Rust can ruin your Japanese shears, making them dull and shortening their lifespan. But with proper care, you can keep them in great condition. Here’s how:
- Clean and Dry After Use: Wipe your shears with a soft, dry cloth after every use. Avoid soaking them in disinfectants - use sprays or wipes instead.
- Oil Daily: Apply a drop of shear oil, like camellia oil, to the pivot point daily. Spread it evenly, then wipe off any excess.
- Store Properly: Use a protective case and keep your shears in a dry, stable environment. Avoid humid areas and countertops.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep bleach, hairspray, and strong disinfectants away from your shears. Clean immediately if exposed.
- Professional Maintenance: Get your shears sharpened and checked every 3–6 months to catch early issues and maintain performance.
These simple steps will help protect your investment and keep your shears sharp and rust-free.
Japanese Knife Imports- Using Rust Erasers
1. Clean and Dry Shears After Each Use
After every use, take a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and carefully wipe your Japanese shears. Make sure to clean from the pivot all the way to the tips. This step removes hair, product residue, and moisture - things that can lead to oxidation if left behind.
Sanitize Without Soaking
When it’s time to sanitize, skip the soaking. Submerging your shears in disinfectant solutions can harm the metal. Instead, opt for sanitizing sprays or wipes specifically made for metal tools. Once sanitized, dry the blades immediately to keep moisture from lingering on the steel.
Ensure Shears Are Completely Dry
Once cleaned, double-check that every part of the shears is completely dry. Use a clean cloth to remove any remaining moisture, leaving the surface spotless and ready for storage.
2. Oil Blades and Pivot Points Daily
Once your shears are dry, take an extra step to protect them by oiling key areas every day. This simple habit forms a protective barrier, keeping moisture out and reducing friction between the moving parts. These small efforts can make a big difference in extending the life of your Japanese shears.
Apply One Drop of Shear Oil Daily
Begin with clean, dry shears. Open them to about a 45° angle and place one or two drops of high-quality shear oil directly on the pivot point.
For Japanese shears, traditional camellia (Tsubaki) oil is highly recommended for its excellent ability to protect carbon steel.
"Oil from the seeds of Camellia oleifera (same family as Camellia and tea) is the traditional Japanese choice for protecting tools from rust: use it when cleaning, and as a regular protective coating." - Niwaki
With the blades pointing downward, open and close the shears several times. This motion helps spread the oil evenly and clears out any debris that may have collected around the pivot.
For deeper conditioning, let the oiled shears sit overnight. The next morning, repeat the opening and closing action to ensure the oil has fully penetrated and any remaining particles are removed.
Remove Excess Oil
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil from the blades and pivot. Leave behind only a thin, even film to protect the shears without causing dust or hair to stick.
Pay extra attention to the cutting edges - too much oil here can transfer to the hair during use, which might impact performance. A light coating is all you need.
Camellia oil is particularly convenient because it dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. However, over time, even the best oils can become slightly tacky, so regular cleaning and reapplication are essential to maintain peak performance.
3. Store Shears in a Dry, Protected Place
Once you've cleaned and oiled your shears, storing them properly is the final step to keeping rust at bay. Even the best-maintained shears are vulnerable to damage from moisture, temperature changes, or accidental impacts. A dry, stable environment ensures your tools stay in top condition.
Use a Protective Case
Always place your shears back in their leather case or padded pouch right after use. Leaving them exposed - even for a short time - can lead to scratches, dents, or exposure to humidity. A snug case not only prevents movement that could cause nicks but also acts as a barrier against moisture and accidental bumps.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity is a major enemy of Japanese steel. Even with a case, prolonged exposure to a damp environment can lead to rust. If you're working in a humid area, store your shears in a dry drawer or a climate-controlled space to reduce the risk.
Avoid Countertop Storage
Countertops made of hard materials like granite, metal, or ceramic can be risky for shears. Impacts or sudden temperature changes on these surfaces can cause tiny damage points where rust might form. Instead, designate a safe storage spot, such as a drawer, a magnetic strip positioned away from moisture, or a secure tool roll. Keep your shears away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas prone to temperature swings to ensure their protective coatings remain intact.
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4. Protect Shears from Harsh Chemicals
Once you've mastered cleaning, oiling, and storing your shears properly, the next step is shielding them from harmful chemicals. Japanese steel shears, prized for their quality, are particularly vulnerable to damage from certain substances. Hair products, disinfectants, and cleaning agents can strip away protective coatings, speeding up corrosion and potentially causing rust. Understanding which chemicals to avoid and what to do if accidental exposure happens can help preserve your shears.
Avoid Bleach and Strong Disinfectants
Bleach and hairspray are among the worst culprits for corroding steel. These everyday salon products can wear down the protective layer that guards your shears against rust. Even high-quality Japanese steel, like 440C or VG10, isn't immune to the damage caused by alcohol-based or chlorine-based sanitizers. Over time, exposure to these harsh chemicals can weaken the steel and compromise performance.
