The unexpected item you need to sharpen your kitchen scissors, shears: Video tutorial

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Kitchen scissors and shears are some of the most versatile tools in our kitchen. But if they keep catching, snagging or have become more difficult to use, it’s time to sharpen them. Like our knives, they also have blades that dull over time. 

You can buy specialty tools to sharpen the blades, but there’s something you might have tucked in your cabinet that can also do the trick: a ceramic bowl or cup. 

Watch this video to learn how to sharpen your kitchen shears and scissors.

How to sharpen kitchen scissors

Place the ceramic bowl or cup upside down so you can see the exposed, raw edge. Slide the cutting edge of your scissors perpendicular across the raw edge. Do this a few times, then test the scissors on a sheet of paper. 

Not all cutting issues are due to dull blades. Rust or other residue can be on the blades and cause cutting issues. A simple solution for that is distilled white vinegar. Apply some to a paper towel and carefully wipe the scissors. If it’s a more intense job, you can let the blades soak in it. 

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What are kitchen shears used for

Once your shears are sharpened, it’s time to put them to good use! 

But first, what’s the difference? 

The terms are often interchangeable, but there is a slight difference.Scissors are for delicate jobs and to make smaller or more intricate cuts. The blades also tend to be less than six inches long and the finger holes are more uniform.

Shears are better for heavy-duty jobs. They tend to have longer blades, different-sized finger holes and a sturdier feel to them. 

Watch this video to see the different ways to use kitchen shears. 

Uses shears to: 

• Cut canned foods like tomatoes or artichokes. Before cutting, drain any excess liquid from the can to avoid making a mess.
• Cut herbs.
• Cut green onion.
• Cut hard-to-cut proteins like bacon and shrimp.
• Spatchcock a chicken or turkey.