A quality Japanese shear can last a career if it is cleaned, oiled and tensioned properly. These steps apply to the Schorem barber scissor and to any professional cutting or thinning shear.
After every client
- Wipe hair, water and product off both blades with a soft, dry cloth.
- Disinfect with a salon-approved disinfectant that is safe for steel, then dry the blades completely.
- Never leave the shear open on the station or dropped into a jar — the tips are the most fragile part.
At the end of the day
- Open the shear to about 90 degrees and place one drop of scissor oil where the blades meet at the pivot.
- Open and close a few times so the oil works into the joint.
- Wipe off the excess and store the shear closed, in its case.
Checking tension
Hold the shear by the thumb ring with the tips pointing up, lift the other blade to 90 degrees and let it drop. It should fall and stop just short of closing. If it closes completely, the tension is too loose and the blades can fold hair; if it barely moves, it is too tight and your thumb works harder than it should. Adjust in very small steps — the Schorem shear uses a flat adjustment screw.
Sharpening
Have Japanese convex or straight-edge shears sharpened only by a specialist who works on Japanese blades. A general grinder can change the edge angle and ruin the blade alignment. Most barbers need sharpening every few months, depending on volume and hair type.
FAQ
Can I cut wet hair with it?
Yes, but dry the blades straight afterwards. Water left at the pivot is what causes corrosion.
Should I cut anything other than hair?
No. Paper, tape, wigs with synthetic fibre or foil will dull a hair shear quickly.
Compare lengths in our guide Schorem barber scissors: 6 or 6.5 inch? or see the Schorem collection.