Troubleshooting After Sharpening

Troubleshooting matrix

Symptom	Likely cause	Immediate action	Escalation
Hair folding	Tension too loose or edge too blunt	Increase tension 1–2 clicks; test again	Contact sharpener if folding persists
Crunchy sound	Residue left in pivot or burrs on edge	Clean, oil, and run a dozen open/close cycles	Request re-honing if noise continues
Tip misalignment	Dropped shear or improper tip finishing	Gently realign if trained, otherwise stop using	Sharpener must reset tips
Blade separation	Washer missing or tension washer damaged	Inspect washer, replace if worn	Sharpener to replace hardware
Drag on slide cuts	Incorrect angle for convex edge	Communicate desired angle; request redo	Find a convex specialist

Documentation protocol

• Film a short clip showing the issue within 24 hours of receiving the shears.
• Include audio when capturing crunching or clicking sounds.
• Email the sharpener with video, service date, and a concise description of tests performed.

Tension adjustments checklist

1. Start at the returned tension setting.
2. Turn dial one click/tiny screw increment at a time.
3. Test on damp and dry hair.
4. Stop if resistance increases significantly—over-tightening damages washers.

When to involve the manufacturer

• If the shear is under warranty and the sharpening partner is brand-certified, contact the brand with documentation.
• For premium steels, some manufacturers prefer factory service for re-honing or re-alignment.

Protecting your schedule

Always keep a backup shear ready while you wait for corrections. Factor potential rework time into your Sharpening Blueprint.

Preventing repeat issues

• Rotate sharpeners annually to benchmark quality.
• Keep detailed maintenance logs (date, issues, resolution).
• Share feedback with your stylist team to prevent common mistakes.