Do not use a sharpening stone on dull scissors. Apply the following method to make the scissors as sharp as new ones bought from the store: Simple but effective

Apply gentle pressure—don’t force it.
Test your scissors: Try cutting a piece of paper. If still dull, repeat with a fresh foil square (up to 2–3 times).
✅ Why it works: Aluminum foil is just abrasive enough to hone the microscopic edge of scissor blades without grinding them down or misaligning them. It’s gentle, consistent, and safe for fabric, kitchen, or craft scissors.

❌ What Not to Do
Don’t use a sharpening stone or metal file: Scissors have two beveled blades that must stay perfectly aligned. Stones grind unevenly and can ruin the cutting edge.
Don’t cut sandpaper: It’s too harsh and can embed grit into the pivot, causing rust or stiffness.
Don’t sharpen only the tips: Always cut through the full blade length to maintain even sharpness.
🧵 Bonus Tips for Scissor Longevity
Clean after use: Wipe blades with a dry cloth—moisture causes rust.
Oil the pivot: Apply a drop of sewing machine oil or mineral oil monthly.
Use the right scissors for the job:
Fabric scissors = fabric only
Kitchen shears = food (and can often be taken apart for cleaning)
Avoid cutting plastic, wire, or thick cardboard with delicate scissors.
When to Replace (Not Repair)
If your scissors:

Have chipped or bent blades
Feel gritty or stiff at the pivot
Won’t close fully
— it may be time to replace them. Even the best sharpening can’t fix structural damage.
Final Thought: Respect the Tool
Scissors are precision instruments—not just “cutting tools.” Treat them with care, and they’ll last decades (many tailors still use 30-year-old shears!).

This foil method won’t turn bargain-bin scissors into heirlooms—but for most household dullness, it’s shockingly effective, free, and safe.

So grab that foil, snip with purpose, and enjoy the quiet joy of a clean, crisp cut.

✂️ Sharp scissors don’t just work better—they make every task feel a little more precise, a little more satisfying.

Tried this and revived your favorite scissors? Share your success below! And if you know someone still wrestling with dull blades, send them this guide—they’ll thank you with every clean cut.