Help with Decorative Scissors

Oct '10 JamieSue

I would like some advice on sharpening your decorative scissors. I know these are not used much anymore, but I saw some tutorials for making your own flowers using them and any time I try to use mine they leave a very torn look. Does anyone have some good tips on how to sharpen them?
Oct '10 ScrappyMama6

RE: JamieSue: I would like some advice on sharpening your decorative scissors. I know these are not used much anymore, but I saw some tutorials for making your own flowers using them and any time I try to use mine they leave a very torn look. Does anyone have some good tips on how to sharpen them?

I think because of the ragged shaped edges, they may be impossible to sharpen. but they are pretty much dirt cheap now, even found at the dollar stores. Maybe just replace the one (s) you love the most? Good luck!
Oct '10 Flintridgescrapper

RE: JamieSue: I would like some advice on sharpening your decorative scissors. I know these are not used much anymore, but I saw some tutorials for making your own flowers using them and any time I try to use mine they leave a very torn look. Does anyone have some good tips on how to sharpen them?

Making several cuts through several layers of tin foil sometimes works for me.
Oct '10 BJscrapsalot

RE: Flintridgescrapper: Making several cuts through several layers of tin foil sometimes works for me.

yep.. was just going to suggest the same thing.. cutting through aluminum foil. good luck
Oct '10 SheCre8s

RE: BJscrapsalot: yep.. was just going to suggest the same thing.. cutting through aluminum foil. good luck

3rd vote for tin foil
Oct '10 Unknown

RE: SheCre8s: 3rd vote for tin foil

i still sometimes use my decorative scissors rather then hunting for patterns for SCAL or looking through Carts..and i 4th the tin foil for sharpening tip, it also works for punches :o)
Oct '10 Lylacfey

RE: Unknown: i still sometimes use my decorative scissors rather then hunting for patterns for SCAL or looking through Carts..and i 4th the tin foil for sharpening tip, it also works for punches :o)

5th for tin foil. Works like a charm.
Oct '10 NMlady

RE: Lylacfey: 5th for tin foil. Works like a charm.

Also make sure they are clean, have nothing sticky on them. Some times I use a very fine grit sandpaper and make a few cuts, samething with my punches.
Oct '10 JamieSue

RE: NMlady: Also make sure they are clean, have nothing sticky on them. Some times I use a very fine grit sandpaper and make a few cuts, samething with my punches.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help!
Oct '10 Ms. Fit

RE: JamieSue: Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help!

This is very good to know. Maybe I'll drag those old scissors out of the box where I tossed them a long time ago and try again.

On a similar note, does anyone know if foil works on the rotary blades for the Purple Cow?
Oct '10 Anda11

RE: JamieSue: Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help!

I agree on the foil. People say that foil sharpens punches but they also say use waxed paper on them for another reason but I can't remember what. If foil does not work, try wax paper too.
Oct '10 Stephie056

RE: Anda11: I agree on the foil. People say that foil sharpens punches but they also say use waxed paper on them for another reason but I can't remember what. If foil does not work, try wax paper too.

Another vote for the tin foil!
Oct '10 Lylacfey

RE: Ms. Fit: This is very good to know. Maybe I'll drag those old scissors out of the box where I tossed them a long time ago and try again. On a similar note, does anyone know if foil works on the rotary blades for the Purple Cow?
Ms. Fit Said:

On a similar note, does anyone know if foil works on the rotary blades for the Purple Cow?

I don't have the Purple Cow rotary cutter but I do have a rotary cutter. I sharpen my blade all the time with aluminum foil.

If it's a blade in my home it's probably been sharpened with foil. Scissors, Rotary blades, paper trimmer blades, BK Gazelle, Silhouette & Cricut blades.

Using wax paper on punches conditions them and keeps them in good working order. When I am done with a project I always use foil and wax paper on my punches.
Oct '10 Purple Cows

RE: Ms. Fit: This is very good to know. Maybe I'll drag those old scissors out of the box where I tossed them a long time ago and try again. On a similar note, does anyone know if foil works on the rotary blades for the Purple Cow?

I use the tin foil "trick" on my blades. It seems to work unless I've been cutting acrylic or metal, then try to sharpen them enough to use on fabric.