of all, the golden rule of craftmanship is that the one who dies with the most tools wins.

[@eddyvideostar]

@@artheen4713 We know that life doesn't last forever; hence, one can bequeath these to his heirs, who may have a growing interest in what his/her ancestry achieved.

[@beckyanderson988]

Does this work for small thread scissors that would be in a cheep small travel sewing kit ?

[@chrisclement3706]

If you question the sharpness of his scissors, you're questioning his grandma.....and one never disparages anyones grandma..... brilliant :D Thanks for another great video, eh! You're an excellent teacher; I love the synergy of what'n' why, and how, we are trying to accomplish the thing. Cheers

[@ginocentofanti4111]

Excellent tutorial thank you.Must take a look at some of my mums old scissors