Interested in Earning a Living Sharpening Shears Professionally?
Learn everything you need to build a profitable shear-sharpening business with our complete video training modules (with optional downloadable handouts).
✅ 1. Convex Edge / Japanese Edge / Hamaguri Sharpening Theory
A high-level video overview explaining what the Japanese convex (Hamaguri) edge is, why it’s crucial to maintain that edge on professional shears, and how this edge geometry underpins all later sharpening techniques.
A deep dive into the two most common professional sharpening machines: Flat Hone and Twice As Sharp. Learn how each works, setup and maintenance, what kinds of shears they excel at, and how to choose the right one for your workflow.
What the ride line is, why it matters, and how to maintain or restore it to create a perfect seal. Learn how to recognize when a ride line isn’t working correctly, when it can be corrected, and when it has been compromised beyond repair.
What J-hooks and nylon guides are, where they occur in a shear, and why they matter. Identify them, evaluate their condition and performance, and understand when they can be corrected or replaced.
A thorough explanation of shear tension systems: design types, how to test and measure them, and precise adjustment techniques for optimal performance.
How to set shears correctly using a hammer and anvil. Learn when and how to use controlled hammering to adjust blade curvature or alignment, how to support the shear on an anvil without damaging the edge, and how to judge the right amount of set for proper tip crossing and tension.
The main categories you’ll encounter in the field — left-hand vs. right-hand designs, swivel models, thinning shears, chunking shears, and texturizers.