Multi-tool Scissor Sharpening?

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Shawn7656

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Feb 15, 2012
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I bought a Leatherman Style CS and I love the little guy. However, the scissors feel like they could use some work. What would be the best method to get these things razor sharp?

I've looked up sharpening ideas but most seem to go towards scissors you can open up all of the way, which, you obviously can't with these guys. Is the sandpaper method actually worth while?
 
I'd think you could use a firm backer and sandpaper. Perhaps use double-sided tape to stick a piece to a tongue depressor, and use it as a hand-held stone to give them a bit of a brush-up?
 
I've used thin diamond hones to touch up the edges on Micra scissors, but the most reliable method for sharpening without trying to dis-assemble the tool has been to send them back to Leatherman for warranty service. It's hard to get really good sharpening results on scissors you can't fully open or take apart
 
Good idea ko.

And I didn't really know Leatherman had a warranty service. I guess it would make sense though :rolleyes:
Thank you both for your suggestions
 
I use a carbide sharpener, one that is used on by-pass pruners. It pulls up a good burr and then just use the scissors to cut off the burr. i sometimes do this twice. I use this method on all my scissor type cutting tools.
 
I may have to post another thread to get an answer for this, but I was wondering if anyone knows what material was used for the Style CSs scissor blades? I emailed Leatherman about it around a week ago and still haven't received a reply. I want to make sure I take care of it properly.
 
Shawn7656 said:
I may have to post another thread to get an answer for this, but I was wondering if anyone knows what material was used for the Style CSs scissor blades? I emailed Leatherman about it around a week ago and still haven't received a reply. I want to make sure I take care of it properly.
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I wouldn't even worry about that. I'm sure the steel type for the scissors isn't so unusual as to dictate special abrasives for sharpening (I'm assuming this is what you're asking). The spec on the Style's knife blade is 420HC; the scissors may/may not be the same stuff, but I'd bet they're a relatively similar mid-grade stainless steel. Whatever abrasive type you'd choose to sharpen the blade with, I'm sure would work fine for the scissors. Only variable might be the particular grit needed to get an appropriate finish on the scissor blades (most likely a medium-to-fine grit). Even that, I'd not worry too much over it.
 
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My concern was that it seemed to pick up my finger prints easily (in more of a stained carbon steel look than just oils left behind) so I wanted to make sure I didn't need to be cautious of rusting.
I assume it's made of the same stuff though after using it for a little while longer. It feels and looks the same.
 
Shawn7656 said:
My concern was that it seemed to pick up my finger prints easily (in more of a stained carbon steel look than just oils left behind) so I wanted to make sure I didn't need to be cautious of rusting.
I assume it's made of the same stuff though after using it for a little while longer. It feels and looks the same.
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As with any knife blade or tool, so long as you keep it clean & dry after using it, I don't think you'll have any worries. Even stainless can rust, under the right circumstances. Just don't put it away dirty or wet.

I like to wipe down my carbon steel blades each night, with either Windex or isopropyl alcohol. Either one does a good job removing the finger oils from my hands, and will leave the blade clean & dry.
 
The Spyderco Sharpmaker has scissor sharpening prism hole that's about 11 degrees off horizontal. The scissor blade (one side) is held perpendicular to the ground while it is pulled downhill on the stone. Repeat on the other blade. Be sure to deburr the blades with a flat stone before you close the scissors.
 
Proper scissors sharpening really requires the ability to disassemble them, or at least open them up past the grind.
 
Believe it or not, it's really simple. Cut a few strips of aluminum foil. Yep, thats it, just cut some foil. It's not going to reprofile your edge or anything, but it does clean the edge up nicely. I do this every few weeks on the house scissors as well, and they function beautifully. For any real cutting though, I go to my EMT sheers....they are beasts.
 
That's a cool idea RRR... I assume it works sort of like a steel or a strop in that it helps realign any messed up edges...
I only use this thing for cutting zip-ties and whatnot, nothing too heavy duty haha
 
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