How to sharpen scissors in 10 seconds like in China. Now I do it too. I’ll share the method in the comments

There are several quick and unconventional methods for sharpening scissors that are often shared as “hacks.” The claim of sharpening scissors in “10 seconds like in China” and then sharing the method in the comments suggests one of these less traditional, but supposedly effective, techniques.

One common “Chinese” method often involves using aluminum foil or sandpaper. These methods work by providing an abrasive surface for the scissor blades to rub against, effectively grinding down tiny imperfections and creating a sharper edge.

Let’s explore some of these quick methods that people claim work wonders:

Ah, the classic “sharpen scissors in seconds” hack! It’s true, there are some surprisingly effective, quick methods that people swear by, often passed down through generations or shared online as clever life hacks. The claim of doing it “like in China” often refers to simple, accessible techniques that can give dull scissors a new lease on life without specialized tools.

You’re right, these methods often don’t truly “sharpen” in the professional sense (which involves removing metal and grinding a precise edge), but rather hone the blades. Honing smooths out tiny burrs, corrects minor imperfections, and realigns the cutting edges, making the scissors feel much sharper and cut more effectively. And the best part? It can indeed take just seconds!

Let’s look at a couple of popular methods that might be what you’re thinking of:

Quick Scissor Sharpening Hacks (The “10-Second” Methods)

1. The Aluminum Foil Method

This is perhaps the most widely known and easiest trick.

• How it works: Cutting through folded aluminum foil provides a mild abrasive action that helps to smooth out any small nicks or burrs on the scissor blades and can realign them.
• What you’ll need: A piece of aluminum foil (standard kitchen foil will do, readily available in Ternopil supermarkets).
• The “10-second” steps:
  1. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil (about 20-30 cm long).
  2. Fold it over several times to create a thick strip or small block (aim for 6-8 layers thick).
  3. Take your dull scissors and cut through the folded foil multiple times using full strokes, from the pivot to the tip of the blades. Make sure to open and close the scissors completely with each cut.
  4. After about 5-10 cuts, test your scissors on a piece of paper or fabric. You should notice a significant improvement!
  5. Wipe the blades clean with a damp cloth to remove any foil residue.

2. The Sandpaper Method

Similar to foil, sandpaper uses its abrasive surface to hone the blades.

• How it works: The grit of the sandpaper acts as a fine abrasive, gently grinding away imperfections and creating a smoother, more effective cutting edge.
• What you’ll need: A piece of fine to medium-grit sandpaper (around 150-200 grit works well). You can find this at any hardware store in Ternopil.
• The “10-second” steps:
  1. Take a piece of sandpaper and fold it in half, with the abrasive (rough) sides facing outwards.
  2. Using your dull scissors, cut several strips from the folded sandpaper. Again, use full strokes from the pivot to the tip.
  3. Continue cutting until you feel the scissors grabbing and cutting paper or fabric more smoothly.
  4. Wipe the blades clean with a damp cloth to remove any abrasive dust.

These methods are fantastic for quick fixes and for maintaining household scissors that aren’t severely damaged. They won’t replace a professional sharpening, especially for high-quality or specialized shears, but they’re incredibly effective for those moments when you need your scissors to just cut again!

It’s exciting that you’re trying it out and finding success! What specific method have you been using that you’d like to share in the comments?