Professional disinfectants, like Barbicide, also require caution. Its active ingredient, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, can lead to rust and corrosion if your shears are exposed repeatedly. Instead of soaking your shears in liquid disinfectants, opt for a disinfectant spray or gently wipe them with a solution designed specifically for hairdressing scissors. Prolonged exposure to such chemicals can also harm internal parts, including the tension system and screws.
Hair color and perm solutions pose similar risks. They often leave sticky residues that can damage the steel surface. If your shears come into contact with these substances, rinse them immediately and wipe them clean. Even seemingly harmless remedies like vinegar, often suggested for rust removal, can cause problems. For example, users on Reddit have reported that soaking vintage shears in vinegar resulted in blade blackening and rough surfaces.
Check for Damage After Chemical Contact
If your shears do come into contact with harsh chemicals, quick action is key. Start by wiping off any visible residue with a clean cloth. Then, wash the shears in warm water with a mild detergent, using a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub areas like the pivot point where residue tends to build up. If you've used a strong disinfectant, such as a hypochlorite solution, verify on the product label that it’s safe for metal surfaces.
After cleaning, rinse the shears thoroughly and follow up with a wipe-down using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to dry them completely with a lint-free cloth - any lingering moisture can react with chemical residues and increase the risk of rust. Once dry, inspect the blades carefully for any signs of discoloration, roughness, or corrosion. Catching these issues early allows you to address them before they worsen.
For added protection, consider using a professional-grade disinfectant spray designed for hairdressing scissors. These sprays are formulated to neutralize harmful residues without damaging the steel or affecting the tension system, ensuring your shears stay in top condition for longer.
5. Get Professional Maintenance Every 3-6 Months
Taking care of your shears daily is essential, but professional maintenance every few months can catch early signs of corrosion or alignment problems. This not only keeps your shears sharp but also helps them last longer.
Schedule Regular Sharpening
Professional sharpening does more than just restore the blade's edge - it also removes minor oxidation and ensures proper alignment and tension adjustments. Depending on how often you use your shears, aim for a professional tune-up every 3–6 months. Tackling dullness early can stop small issues from turning into more serious problems like rust.
Use Manufacturer Warranties
Many brands, like Shihan Shears, back their products with lifetime warranties. To make the most of this, stick to their maintenance recommendations and keep records of any services. Using authorized service centers ensures your shears get the care they need to perform at their best.
Conclusion: Keep Your Japanese Shears Rust-Free
Keeping your Japanese steel shears in top condition boils down to simple, consistent care and smart maintenance. A few daily habits can go a long way in preserving their sharpness and extending their lifespan.
Taking just a few minutes after each client to clean your shears, apply a drop of oil, and store them properly can make all the difference. This routine helps prevent rust that could otherwise damage the blade or pivot mechanism, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. Japanese steel is prized for its edge retention, but even the best tools can't perform well if corrosion sets in.
Your shears are an investment in your craft, designed to deliver professional results for years. Premium tools like Shihan Shears, with their lifetime warranty, deserve the care that ensures they stay razor-sharp and ready for every cut.
A little prevention saves a lot of trouble. Investing in quality oil and a few minutes of upkeep now can spare you the expense of rust removal or blade restoration later. Take care of your shears today so they can keep delivering excellence tomorrow.
FAQs
Why shouldn’t I use bleach or strong disinfectants on Japanese shears?
Using bleach or strong disinfectants on Japanese shears can cause corrosion, weakening the steel and reducing the lifespan of your tools. These harsh chemicals can also dull the blades, affecting their precision and overall performance.
Instead, stick to mild cleaning solutions made specifically for high-quality steel. After cleaning, make sure to dry the shears completely and apply oil to keep them in top condition.
How often should I get my Japanese shears professionally serviced, and what does it include?
For Japanese shears, it's a good idea to get them professionally serviced every 6 to 12 months, particularly if they're part of your daily routine. A typical service includes sharpening, adjusting the tension, and a deep cleaning to ensure they stay in top condition.
Regular maintenance does more than just keep your shears cutting precisely - it also prolongs their lifespan. With proper care, you can maintain the sharpness and durability of high-quality Japanese steel shears for years to come.
How should I store Japanese shears to prevent rust and keep them in top condition?
To keep your Japanese shears in top condition and free from rust, it's essential to store them in a dry, low-humidity environment. Before putting them away, ensure the blades are completely dry. Adding silica gel packets to your storage case is a smart way to absorb any leftover moisture.
Always store the shears with the blades closed to maintain their alignment and minimize air exposure. For added protection, consider wrapping them in a clean, dry cloth or using a protective case. These straightforward steps can go a long way in preserving the sharpness and longevity of your shears, especially in humid regions across the United States.