Does Cutting Sandpaper with Scissors Sharpen Them?

The question arises whether cutting sandpaper with scissors can actually help in sharpening them. This topic encompasses the use of scissors, abrasive materials, and the process of blade sharpening. Let's explore this in more detail.

Understanding the Effectiveness

While it is true that cutting sandpaper with scissors can have a marginal effect on the blade's edge, this method is not a proper or effective way to sharpen scissors. The abrasive surface of the sandpaper can indeed remove some dullness from the blades, enabling them to cut more efficiently. However, this method is not as effective as using a dedicated sharpening tool or taking the scissors to a professional for sharpening.

Why Cutting Sandpaper is Not Effective

Each time you use scissors to cut any material, whether it's wire or jello, the kinetic impact and friction dull the blade edge. This means that any material you use to cut, including sandpaper, will ultimately affect the sharpness of the scissors, contributing to their gradual dulling.

Moreover, cutting abrasive substances like sandpaper can negatively impact the shearing edges of the scissors. This is because the constant abrasion from the sandpaper will not only dull the edge but can also deform its shape, making the blades less effective.

Proper Sharpening Methods

Sharpening scissors correctly involves honing the bevel edge. This can be achieved using a variety of methods, such as a dedicated sharpening stone, a belt sander, or even a masstone steel. The key is to maintain the integrity of the blade's edge, ensuring it remains sharp and effective for cutting tasks.

Alternative Methods for Cutting Sandpaper

Instead of using scissors, there are better tools designed for cutting sandpaper. For instance, some people use a stainless steel icing spatula to fold the sandpaper and then cut through it. Others might use a fine-toothed hacksaw blade or a dedicated paper cutter to achieve precise cuts.

Common Misconceptions and Understanding the True Effects

Many misconceptions surround the use of scissors and sandpaper. For example, some believe that cutting fine sandpaper can sharpen scissors, while others think it can actually sharpen hardened metal blades. In reality, cutting abrasive materials like sandpaper will only dull the edges, causing premature wear.

Properly maintained scissors can maintain their sharpness, varying depending on the type of scissors and their intended use. Cutting abrasive materials like sandpaper can negatively affect the shearing edges, making them dull over time.

For correctly sharpening scissors, the usual method involves grinding the bevel edge in a parallel fashion to the thin face of the blade. This process helps to square up the cutting edge, which is crucial for maintaining the scissors' optimal performance. Care must be taken not to grind the wider edge, as this could widen the gap between the blades, reducing their effectiveness.

Personal anecdotes and recommended alternatives show that cutting sandpaper with scissors is a less effective method compared to other tools. Using a disposable Harbor Freight scissors for cutting sandpaper is widely discouraged as it will only dull the blades prematurely. It is recommended to use a dedicated tool like a hacksaw blade or a paper cutter for such tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cutting sandpaper with scissors might have some minor effects on blade dullness, it is not a recommended method for sharpening scissors. For best results, use a dedicated sharpening tool or take scissors to a professional for a precise and effective sharpening. Proper maintenance and understanding the true effects of cutting abrasive materials like sandpaper will help in prolonging the lifespan and efficiency of your scissors.