Scissor Sharpening Machines by Xzacta Shears

Scissor Sharpening with a Curve- Xzacta Shears Ride Honing Plate

2010-12-20T21:03:00.005-01:00

Scissor Sharpening Machines, Training, & Systems
The Xzacta Shears Ride Honing Plate
“scissor sharpening with a curve”

The Ride Honing Plate was developed after years of frustration with trying to hone the “curved” ride portion of scissor blades with flat “stones”. The physics of this is simple…. It doesn’t work well!

When I first came up with the idea of a stone, glass, or metal plate with a curvature to match that of the curvature of a scissor blade (commonly called the set), I spent well over a week trying to make this by hand. The curvature is so slight that I kept getting multiple flat spots, so I gave up and went to my machinist. After a complicated mathematical formula, some prototypes, some educated guessing, perseverance, and a little luck, we were ready for production.

It takes nearly three hours to machine just one, and of course it has to be done, like anything in a machine shop, in quantity to make it affordable.

Please click on following link
http://www.youtube.com/user/xzactashears#p/u/7/5p0ZDmRUShM
to view YouTube Video on the Xzacta Shears Ride Honing Plate. You might wish to check out the other Xzacta Shears videos as well on:
http://www.youtube.com/user/xzactashears

There are several key factors to the success of the Ride Honing Plate.
1. The other scissor or shears sharpening processes must be done correctly.
2. The Ride Lines on many if not most scissors are done incorrectly at the factory. Many factory ride lines are too wide with way to much angle on the ride line. The ride line, to function properly, should be thin with a “microscopic” angle. This is so the cutting edges come very close to engaging, but never touch. Too much factory angle, and the hair cutting will feel crunchy even though the blades may be razor sharp. Xzacta Technicians are taught to correct this in successive sharpenings, usually about three. To correct this in one scissor sharpening would tremendously decrease the serviceable life of the shears. If the shears have to much factory angle, you will be polishing on the portion of the ride line closest to the hollow grind without ever coming close to the cutting edge. Corrective procedures for this are taught in class and not covered here. They are just too delicate.
When the ride line is “sweet” (proper), the Xzacta Shears Ride Honing Plate will deliver a mirror-like polish to the entire ride line with a microscopic angle. The microscopic angle is developed because the blade slightly sinks into the micron film. Xzacta uses water to attach the film because it allows for more cushioning than that of a psa attachment. The results are outstanding.
3. In the real world of scissor sharpening, the Xzacta Shears Scissor Sharpening Techs don’t see a lot of new scissors or shears. What we see are shear after shear of improperly sharpened or “destroyed” shears ….the by-products of grinders, as well as many flat honers. Many, many of our so-called competitors do not take the scissors apart to sharpen and do nothing at all to the ride line other than maybe a swipe across their jeans to try and remove a little burr. It is just incomprehensible! In fact many times there will be absolutely no ride line left. If they do take them apart, then they use a curved blade on a flat honing stone to attempt to re-establish a ride line. The results at best are poor, resulting in over-worked tips, and a “flat” ride line if they actually did establish one. The flat ride line will result in the cutting edges making direct contact which dulls the edges very quickly or folds the cutting edge over if it doesn’t break out, …and worse yet…nicking.
The “sweet” honing of the ride line is possibly the most important step in the scissor sharpening process. If you do this part incorrectly, it really doesn’t matter what kind of machine you’re using.
The Xzacta Shears Ride Honing Plate will gently re-establish a non-existent ride line with mirror finish and the very important microscopic angle. The results are nothing short of superb when combined with the Xzacta Shears Ultimate Scissor Sharpening Machines, Systems, and Training. However, the Ride Honing Plate will increase the quality of your scissor sharpening even if you are using a competitor’s scissors sharpening machines. This is just light-years ahead of the conventional flat honing stones that are traditional in the scissor sharpening industry.

For The Xzacta Shears Ultimate Scissor Sharpening System and information on purchase and training, please visit…

http://www.xzactashears.com/

And please check out all of our competitors before you make a decision on the purchase of a scissor sharpening machine. I want you to know what you are getting into. The world doesn’t need more mediocre scissor sharpeners. Hair stylists need great scissor sharpening. I’ve said it before, and I seriously mean it… “If I couldn’t use the Xzacta Shears Ultimate Scissor Sharpening System, then I would not be a scissor sharpener”. That’s the truth!

