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How to Test Shear Sharpness with a Tissue

  If you’re a stylist or barber, you already know that dull shears don’t just slow you down—they can actually damage hair, leaving it frayed and unhealthy-looking. But how do you quickly check if your shears are still as sharp as they should be? One of the simplest and surprisingly effective methods is the tissue test. Here’s how to do it safely and what it tells you about your shears. What You’ll Need A single-ply facial tissue (like the kind from a regular tissue box) Your shears, freshly cleaned and dry Tip: Avoid thicker or multi-ply tissues—they’re too forgiving and might hide minor nicks or dull spots. Step-by-Step: The Tissue Test Hold the tissue : Fold it once or twice so it’s still thin, then pinch it gently between your thumb and finger, letting it hang freely. Point-cut the tissue : Using just the tips of your shears, make small cuts into the tissue as if you’re doing precision point cutting. Observe the cut : If the shears glide through easily and le...
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How to Set the Fall on Your Shears — And Why Loose Tension Could Be Dulling Your Cut

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  Your shears are more than just a tool—they’re an extension of your craft. But if the tension isn’t set correctly, even a freshly sharpened pair can feel off. One common complaint we hear from stylists is that their shears feel dull —and more often than not, the culprit is loose tension. Let’s talk about how to set the “fall” on your shears and why getting it right matters. What Is the "Fall" Test? The "fall" test is a quick and easy way to check the tension on your shears: Hold your shears with the tips pointing straight up. Open them fully. Let go of the top blade and allow it to fall shut naturally. What you're looking for: If the blade slams shut, your tension is too loose. If it barely moves or doesn’t close at all, the tension is too tight. The sweet spot? The blade should fall about 2/3 of the way closed , stopping gently before fully shutting. Why Loose Shears Feel Dull Loose tension causes the blades to separate slightly durin...
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How Often Should You Sharpen Your Shears?

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Whether you're a seasoned stylist or a fresh-on-the-floor barber, your shears are one of the most important tools in your hands. But even the best shears won’t perform their best if they aren’t regularly maintained. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How often should I get my shears sharpened?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but there are some general guidelines to keep your blades in peak condition and protect your investment. The Short Answer: Every 3 to 6 Months Most professionals find that sharpening their shears every 500–700 haircuts , or about 2–4 times a year , is a good baseline. If you’re a high-volume stylist working full-time, you’ll likely fall closer to the 3-month mark. If you’re part-time or in a specialty role (like dry cutting or barbering), you might stretch to 6 months. Factors That Affect How Often You Need Sharpening 1. Frequency of Use Daily use naturally dulls blades faster. If you're cutting all day, every day, your shears are get...
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What to Expect When Trying Washi Shears Through DRWS

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  If you've ever wondered whether a new pair of shears could really make a difference in your daily work behind the chair, you're not alone. Stylists and barbers often ask us, "Are Washi shears worth it?" With Don't Run With Scissors (DRWS), you don’t have to guess—you can try them out for yourself before making a commitment. Here’s what to expect when you take Washi shears for a test run with DRWS: A Risk-Free Trial—Right in Your Hands DRWS offers a try-before-you-buy experience . That means you get to use the shears on real clients, in your own salon or barbershop, during your normal routine. No more wondering how a shear feels based on a quick snip in the break room. You’ll have time to assess the balance, the sharpness, and the overall performance of the shears in the real world. Personalized Recommendations Thad, owner of DRWS and your local sharpener, brings a curated selection of Washi shears when he visits your shop. He’ll help match you with a style...
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5 Things You're Doing That Are Dulling Your Shears

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  You invested in quality shears for a reason—precision, comfort, and a flawless finish. But even the best shears won’t last if you’re unknowingly doing things that dull them faster than they should. As a professional sharpener, I’ve seen it all—and some of the biggest culprits might surprise you. Here are five common habits that could be killing your edge: 1. Using Your Shears on Dirty Hair It might seem harmless, but cutting hair with product buildup, hairspray, or even just natural oils and grit can wear down your blades over time. Residue creates extra friction, and small particles act like sandpaper against your edges. Try to work with clean hair when possible—or at least towel-dried and brushed through. 2. Tossing Them in a Drawer or Station Cup Shears are precision tools, not just another pair of scissors. Dropping them in a drawer, tool roll, or cup with other tools can cause nicks in the blades if they bang against other metal objects. Always store your shears in a pr...
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How Often Should You Replace Your Shears?

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  As a professional stylist or barber, your shears are one of the most important tools of your trade. You rely on them every day to deliver precision, style, and satisfaction to your clients. But even the best shears won’t last forever. So how do you know when it’s time to replace them? Let’s break down the factors that determine the lifespan of your shears—and the signs it might be time to invest in a new pair. How Long Do Quality Shears Last? With proper care, high-quality professional shears can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years —sometimes even longer. But their longevity depends on: How often you use them How well you maintain them (cleaning, oiling, adjusting tension) How often they’re sharpened—and who sharpens them If you're using your shears daily on a full client load, you're putting them through a lot more wear than someone who only cuts part-time. Regular Sharpening Extends Lifespan Keeping your shears sharp is essential—not just for performance but...
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Top Features to Look for in Your Next Pair of Shears

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  Choosing the right pair of shears isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your hands, improving your technique, and elevating the quality of every cut. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or a barber with a loyal clientele, investing in the right shears can make all the difference. Here are the top features professionals should look for when it’s time to upgrade: Japanese Steel Quality Not all metals are created equal. High-quality Japanese stainless steel—especially types like VG10 or 440C—is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and razor-sharp edges that hold longer between sharpenings. Stronger steel also means fewer nicks and less wear over time. Washi shears, available through DRWS, are crafted from premium Japanese steel, combining edge retention with buttery-smooth performance. Convex Edge Blades If you’re working with dry cutting, slide cutting, or texturizing techniques, a convex edge is a must. These ultra-sharp blades provide a cleaner, smoother c...
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