*Last Updated: December 2023

The 5 Best Scissor Sharpeners [Ranked]

Scissor sharpeners are tools that are used to keep scissor blades sharp.

Scissor sharpeners can be simple manual devices such as a sharpening stone or they can be complex electric machines or something in between.

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How do they work?

Scissor sharpeners generally use a type of stone to sharpen in which the blade of the scissors is dragged along. The friction of the blade against the stone hones and sharpens the metal (Source).

As stated, scissor sharpeners come in many varieties. However, pros suggest using more simple devices such as sharpening stones as opposed to complex electric sharpeners because it’s often difficult to adjust the angle on an electric sharpener to get the best results (Source).

Comparing The Options

How Do They Compare


In this article, we’re going to look at 5 popular and reasonably priced scissor sharpeners.

  • The Chef’s Choice 500 Scissor Pro Professional Diamond Hone Sharpener uses a 2-step process that sharpens scissors without the need to take them apart. The diamond abrasives used on each side of the sharpening cone are said to sharpen your blades more quickly than traditional methods. This system uses a patented technology that claims hold the blade at the perfect angle for maximum effectiveness. Users said the devices were easy to use, but some said it worked more effectively on knives as opposed to scissors.


  • The Fiskars SewSharp Scissors Sharpener is a simple hand-held device that uses a ceramic rod as its sharpening agent. This product claims to deliver a sharp edge to your scissors with only a few passes, and with no moving parts, it’s one of the more durable and reliable sharpeners you can buy. Users say they liked how easy this product is to use and were satisfied with its performance.


  • Next up is the Smith’s 50185 Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener, which is similar to the Fiskars SewSharp, but larger and more versatile. This features a two-stage sharpening system that works well for straight-edged knives as well as scissors. Pre-set sharpening angles help you keep the blade at the optimum angle for best results. The large, soft grip handle makes this device comfortable to use and offers more control.


  • The Fiskars Desktop Universal Scissors Sharpener is a larger sharpener than the SewSharp and is suited to larger blades and knives. Since it’s made for use on the table or desk, it offers more stability and is easier to control the angle than with hand-held sharpeners. Users said they appreciated this could be used by both left and right-handed people.


  • Lastly, we looked at the Wamery Sharpening System, which was the most complete system we reviewed. This system is designed for sharpening virtually any bladed tool you have with 4 sharpening slots that offer multiple stages for different levels of sharpness. This system is designed for professionals who need a tool to handle both scissors and knives. Users spoke highly of this product saying that blades were made sharp with only three pulls through the sharpener (Source).

Best Scissor Sharpener For 2023

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Effectiveness

Price

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Ease Of Use

The Wamery sharpening system is a solid option for those who don’t want to throw away their blunt knives and dull scissors. Users love the effectiveness of this item, but some do complain that it can make tools coarse.

This product is designed to fit all sizes of kitchen appliances and keep them sharps as new. The manufacturer states that it can be used by both left- and right-handed people with ease. In addition, it is claimed to be ergonomically engineered to provide optimum control for a safe job. This item might be a solid choice if you want to keep your shears sharp and ready to use.

In general, buyers have a favorable opinion of the Wamery 4 in 1 sharpening system. They agree that it is easy to use and extremely effective and they appreciate its stability. Users conclude that the sharpness of the scissors is immensely better after using it.

However, several purchasers complain that although the product is great for knives it is terrible for shears. As they explain, instead of making them sharp it makes them rough.

Video Overview

Pros

  • ​Easily operated
  • Stable
  • Works great
Easily operated/Stable/Works great

Cons

  • ​Complaint – makes tools rough
Complaint – makes tools rough
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Effectiveness

Price

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Ease Of Use

If you want a top-rated scissors sharpener, you might want to consider the Smith’s Jiffy-Pro handheld sharpener. Users like the ergonomics of this product, but some complain about the size.

According to the manufacturer, it provides a long-lasting cutting edge with just 3 or 4 pulls. The tool features a soft grip handle, a knuckle guard and two-stage sharpening for all types of straight knives – coarse and fine. This item could be a good choice if you’re looking for premium abrasives for a sharper blade.

The general user consensus regarding the Smith’s sharpening tool is that it meets their expectations. Users agree that it works great, as well as that it is comfortable to use. They appreciate the high-quality materials that the item is made of.

However, some buyers complain that it is too big. Others find it to be somewhat flimsy. One dissapointed buyer warns that although it gives a pretty sharp edge, if you looked closely you’d be able to see that the blade is very rough and chipped.

Video Overview

Pros

  • ​Good quality
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Effective
Good quality/Ergonomic handle/Effective

Cons

  • ​Complaint – bigger than expected and not very stable
  • One buyer warns that it shortens the blade's life
Complaint – bigger than expected and not very stable/One buyer warns that it shortens the blade's life
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Effectiveness

Price

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Ease Of Use

The Fiskars universal sharpener could be a solid option for restoring blades to the perfect cutting edge state. Users like the handiness of this tool, but some complain about the flimsiness.

