Posts
The RA meet tonight to review the Criterium study of maintaining Reston. The Criterium are engineers and they analyzed Reston 18 different categories of things that need maintenance among them such things for example as tot lots, foot bridges, pathways, boat docks, Lakes and ponds. Based on their findings we should be able to maintain everything adequately for the next 18 years by our current spending. But then the costs will go up dramatically.
There were three suggestions:
Alternative One-increase the current spending from 2.1 million to 2.7 million a year.
Alternative Two- Increase annual spending by 3% a year.
Alternative 3 Retain current funding levels, but but plan on a special assessment or other infusion of about $20 million in about 18 years.
The thing that I don't like about it is that there seems to be no control on how the Reston Association maintains things. For example I regurally see Reston Asssociation workers driving trucks on the pathways. The pathways are not designed for vehicle travel they don't have the needed base and as a result the shoulders of the roadways crumble. Yet I often see multiple vehicles with Reston workers transporting themselves each carrying a diffrent tool simultaneously deteriorating the pathways while they are also maintaining it. So no wonder it is a constant expense. Could they not instead use wheelbarrows and park nearby I wonder?
There is no one to supervise Reston workers except aparently other Reston workers. Board members do not I was told at candidate orientation night recently.
So if we have a organization with increasing funding to fund increasing maintenance that sometimes is self perpetuating I worry that things will just get more and more expensive which we'll be asked to fund somehow.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I'm a Cold Caller and I Live outside Most Comfort Zone
Part of the requirements to be a candidate for the Reston Association board seat is to assemble 25 signatures. To do so I have to ask people to sign. Most people if they are not distracted are agreeable to being solicited. But some few are highly annoyed and will look at you as if incredible that you are on the same planet.
I do much the same thing in my business of going to beauty salons soliciting stylists to have their scissors sharpened.
I had done the same soliciting when I petitioned Reston Citizens for to sign a petition permitting Reston to be incorporated to be put on the ballot. We'd hang out in front of grocery stores and ...ask citizens to sign. Most did. We got almost 5,000 signatures! A few people were mildly uncomfortable or said they didn't have time.
A lot of my fellow Reston Citizens Association members felt uncomfortable enough about asking for signatures, that they never showed up as volunteers to help in a effort which they were otherwise committed to. Some did, Jane Wong was one who single handedly got most of the 5,000 signatures.
I felt I had a right as a citizen to solicit other citizens for there own good.
It was Marion Stilson a transplanted Englishwoman who taught me to solicit for civic sauses when I first joined the Reston Citizens Association. She is now the President of RCA the but she is a leader in another way. She is a great example in living her life unconstrained by the wheelchair she is presently confined in.
Soliciting is though I think outside of most people's comfort zone. Especially Americans, maybe less so other nationalities. At first thinking about it I was a little uncomfortable but then once you do it it's fun, kind of like jumping into a cool mountain stream.
So I was not at all uncomfortable soliciting my fellow citizens for their signature on my petition to run for the Reston association Board Seat. I got some 48 names among them Joe Leighton (who is also running for the at large seat and I also signed his I don't feel I am reunnig "against" Joe but for Reston) Mark Steppell, Kathleen Driscol McKee, Richard Chew, Mary E. LaValley, Kati Ray, Jane Lee Wong, Colin Mills, Mike Corrigan, Richard Stilson, John Lovas and 40 others. A petition signer dose not obligate themselves to vote for the person running but like my town petition merely to allow it to be on the ballot. But it made me feel good that these fellow 'civic activists' felt comfortable signing my petition. And this time like always there were a few who were horrified
But if you have to cold call, to ask someone, to propose a deal to someone and you are a little bit nervous. Just go ahead and do it. You'll generally be glad you did. The next time will be easier and easier. I was sort of sad to turn in my petition to Cate Fulkerson, ending this part of the campaign.
They say the fastest growing Christian religion is Mormonism. And it's because they ask. Most don't ask so they don't grow. Not that I'm pro Mormon but maybe it demonstrates a point.
If you cold call you put yourself at risk to condemnation. That's why you have to believe in yourself. I urge you to believe in yourself and be all that you can be.
It's my hope that Reston will believe in itself and vote for me and vote to be connected to one another. As we connect and are concerned for one another's views it's my belief that we will enter a new ear and be the kind of society that Robert Simon envisioned. Clap your hands! that will be a great day, we're all going to win!
I do much the same thing in my business of going to beauty salons soliciting stylists to have their scissors sharpened.
