Beyond The Edge with Thad

  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...

  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...