“Spend More, Spend Less, Xzacta’s The Best”

Thank you,
Ryan Parrish
Xzacta Shears LLC
Sales@XzactaShears.com
352-690-9817

Scissor Sharpening Machine- Ride Honing PLate

2010-03-27T17:32:00.000-01:00

SCISSOR SHARPENING MACHINE..XZACTA SHEARS

2009-03-30T02:51:00.002Z

NEW SCISSORS SHARPENING MACHINE

2009-03-30T02:31:00.000Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwt0lICAKRI

AISI Scissor Stainless Steel

2008-11-29T00:28:00.000-01:00

AISI stands for American Iron and Steel Institute. There are other standards for metal used in scissors and shears as well as all other applications. SAE stands for Society of Automobile Engineers. SNS stands for Simplified Numbering System. There are other international standards. If I am incorrect, please correct me.
We were addressing a question of AISI 440C as far as damage to shears or scissors if they incurred all the possible damage previously mentioned.
No, I do not have direct consequences to damage that is specifically detetermined to be AISI 440C Stainless Steel.
Please go to http://www.XzactaShears.com click on shears/scissors sharpeners only. It will give you a lot of more information, and direct you very easily to other sources.
Have the very best of the Holidays,
Sharp Matters
p.s. and I am looking forward to you registering on this blog

Scissor Sharpening Hair Cutting Scissors Shears for the Progessional Scissor Sharpener

2008-10-29T02:31:00.000-01:00

AISI 440 C Stainless Steel ? This is a question to professional Scissors/Shears Sharpeners. If you know for sure that a pair of scissors is AISI 440 C, what is your experience with the degree of damage when scissors 1. dropped on a concrete floor 2. thrown at another hair stylist 3. thrown at the salon owner 4. dropped right on the tips of a clients big toe??

No one answers but Xzacta Shears!!! copyright 2008

http://www.XzactaShears.com

Scissor Sharpening, Hair Cutting Scissors, and Stellite

2008-10-23T00:58:00.000Z

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GREAT PAIR OF HAIR CUTTING SCISSORS IN THE HANDS OF A GOOD STYLIST THAT WERE SHARPENED BY A GREAT SCISSOR SHARPENER! www.xzactashears.com The following was emailed to me from "MisterD" in response to questions about Stellite.
Stellite alloy is a range of cobalt-chromium alloys designed for wear resistance. It may also contain tungsten and a small but important amount of carbon. It is a trademarked name of the Deloro Stellite Company and was invented by Elwood Haynes[1] in the early 1900s as a substitute for flatware that stained (or that had to be constantly cleaned).PropertiesStellite alloy is a completely non-magnetic and non-corrosive cobalt alloy. There are a number of Stellite alloys, with various compositions optimized for different uses. Information is available from the manufacturer, Deloro Stellite, outlining the composition of a number of Stellite alloys and their intended applications. The alloy currently most suited for cutting tools, for example, is Stellite 100, because this alloy is quite hard, maintains a good cutting edge even at high temperature, and resists hardening and annealing due to heat. Other alloys are formulated to maximize combinations of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, or ability to withstand extreme temperatures.Stellite alloys display astounding hardness and toughness, and are also usually very resistant to corrosion. Stellite alloys are so hard that they are very difficult to machine, and anything made from them is, as a result, very expensive. Typically a Stellite part will be very precisely cast so that only minimal machining will be necessary. Machining of Stellite is more often done by grinding, rather than by cutting. Stellite alloys also tend to have extremely high melting points due to the cobalt and chromium content.Stellite has also been used in the manufacture of turning tools for lathes. With the introduction and improvements in tipped tools it is not used as often any more, but it was found to have superior cutting properties compared to the early carbon steel tools and even some high speed steel tools, especially against difficult materials such as stainless steel. Care was needed in grinding the blanks and these were marked at one end to show the correct orientation, without which the cutting edge could chip prematurely.Compliments of the EdgeWalker and Wikipedia online dictionary. See how easy it is to learn .For scissors manufacturing I look for a factory using the term "wire cut". This usually means they use a spark machine [old term] Today its call EDM forming machine. [electric discharge machine] Using computerized software the EDM machine can cut extremely intricate designs through the hardest alloys while the metal is in its harden state. EDM produces no damaging heat while cutting, leaves no burrs and requires no finishing. A process of this nature provides an excellent method of exact duplication and quality control. This process can eliminate heat treatment and forging processes. Production of a scissor or texturizer not subject to frequent alterations are good uses for this technology.Compliments of the EdgeWalker and Wikipedia.
thanks Mr.D, EdgeWalker and Wikipedia

