Why Leave It To A Professional:
* Precision: Convex edges require a very specific angle and curve to maintain their sharpness. An experienced sharpener uses specialized tools and techniques to achieve this.
* Specialized Equipment: Sharpening convex edges requires a flat honing wheel (usually diamond or ceramic) and a polishing wheel. These aren't common household items.
* Heat Control: Overheating the steel during sharpening can ruin the temper and drastically shorten the life of the scissors. Professionals know how to avoid this.
* Damage Risk: Improper sharpening can easily chip or dull the edge, rendering the scissors unusable.
* Maintaining The Hollow Grind: Convex edges often have a hollow grind on the inside of the blade. Maintaining this hollow is crucial for proper cutting and requires expertise.
The General Sharpening Process (Performed by a Professional):
1. Inspection: The sharpener will first inspect the scissors for damage, wear, and overall condition. They'll identify any chips, nicks, or unevenness in the edge.
2. Disassembly: The scissors are usually disassembled to allow for individual blade sharpening.
3. Flattening (If Necessary): If the blade is warped or has flat spots, it may need to be flattened on a specialized machine. This is a very delicate process.
4. Grinding/Honing: The sharpener uses a flat honing wheel to carefully remove material from the edge of the blade, recreating the convex shape and sharpness. Multiple passes with progressively finer grit wheels are often used. This step requires a steady hand and precise control of the angle.
5. Deburring: After grinding, a burr (a thin, fragile edge of metal) will be present. The sharpener uses specialized tools to carefully remove this burr without damaging the newly sharpened edge.
6. Polishing: A polishing wheel is used to refine the edge and create a smooth, razor-sharp finish.
7. Hollow Grind Maintenance (if applicable): The sharpener will ensure that the hollow grind on the inside of the blade is maintained and properly shaped.
8. Reassembly: The scissors are carefully reassembled and lubricated.
9. Balance and Tension Adjustment: The tension of the scissors is adjusted to ensure smooth and precise cutting.
10. Testing: The sharpener will test the scissors on hair (or a comparable material) to ensure they are cutting properly.
In Summary:
Sharpening convex edge hair scissors is a job best left to professionals. Attempting to do it yourself without the proper equipment and expertise can easily damage your scissors. Find a reputable sharpener who specializes in hair scissors and has experience with convex edges. It's an investment that will keep your scissors cutting like new for years to come.