A quick reminder before the links: **we don't sell scissors.** This is a reference site. Below are the kinds of places that do sell and service them, and our own guides for making the decision.
## Where to buy
Always buy through an **authorised retailer** — it's the only way to guarantee a genuine product and a valid warranty. Every [brand profile](/brands/) lists that brand's official website and the authorised sellers who stock it, so the most reliable route is to open the profile for the brand you want and follow its links.
Specialist professional retailers worth knowing, by region, include Japan Scissors and Scissor Hub (Australia and New Zealand), Japan SCISSORS (USA), and a number of UK and European specialists listed on the relevant brand pages. Prices move constantly, so confirm the current price and warranty terms with the retailer before you commit.
## Sharpening and servicing
A good scissor is only as good as its last sharpen. Two things matter:
- **Use a convex-trained sharpener.** Professional Japanese-style shears have a [convex edge](/learn/glossary/#convex-sharpening); a standard flat-grind service will flatten and ruin it. Ask specifically whether they preserve the convex profile before you hand anything over.
- **Factory programmes exist for premium brands.** Several makers — including Hikari, Mizutani and Joewell — offer mail-in refurbishment through their official sites. For a flagship pair, factory service is often worth the wait.
How often you sharpen depends on your steel and your volume — see [sharpening intervals by steel](/learn/steel/) for a rough guide.
## Learn more (our own references)
- [Steel types explained](/learn/steel/) — the single biggest driver of feel, edge life and price.
- [Hair scissor glossary](/learn/glossary/) — every term, in plain English.
- [Compare brands](/compare/) — any two or three, side by side.
- [Buying guides](/guides/) — from your first pair to the smartest upgrade path.