Why Left-Handed Scissors Often Get Damaged During Sharpening?

Left-handed scissors are damaged during sharpening more often than it seems.

The main reason is that they are serviced as standard right-handed scissors.

However, left-handed models differ not only in handle shape — blade geometry, contact and cutting behaviour differ.  

Why This Is Critical

Left-handed scissors have a different working geometry.

If this is not taken into account:

• the cutting-edge angle changes
• blade contact is disrupted
• cutting behaviour changes

Visually, the scissors may still look sharp and appear to be in perfect condition, yet perform worse.

How to Tell the Scissors Were Damaged

Main signs:

• the scissors begin to pull or “chew” the hair
• the cut becomes less clean
• more force is required during cutting
• slipping or unstable movement appears

How to Tell the Scissors Were Damaged

Main signs:

• the scissors begin to pull or “chew” the hair
• the cut becomes less clean
• more force is required during cutting
• slipping or unstable movement appears

A Typical Situation

A very common scenario:

a left-handed stylist sends the scissors for sharpening →
they are sharpened as right-handed scissors →
the scissors come back sharp, but become uncomfortable to work with.

As a result:

• cutting quality decreases
• strain on the hand increases
• the tool begins to wear faster

Why It Happens

Not everyone takes into account the specifics of left-handed construction:

• blade working direction
• upper blade position
• contact and pressure characteristics

For right-handed scissors, these adjustments are standard.

For left-handed scissors, a separate approach is required.

Can It Be Fixed?

In many cases — yes.

If the problem is addressed early, it is often possible to:

• restore the working geometry
• recover proper blade contact
• adjust tension

📌 More on this topic:
→ Left-Handed Hairdressing Scissors: How to Identify Them and What Makes Them Different
→ Can Left-Handed Scissors Be Restored After Incorrect Sharpening