SCISSOR SHARPENING & HAIR CUTTING SCISSORS

2008-10-21T13:30:00.000Z

The purpose of this blog site is for education in sharpening, in particular scissor sharpening, and hair cutting scissors or shears.

Does anyone know anything about "stellite"?

thanks,
SharpMatters

www.XzactaShears.com

Scissor Sharpening Business Opportunity

2008-10-10T22:46:00.000Z

I was one of these people.
If you are sincerely interested in becoming a Professional Scissor Sharpener heed this advise please, please,please for your own sake!
1. If it sounds and looks to good to be true...it may be
2. If there is a contract, spend the money to have your attorney review it!!!
3. Pay a private investigator to do a background check on these people.
Believe me, there are some bad eggs out there as nice as they may seem. I wish I had done that in the beginning, I would have $20,000 back in my pocket.
4. Professional Scissor Sharpening is difficult. Be careful of those who paint the 6 figure income. And you are not going to go to school or class for 1-5 days and know what you are doing.
5. BE EXTREMELY LEARY OF THOSE WHO REQUIRE YOU SELL A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SCISSORS A MONTH. Selling scissors is not easy.
6. If you are a "really good scissor sharpener, you do not need a protected territory. If you are not, then a protected territory will not do you any good. You will fail and be out all your money, only allowing the re-sale of your territory.
7. Some of these companies have an unbelievable presentation....don't be "snowed"

Finally, there are a handful of honorable companies out there, but for your money's sake, be very careful and check everything out.
Don't be another fool as I was!!!

SCISSOR SHARPENING

2008-09-13T16:43:00.000Z

ABOUT SALON SCISSOR SHARPENING
High Quality Professional Salon Scissor Sharpening is a skill that is acquired by education, training, experience, dedication, diligence, patience, physical skill, use of the best tools and machinery, and a genuine concern for providing you, the professional cosmetologist with “very sharp” hair cutting shears. A little personality, and some sales ability doesn’t hurt. All of this is a tall order for many people. Perhaps this explains why hair stylists seem to have such a hard time finding a “good” scissor sharpener. I am constantly amazed by the number of companies that provide a machine, a few days training, a pat on the back, a “go team go”, and then turn them loose on the world and you, the professional hair stylist. Many times the training is inadequate and sometimes unfortunately incorrect. XZACTA SHEARS WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH AND QUALITY SCISSOR SHARPENING THAT WILL EQUAL OR SURPASS ANYONE….EVEN THE FACTORIES. And for those who send scissors “to the factory” for sharpening, let me assure you that only rarely do they actually go to the factory. They generally go to some sharpening facility. Xzacta Shears re-sharpens many scissors over that have supposedly just come back from “the factory”. Yes, and I’m talking about the well known, high end manufacturers.
There are basically two types of scissor sharpening machines in use by professional scissor sharpeners today. One is generally called a “grinder” or “grinding wheel”. Would you agree that “grinder” is a scarey name? It gives me chills! It may be okay for low end barber, beauty, dog grooming, and fabric scissors. It is aggressive, heat producing, and will very quickly remove the convex edge on Japanese style shears. It technically produces a concave edge, not a true bevel. Many sharpeners that take your scissors “out to the van” are still using the grinder. I highly recommend that you go out and see what they are using (don’t take their word). Some use a grinder, then put a high polish on the edge that can make it difficult to see that the convex edge on your high quality, expensive Japanese style shears is gone probably to never return. Restoring the convex edge is possible, but not without removing a lot of metal which may make your expensive shears unserviceable, or at least tremendously decreasing the service life of your shears. My advice….”don’t use a grinder on quality hair cutting scissors”.
The other machine, and the only one in my opinion, is called a Flat Hone, or Water Hone by some. It looks like a miniature pottery wheel. There are probably at least a dozen companies that incorporate the Flat Hone in there sharpening systems and/or machines. There are huge differences between these sharpening systems. One of the main differences is in the clamping mechanism or armature that is used to deliver the blade to the honing, polishing, or sharpening pad. This is where the Xzacta Ultimate Scissor Sharpening System leaves the others in the dust. Once again, “the Xzacta Ultimate Scissor Sharpening System sharpens convex or beveled scissors at any angle and of any blade radius at a precise angle along the blade. It will totally, accurately, and precisely duplicate any and all factory or manufacturing specifications. That’s the real truth folks. This has been personally confirmed by a machinist, a mechanical engineer, and my patent attorney. It is so unique, and will revolutionize the professional salon scissor sharpening industry. Another major difference between Xzacta and competitors is (sharpeners listen up) that we only use ¼ inch of the outside edge of the sharpening pad to sharpen the scissors. I do know of one other company that also does this. It is the only way to remove an even amount of metal along the edge of the blade. Many companies teach the sharpener to lay the blade flat on the pad and pull it off the pad. This is absolutely incorrect!!!!! This is devastating to the life of the shear. It takes off more and more metal as one moves toward the tip, as well as removing the factory radius of the scissors.
I’ll be adding more to this in the future, so check back from time to time. XZACTA SHEARS IS “ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW”. We will take care of you. Please feel free to email with questions or comments, and testimonials are nice at…. sales@xzacatashears.com www.xzactashears.com
Happy shears to you,
Ryan Parrish
Xzacta Shears LLC
Copyright 2008 Xzacta

