Shear Maintenance & Aftercare: Complete Checklist

Premium shears are a long-term investment—if you care for them correctly. This maintenance pillar consolidates our internal workflow steps and knowledge-base guidance into one reference so every stylist keeps their tools sharp, balanced, and warranty-compliant.

1. Daily Care Routine

• Clean and dry: Wipe blades after every client to remove hair, moisture, and product residue.¹
• Oil sparingly: Apply a drop of shear oil at the pivot, open/close to distribute, then wipe off the excess.²
• Store safely: Place shears in a padded case or magnetic strip with tips protected. Avoid tossing them into drawers where blades can nick.¹

2. Tension Management

• Check daily: Open and drop test—the top blade should fall halfway. If it slams shut, tension is too loose; if it stays open, it’s too tight.²
• Adjust correctly: Use the manufacturer’s tension screw or Disc Operation System per the brand’s instructions. Incremental adjustments preserve the ride line.²
• Log changes: Note adjustments in your equipment log; sudden shifts may indicate pivot wear.

3. Sharpening & Service Intervals

| Usage level | Recommended sharpening | Notes | | — | — | — | | High volume (20+ cuts/day) | Every 4–6 months | Prioritise brands with factory refurbishment (Hikari, Mizutani) or certified technicians.²³ | | Medium volume | Every 6–8 months | Joewell/Jaguar offer regional service partners with quick turnaround.⁴⁵ | | Low volume / specialist | Every 8–12 months | Keep edges fresh even if usage is light; oxidisation and micro-burrs accumulate over time. |

Always use authorised sharpeners who understand convex edges and brand-specific alloys. Improper grinding voids warranties and shortens lifespan.⁶

4. Handling & Ergonomics

• Use finger inserts: Customise ring sizing to avoid death-grip and repetitive strain.⁷
• Rotate tools: Alternate between cutting and texturizing shears to reduce wear on a single pair.
• Respect coatings: Titanium/DLC finishes (Jaguar Gold, Kamisori Black Diamond) require microfiber cloths—abrasive wipes scratch the surface.⁵⁸

5. Transport & Storage

• Use a padded roll or hard case with dedicated slots.
• Never store shears wet; condensation causes corrosion even on premium alloys.
• Secure shears during travel—vibration can loosen tension screws.

6. Warranty & Documentation

• Register purchases: Submit serial numbers to brands like Joewell, Mizutani, Kasho for warranty activation.⁴³⁹
• Keep receipts: Required for warranty claims and insurance.
• Log service: Record sharpening dates, technician, and any parts replacements in your equipment log (aligns with Stage 6–8 in the content workflow).²¹⁰

7. Red Flags & When to Retire

• Repeated sharpening fails to restore edge longevity.
• Visible cracks, bent tips, or pivots that won’t hold tension.
• Persistent rough spots despite maintenance—time to invest in a new pair.

Maintenance Checklist

• Blades cleaned and oiled after each day.
• Tension tested and adjusted within spec.
• Sharpening schedule logged with authorised technician.
• Storage case protects tips and coatings.
• Warranty/serial documentation stored in equipment log.

Consistent maintenance keeps your shears safe, sharp, and compliant with brand warranties. Build the routine into your end-of-day workflow and track everything—your hands, clients, and balance sheet will thank you.