Mina runs a dedicated sharpening service from our workshop in Tokyo. The same team that finished your scissors does the sharpening — they come back sharp, tensioned, and ready to cut.
A good scissor, kept sharp, will cut well for years. A sharp scissor rewards your technique. A dull one fights you, tires your hand, and leaves your clients with split ends they will feel at home. This service is how we stand behind the tools we make.
The Sharpening Service
How It Works
1. Send us your scissors. Wrap them securely (we recommend the original case) and ship to our Tokyo workshop. Contact us first and we will provide the return address and confirm the service cost for your situation.
2. We sharpen and inspect. Every returning pair is checked for wear, sharpened on the appropriate stones for its blade profile, re-tensioned, oiled, and test-cut on hair. If there are other issues — a loose pivot, a dent in the edge — we will flag them before doing any additional work.
3. We ship them back. Returned via FedEx from Tokyo, with a brief note on what we did. Most pairs turn around within ten working days from receipt.
What’s Included
- Edge sharpening on stones matched to the blade profile
- Pivot tension adjustment
- Blade cleaning and oiling
- Test cut on hair
- Return shipping within our standard service region
Pricing
We price sharpening by the type of service and your region. Please contact us for a quote before sending your scissors.
Caring for Your Scissors Day-to-Day
Good daily care will significantly extend the time between sharpenings.
After Every Use
- Wipe the blades with a clean soft cloth to remove hair, product residue, and moisture
- Close the scissors fully when storing
- Keep them in a case or pouch to prevent dust, knocks, and accidental drops
Once a Week
- Clean the pivot area carefully — this is where product and hair tend to build up
- Check the tension by holding the scissors vertically, lifting the top blade to 90°, and letting it fall. It should close slowly and smoothly without slamming shut or sticking
Every Few Months
- Apply a drop of scissor oil to the pivot and work the blades open and closed a few times to distribute it
- Inspect the edge — if you notice the scissors pushing rather than cutting hair, or leaving split ends, the edge is dulling
What to Avoid
- Never use tap water on the blades — it causes corrosion
- Never drop them — even a small fall can misalign the blades
- Never use them on anything but hair — fabric, paper, and synthetic materials dull the edge quickly
- Never attempt to sharpen them yourself — amateur sharpening can destroy a good scissor
When to Send Them In
The scissors will tell you when they need attention:
- Hair is being pushed rather than cut
- Cuts leave visible folds or split ends
- The blades feel rough or catch when closing
- There is a knock or click as the blades pass
- Tension is uneven or the blades no longer glide
Most working stylists send their main shears in every 6–12 months. Students and home users may go longer.
Warranty
All Mina scissors carry a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or poor maintenance. For warranty enquiries, contact us with details of the issue.