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Black Iron Scissors Care
or
Think Sharp!
last update: 19 Feb 2008



These scissors are hand-forged and assembled much as they have been for the past 300 years and are quite similar to models found in European artwork from the 1500s and earlier.

Frequently, they will still have a light sheen of oil on them to prevent rust during shipping and storage. If you feel they need further cleaning, a good wiping with a soft absorbent cloth or paper should do it.

Adjusting: The soft iron rivet and copper washer that act as the hinge can be adjusted looser or tighter according to your need and as they are used (and abused) over time.

To tighten: Lay the scissors on a piece of steel or other very hard anvil-like surface and tap lightly with a hammer. You will find that only a few light taps will make a remarkable difference.

To loosen: If they just need to loosen a little, sometimes just opening the scissors and 'rocking' the two parts away from each other will do it. If that's not enough, open the scissors, slide a screwdriver blade down an 'inside' surface of one blade into the joint between the two pieces. Do this a couple of times, shifting the screwdriver blade to a different face/side each time to evenly spread the rivet. If this is insufficient, tap the screwdriver blade a little further into the join and gently repeat the process.

Whether tightening or loosening, remember to check the action as you go to ensure you do not over-adjust the scissors.

Sharpening: These scissors are sold sharp and ready for use. They are made with a steel cutting edge laminated to an iron body. If you look carefully at the blades, you will see a line in the metal somewhere between the main bevel and the cutting bevel. You will note that there is no gap or defect in this rather sophisticated join. It provides a strong cutting edge that retains its sharpness on a body of less expensive material.

When they do eventually dull, they can be brought back by using a whetstone or a 'Diamond Deb' nailfile on the narrow bevel next to the cutting edge. They can be sharpened this way several times before the bevel widens unacceptably.


This article is copyright 2003-2008 by B Sharp Fabrics but you can for personal use.

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