Increase the life of your styling shears through the time-honored method of sharpening by hand with Japanese water stones.
Meet Don Shepard
Don Shepard is a craftsman who has spent over three decades refining the art of carefully hand-sharpening fine shears used by hairstylists. As the most experienced scissorman in the PNW, Don has been one of the country’s rare sharpeners who sharpens entirely by hand, and the time-honored technique of using Japanese water stones has become his mark of excellence.
Mr. Shepard has studied under seasoned sharpeners and found that the technique of sharpening by hand, used by the artisan who invented the craft, gave him superior results. His work has been applauded across the country, and many dedicated customers send shears to him from all over.
He is committed to satisfying his customers by restoring the precision, “like new” quality of the shears that are their central tool for their artistic craft.
Why sharpen by hand?
Why sharpen by hand?
Hand-sharpening requires careful attention to detail. The advantage of this process is that less metal is taken off the shear’s cutting edge, thus prolonging its life. When too much metal is removed it can not be replaced. Hand-sharpening can help maintain the high-performance output expected in a precision quality shear.
In order to smoothly execute precision hair-cutting techniques, a hair designer’s shears need to be sharp. As the cutting edge becomes dull the shears begin to push hair, and slide cutting becomes difficult. It is not uncommon for a pair of shears to be dropped. This can result in small nicks along the cutting edge. Previous sharpening errors often result in a flattening of the bevel resulting in decreased sharpness. Damage can be repaired and razor-sharp quality can be restored to one’s fine shears when they are sharpened with precision by hand.
About My Service
1.
On-Site Work
I come to you at your salon and do my service on-site. Serving clients in the greater Seattle/Tacoma,
Olympia, and Portland metro areas.
2.
Top Quality Shears
I carry the largest inventory of shears for loan or sale
in the PNW and have the best prices available.
10% below retail pricing available for all customers.
3.
Affordable Pricing
Though I travel to you and offer this unique service
all I charge is $45 per shear/texturizer.
No minimum requirement. No job is too small.
The Technique of a Craftsman
✔ Test shears on human hair locks
✔ Sharpen by hand, maintaining the consistent bevel
(or return shear to original bevel after previous sharpening error)
✔ Carefully dismantle, clean, oil & reassemble to appropriate tension
✔ Highly Polish blades using finest 8000-30000 grit Japanese water stones
✔ Finalize the process using leather strop and the finest jeweler's rouge
✔ Re-examine the razor-edges using 10x magnification
✔ Reassemble shears and test using human hair to ensure they cut like a hot knife through butter!
Your sharpening includes replacing the washers and rubber stoppers when needed, oiling each pair of shears, and testing to ensure each pair is truly razor-sharp. I guarantee that each sharpened pair of shears will meet or surpass your expectations. In my on-site service in the PNW I offer loaner shears to keep your work uninterrupted.
Client Testimonials
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
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It's recommended to have your shears sharpened every 6 months, depending on usage. Regular sharpening ensures optimal performance and extends their lifespan.
If you notice the shears pushing the hair, instead of cutting through hot knife through butter, it may be time to get them sharpened.
Often times dropping the shears results in nicking the blades that require sharpening.
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I sharpen all types of hair shears, including cutting shears, thinning shears, and texturizing shears. My expertise covers a wide range of brands and models.
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Yes, I stand by the quality of my work and will ensure your complete satisfaction.
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After set up each shear takes 15-30 minutes. The average visit to the salon is 1-2 hours depending on the number of shears.
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Absolutely! We partner with leading shear manufacturers to offer a selection of high-quality shears. We provide personalized consultations to help you choose the best tools for your needs. It's best to reach me by phone for more information on available products and pricing.
Many shear companies claim that outside sharpening voids your warranty, but this is not true. So, whether you’re looking for a sharpening service or brand-new shears, I have you covered.
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Yes, if you live outside of my service area you are welcome to mail in your shears. $45/each shear plus return shipping cost. ~1 week turnaround time.
Please text or call me at 253-222-5937 to place your mail-in order before sending.
Mailing Address:
560 Fox Drive #631, Fox Island, WA 98333