scissor care

2008-09-10T02:04:00.000Z

Scissor Care Guide
This is provided to Professional Hair Stylists to help in maintaining the hair cutting integrity of your expensive shears and insure a long life for your investment in yourself as well as your clients. Because I am a hair stylist of 34 years I know you. I know that even though we hair dressers spend a lot of money on our scissors that most of us do not really take care of them. We get busy! Below are some simple steps to follow.
1. Spray water on your shears and gently wipe with a clean towel or paper towel
2. Rinse your scissors under warm to hot running water opening and closing the blades and gently dry with a clean towel or paper towel
3. Apply a few drops of oil to the screw and pivot area of the scissors. Massage out the length of the blades. Gently wipe with “clean” towel or paper towel.
Questions:
1. What kind of oil should I use? Clipper oil is fine or commercial scissor oil. Do not use sprays as some of the propellants can slowly dissolve nylon and plastic washers. We do not recommend “alcohol and wax lubricants” as it has been our experience that they can cause rusting. Stainless steel does rust ya know. If you get significant rust in the “ride line” (the thin shiny line that should be along the inside edge of your scissor blades), your scissors may be ready for the archives. Don’t let it happen…..oil baby, oil!!!
2. How often should I clean and lubricate my shears? Daily would be great, but I know most of you are not going to do that. Please do this a minimum of once a month and once a week would be pretty nice.
3. Should I take my scissors apart to clean? I recommend that you leave this to your professional scissor sharpener. There are very tiny parts in most scissors that can be hard to replace if lost.
Other considerations:
1. I have little nicks in my blades that I can feel when I cut hair. What should I do? Stop using immediately and call your sharpener
2. Do not place your shears on top of your station or lay a towel on top of them. This is the number one cause of them ending up on the floor, the washing machine, or the garbage can. At least put them in a drawer if you are not going to put them in a case or styling apron.
Hope all this helps…..tune in again!
Ryan Parrish
Xzacta Shears LLC http://www.xzactashears.com sales@xzactashears.com

Shears, Scissor Sharpening

2008-07-21T17:02:00.000Z

http://www.xzactashears.comAre you looking for professional quality shears or scissors at a very affordable price. Check out XZACTASHEARS.COM!

Are you sick and tired of having your scissors or shears messed up or destroyed by supposedly professional scissor sharpeners. Check out XZACTASHEARS.COM. Then you will worry no more about your shears and scissors. And you will come back and thank me for referring you to XzactaShears.com.

What's the difference between "shears" and "scissors". The terms shears and scissors are pretty much interchangible these days. Shears is getting more and more popular as it kind of denotes higher quality as of late.