Scissors

[shebob bears]

What is the most efficient way of sharpening scissors? Scissor sculpting is such a vital part of bear making and I am really unsure of the correct procedure. I am sure Jenny will know the answer to this one, being a super efficient hairdresser and of course a genius at sculpting her fantastic creations!! Honestly, it's true and I know everyone will agree with me.

Best wishes.
Sheila

[Chowlea Bears]

Yep .......... I agree with that..............

She's the master of the scissors.:D

[Jenny]

Well Sheila ,the thing is I don't ever get my scissors sharpened..I have to say that if they ever get a bit dull bladed I get a new pair. Hairdressing scissors are supremely sharp..they ought to be, I paid £250 odd for my last pair and I think they last me about 2 years..which when you think how many haircuts they do is very reasonable. I use my old 'uns for scissor sculpting..and am thinking of getting another pair just for teddies (not £250 by the way!!) as I like the length of the blade better than the Fiskars. Most people make the mistake of cutting with the tips of the scissors..when the main cutting edge is along the entire blade..so they get 'steps' in the 'hair' of the teddy. Practice makes perfect , but to be honest if you use Fiskars you can get a little tool to sharpen them with which is ok. I used to work with someone who swore by honing the blades on a kerb-stone!!! You can get them done professionally but I don't think sharpened scissors are any good afterwards.

[Chris Russell]

I agree with Jenny, but then why wouldn't I??:rolleyes:

Christie Bears stocks a good range of sharp surgical scissors, lace making scissors and in particular, specialist mohair trimming shears; all of which last a lifetime if you don't use them.

Has anyone any comments on the mohair trimming shears Jenny? We need some 'in-market' customer feedback please?

Chris

[shebob bears]

Thanks Jenny, How could we possibly mannage without you. You are such an Angel!! I had no idea you could pay sooooo much for a pair of scissors. You are right about trimming by using just the tip of the blades. It doesn't give the lovely sculpted finish that you always achieve.

Possibly most of us (definitely myself) are just a little scared of taking too much off in one go, and even the bears seem to cringe at the sight of scissors.

Trimmed my own hair this morning using the dressmaking shears.(eeeek) and I'm really pleased with the result. Unlike the bears, my hair will grow again.
Sorry, Jenny, remarks like that give hairdressers nightmares.

Best wishes to everyone.
Sheila

[Jenny]

Sheila..I end up cutting my own hair all the time....because I can never get anyone to do it for me. Hairdressing scissors are getting more and more expensive...some can be as much as £450. But like I always say to our trainees..'you can own a Rolls Royce but still not know how to drive' A rubbish haircut with £450 scissors doesn't make it any the less rubbish!! LOL

Try getting a cheap manufactured bear and having a go at really get down to it with scissor sculpting..then you won't be scared about ruining one you made. Start by taking all the fur you know you want rid of first and then take teensy weensy snips making sure you use the whole blade, flat and parallel to the angle you are cutting on where you are sheering the fur down evenly...otherwise steps will occur.

Good luck!!

[All Bear]

I never sharpen scissors either. I buy new ones regularly and the old ones get demoted to the kitchen drawer, or used for crafty things by my daughter.

I've recently bought a pair of 'can'trememberthename' scissors .. they are sold throughout haberdashery stores though ... orange handles, you'll know them ... with 'micro tips'. I really like those as they are very sharp ... mind you, I wasn't so keen on them when I cut into my flesh ... messy!:eek:

[shebob bears]

Thanks Jenny,
I knew you would come up with some really worthwhile help. I took your advice but instead of buying a cheapy bear, I unearthed some of my 'disasters' from ages ago, and hadn't got the heart to bin them (well, you can't, can you?). Funny, isn't it, they look more than respectable now with their new haircuts. Both my 'good' scissors have rather blunt tips, so I think I have been forced into using the flat of the blades without realizing it!

Time now to invest in a really sharp pair, that is if all the bears don't gang up on me first. Mention the word 'scissors' to them and they all run for cover!

Bye for now.
Sheila

[beverley]

I did receive a tip last week from someone on the web, I can't remember who now. They said to scrunch up some tin foil and gently snip at the tin foil with the scissors and it will sharpen the scissors, won't work for giant ones of course. I have not tried this though, so cannot vouch for it.:o

[shebob bears]

I did receive a tip last week from someone on the web, I can't remember who now. They said to scrunch up some tin foil and gently snip at the tin foil with the scissors and it will sharpen the scissors, won't work for giant ones of course. I have not tried this though, so cannot vouch for it.:o

Thanks for the tip, Beverley. I have two pairs of identical scissors, both about the same sharpness. I think I should have said bluntness! Anyway, I scrumpled up some foil and have been cutting into it for the last few days. And yes, I really can feel a difference. I think it needs a lot more, but it is a help till I buy some super sharp ones.

Thanks for your help.
Sheila.:6084:

[Lorna Evett]

Doesn't that set your teeth on edge. It is making my mouth dribble just thinking about it. :6045:

Lorna

[teddybycharmaine]

Hi Everyone does anyone want to rent my husband he is the the best scissor sharpener in the world .Ithink he would work for food ,it works for me anyway .LOL. Bear Hugs Charmaine

[shebob bears]

That is so funny Charmaine :D What is hubby's favourite food though? A neighbour of ours has just put a notice on her front gate that says "Husband for Sale. TV remote included" :cool:

Sheila :6013:

[teddybycharmaine]

Hi he eats everything except lamb so you see hes easy to keep but you cant have him hes mine.MIGHT consider hiring him out .Once when I was mad with him Idid put a sign out the front which said one slightly used mechanic for sale had no takers.He came home and laughed.Nevermind it was funny we are quite mad here in oz. Bear Hugs Charmaine