This product, it is claimed, features two slots which ensure adequate positioning for optimal blade sharpening. As the manufacturer boasts,the sharpener is suitable for use with either left-handed or right-handed scissors. Its compact design is said to be comfortable to use and easy to store. This item might be a solid choice for those who have dull shears and don’t want to throw them away.

The general user consensus concerning the Fiskars desktop sharpening system is that it is easy to use and comes very handy for bringing new life to old shears.

Although it works great on scissors of regular size, several buyers share that they had problems with smaller ones. Some complain that the product is flimsy.

Video Overview

Pros

  • ​Easily operated
  • Works well
Easily operated/Works well

Cons

  • ​Complaint – flimsy
  • Several buyers state that it’s not useful for small sized items
Complaint – flimsy/Several buyers state that it’s not useful for small sized items

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Effectiveness

Price

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Ease Of Use

If you are looking for a scissor sharpener, you might want to consider the Fiskars SewSharp model. Users like the compactness of this tool, but some complain of flimsiness.

According to the manufacturer, this compact tool features a ceramic rod which restores a sharp edge in just a few passes. In addition, its plastic slots ensure proper positioning for optimal blade sharpening. It is not designed for left-handed scissors, pinking shears, and scissors with serrated blades or razor-edge ones. This product might be a solid option if you are looking to restore the sharpness of your blades on the go.

The general user consensus concerning the Fiskars shears sharpener is that it works great and that it is very handy. They appreciate its compactness.

However, some find the handle to be too small handle and difficult to hold. Several buyers describe the product as cheap and flimsy and recommend spending more money for a high-quality one.

Pros

  • ​Effective
  • Handy
  • Compact
Effective/Handy /Compact

Cons

  • ​Complaint – hard to get leverage while using it
  • Complaint – cheap and flimsy
Complaint – hard to get leverage while using it/Complaint – cheap and flimsy

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Effectiveness

Price

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Ease Of Use

The EdgeCraft professional diamond hone sharpener is a good option for someone who wants a reliable and safe tool for sharpening their delicate embroidery scissors. Users like the item for being effective, but there are complaints that using them requires practice.

This product features a diamond abrasive on a conical disc that is said to hone blades quickly and easily with a professional 2-step process. As the manufacturer boasts, it features a patented technology that combines magnets and springs to control angle, apply correct pressure and stabilization. This item seems like a good choice for reconditioning damaged edges of a variety of household tools.

In general, users have a very favorable opinion of the EdgeCraft ScissorPro sharpening system. Buyers agree that it sharpens perfectly and that it is easy to use. They agree that it is well worth the money.

However, some buyers complain that it takes a bit of practice before you learn how to use it. One dissatisfied online reviewer says that it doesn’t make a decent job.  As he explains, the design is poor and thus the tool will sharp the end of scissors but the very top of the shears won’t get sharp.

Video Overview

Pros

  • ​Works great
  • Easily operated
  • Great value for the price
Works great/Easily operated/Great value for the price

Cons

  • ​Complaint – takes some time to get used to it
  • One buyer says it doesn’t sharpen the top of the blades
Complaint – takes some time to get used to it/One buyer says it doesn’t sharpen the top of the blades

All You Need To Know

Used for cutting fabric, string, paper, cardboard, plastic packaging, price tags, etc., those scissors in your kitchen drawer or office might be the most useful everyday tool. As scissors have a regular use, they dull over time.

In general, scissors are not too expensive, and when one pair dulls, one may consider simply buying another. But that is not necessary if you know how to sharpen scissors.

Basically, scissors are two knives that are connected at a rotating point. So you can sharpen scissors the same way as you do your kitchen knives, using only several simple tools.

If you are looking for crafting deals- art items to use your sharpened scissors on, check out CouponsMonk. You can buy arts and crafts supplies at a bulk discount. 

How to sharpen them

  1. Cutting through foil:

First, fold a few layers of foil. Then smoothly cut through the foil so that the whole blade touches the foil with your every cut. You need to repeat it several times, then check the sharpness and repeat if needed.

  1. Cutting through sandpaper:

You need to fold sandpaper in half, ensuring that rough sides are outwards so that the rough sides touch the blades as you cut.

  1. Cutting through steel wool:

You can use a pot cleaner and cut through it several times. It is gentle enough for sharpening and at the same time not causing damage and creating sharp pieces of metal.  Be careful if using something metallic, for example, an older style Brillo pad.

 

Top 5 Staff
 

We are a team of product researchers that specializes in assembling comprehensive buying guides. Our team has a variety of backgrounds, with a mixture of soft and hard sciences represented. Check out our About page to read more about our reviews and editorial process.

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