How to Sharpen Florist Shears
Florist shears are essential tools that need regular sharpening to make clean cuts and keep plants healthy. Here's a flower shop guide to sharpening them properly.
What You'll Need
Sharpening stone or whetstone (medium grit, around 400-1000)
Fine grit stone or honing stone (1000-3000 grit) for finishing
Lubricant (water or honing oil, depending on your stone)
Clean cloth
Optional: flathead screwdriver or wrench to disassemble shears
Optional: metal polish or rust remover
Step-by-Step Process
1. Clean Your Shears
Before sharpening, remove any sap, dirt, or debris from the blades. Use warm soapy water and a cloth, or rubbing alcohol for sticky residue. Dry thoroughly.
2. Inspect the Blades
Check for nicks, rust, or damage. Minor nicks can be removed during sharpening, but severely damaged blades may need professional attention.
3. Disassemble (Optional but Recommended)
If your shears have a removable pivot bolt, take them apart. This makes sharpening easier and more effective. If they don't come apart easily, you can sharpen them assembled.
4. Prepare Your Sharpening Stone
Soak water stones for 10-15 minutes, or apply honing oil to oil stones according to manufacturer directions.
5. Identify the Bevel
Florist shears typically have one beveled (angled) edge and one flat edge. Only sharpen the beveled side. The angle is usually between 20-30 degrees.
6. Sharpen the Beveled Edge
Hold the blade at the correct angle against the stone. Using moderate pressure, push the blade across the stone in smooth strokes, moving from the base (near the pivot) to the tip. Maintain consistent angle and pressure. Repeat 10-20 times or until you feel a slight burr (rough edge) forming on the opposite side.
7. Remove the Burr
Flip the blade over and lay the flat side completely flat against the stone. Make a few light passes to remove the burr. Don't create a new bevel on this side.
8. Hone with Fine Grit
Repeat the process with your fine grit stone for a polished, sharp edge. This creates a smoother cut.
9. Reassemble and Test
Put your shears back together if you disassembled them. Test on paper or a soft stem. The cut should be clean and effortless.
10. Lubricate
Apply a drop of oil to the pivot point for smooth operation.
Tips for Success
Maintain the original blade angle rather than creating a new one
Work in a well-lit area so you can see your progress
Consistent angle is more important than the exact degree
Sharpen regularly before blades become very dull
Never sharpen the flat side of the blade
Clean and oil shears after each use to extend time between sharpenings
How Often to Sharpen
With regular use, sharpen your florist shears every few weeks or whenever you notice they're crushing stems instead of cutting cleanly. Professional florists may sharpen weekly.
A sharp pair of shears makes cleaner cuts that heal faster, keeping your flowers and plants healthier.
