While in Japan my wife Hiroko and I met with Kimio Iwata, owner of Masutaro Scissors, and Hirokazu Mizutani, President of Mizutani Scissors MFG., and his Manager of Product Development, Masura Iwase. We discussed amongst many things, the sobering statistics of unqualified sharpeners in the United States. If you think Japan is immune to this problem, you will be surprised to know Mr. Iwata rates the average salon sharpening at around 4, on a scale of 1 through 10.
I had been "factory" trained as a scissor sharpener, with all the latest tools I thought. Then I met Glenn Borenstein of Shear Integrity over the
phone. I needed to replace a pair of shears that had been damaged by
another sharpener, and I was being held responsible for them because thats
the way it works sometimes. And we talked. We struck up a professional
relationship right away, which led to him taking me under his wing, and
training me through corespondence with email, phone, and even shipping
different items back and forth through the mail.
I was a good sharpener with a good and growing reputation for a year prior
to meeting Glenn. But after, and following his instruction and technique
to the letter, my sharpening improved 100%.
Now I consider Glenn a good friend, and would tell anyone that if you have
the chance to train with him, listen and follow his teachings to the
letter. You will be glad you did, and so will your customers.
G L Myers
BY INVITATION ONLY. Whether you're already a sharpener and would like to hone your skills or just looking to learn. There is nothing to buy; Shear Integrity will furnish all necessary equipment. No bogus certificates or diplomas will be issued. Serious-minded candidates only need apply.
If you have no prior experience, please skip the questions on sharpening and just let us know why you are interested in taking this course. Candidates will be chosen by Shear Integrity based upon their answers.
PLEASE send your request to us by e-mail only (info@shearintegrity.com). All telephone callers will be automatically disqualified. This offer is available to residents outside the New York Tri-State area only.
Classes will be held at the Petruccelli Beauty Depot spacious educational facilities in New York City. No bogus certificates or diplomas will be issued.
DID YOU KNOW that about 75% of all new shears are incorrectly sharpened or ruined the first time? Shear Integrity, with more than 30 years' experience in the field, is looking to teach a select group of qualified candidates how to hone scissors correctly and raise the industry standard.
In these difficult economic times, Shear Integrity would like to give something back to the community by offering a free, one-day class to eligible candidates from outside the New York Tri-State area. Classes will be held at the Petruccelli Beauty Depot educational facilities in New York City. There you will see scissors that have been sent to Shear Integrity from all over the country in every imaginable state of disrepair and learn how to repair them properly. No bogus certificates or diplomas will be issued.
If you are determined and skilled and want to sharpen scissors full time no one should stop you from reaching your goals, and earning an honest living. Remember the stylist is entrusting you with their valued tools of their trade. Their shears are an emotional extension of their very being. They rely on their tools to earn a living and are in their hands for 40 or more hours a week. You will have them for 5-15 minutes depending on the shears needs. Make sure always to be consistent and thorough and always PRACTICE PERFECT!
Before you spend thousands of dollars and precious time to equip yourself to enter this industry, Shear Integrity would like to assist you. Do your research. Do your homework. Study the market in your area and set realistic goals for yourself. No one should ever promise to make you an expert in three days or even three weeks.
QUESTIONNAIRE
First Name:
Company name:
Address1:
Address2:
City
State:
Tel/Fax
Email :
Web Site
Why do you want to learn?
How did you hear about sharpening?
What is your present occupation?
How long have you been sharpening?
Years.
Where did you learn how to sharpen?
How long was the course?
How much did it cost?
What type of equipment do you use?
How much do you pay for abrasives?
What type of abrasives do you use?
How many sharpenings to each abrasive pad?
Which do you prefer?
and Why?
Do you use water in your system? (If so, explain how.)
On average, how long does it take to sharpen one pair of scissors?
Minutes
Describe in detail:
How would you sharpen these three types of scissors?
What do you use for working the inside edge (ride line)?
What do you use to polish blades?
Do you use a buffing/polishing wheel? If so, what type?
What size?
What type of rouge do you use?
What is the weakest aspect of your sharpening technique?