I had done the same soliciting when I petitioned Reston Citizens for to sign a petition permitting Reston to be incorporated to be put on the ballot. We'd hang out in front of grocery stores and ...ask citizens to sign. Most did. We got almost 5,000 signatures! A few people were mildly uncomfortable or said they didn't have time.
A lot of my fellow Reston Citizens Association members felt uncomfortable enough about asking for signatures, that they never showed up as volunteers to help in a effort which they were otherwise committed to. Some did, Jane Wong was one who single handedly got most of the 5,000 signatures.
I felt I had a right as a citizen to solicit other citizens for there own good.
It was Marion Stilson a transplanted Englishwoman who taught me to solicit for civic sauses when I first joined the Reston Citizens Association. She is now the President of RCA the but she is a leader in another way. She is a great example in living her life unconstrained by the wheelchair she is presently confined in.
Soliciting is though I think outside of most people's comfort zone. Especially Americans, maybe less so other nationalities. At first thinking about it I was a little uncomfortable but then once you do it it's fun, kind of like jumping into a cool mountain stream.
So I was not at all uncomfortable soliciting my fellow citizens for their signature on my petition to run for the Reston association Board Seat. I got some 48 names among them Joe Leighton (who is also running for the at large seat and I also signed his I don't feel I am reunnig "against" Joe but for Reston) Mark Steppell, Kathleen Driscol McKee, Richard Chew, Mary E. LaValley, Kati Ray, Jane Lee Wong, Colin Mills, Mike Corrigan, Richard Stilson, John Lovas and 40 others. A petition signer dose not obligate themselves to vote for the person running but like my town petition merely to allow it to be on the ballot. But it made me feel good that these fellow 'civic activists' felt comfortable signing my petition. And this time like always there were a few who were horrified
But if you have to cold call, to ask someone, to propose a deal to someone and you are a little bit nervous. Just go ahead and do it. You'll generally be glad you did. The next time will be easier and easier. I was sort of sad to turn in my petition to Cate Fulkerson, ending this part of the campaign.
They say the fastest growing Christian religion is Mormonism. And it's because they ask. Most don't ask so they don't grow. Not that I'm pro Mormon but maybe it demonstrates a point.
If you cold call you put yourself at risk to condemnation. That's why you have to believe in yourself. I urge you to believe in yourself and be all that you can be.
It's my hope that Reston will believe in itself and vote for me and vote to be connected to one another. As we connect and are concerned for one another's views it's my belief that we will enter a new ear and be the kind of society that Robert Simon envisioned. Clap your hands! that will be a great day, we're all going to win!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Winter Famers Market
Well I set up today at 11895 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax Corner. The shopping center is at the corner of Monument Dr. and Government Center Parkway (map). The market will be open every Tuesday from 11:30am–2:30pm until May, when it will move back to the parking lot at Fairfax Corner. Come see our selection of products including winter fruits and veggies, meats, dairy products, baked goods, gluten-free products and a wide variety of prepared foods.
It is inside and there is electricity.
I learned we may be setting up in Herndon at the shopping center where the Russian Gourmet is (like Walmarts can't think of the name) but it depends on the vote of the Herndon Town council who are reluctant about the market and are bothered because don't like people on the street it seems. so we don't know how that will go but will find out next week.
But the good news is that we have found a new home in Reston on Wednesdays!
It is inside and there is electricity.
I learned we may be setting up in Herndon at the shopping center where the Russian Gourmet is (like Walmarts can't think of the name) but it depends on the vote of the Herndon Town council who are reluctant about the market and are bothered because don't like people on the street it seems. so we don't know how that will go but will find out next week.
But the good news is that we have found a new home in Reston on Wednesdays!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mail order Knife Sharpening
From a recent New York Times Article
By NANCY MATSUMOTO
Although a few holdouts remain, the days of the itinerant knife sharpener who cruises the neighborhood in a little truck are waning. To fill the void, a growing number of mail-order knife-sharpening businesses have popped up, easily accessible on the Web.
A good sharpening that extends the life of a beloved knife is one of the best investments of these recessionary times. Norman Weinstein, knife-skills instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, recommends using a reputable professional instead of trying to sharpen your knives at home "because the learning curve for doing it yourself is so high."
We tried five different services across the country and, in general, were impressed with the results. Sharpening techniques differed among the services, ranging from one cutler (as knife sharpeners are called) who uses a motorized grinding wheel and a series of "water" or whetstones, to a sharpener who uses a two-horsepower belt grinder and up to six sharpening and polishing wheels.
http://online. wsj.com/article/ SB10001424052748 7034057045750149 92111661922. html
Interesting comments. I think I have one of the best systems of knife sharpening. If you would be interested in having your knives sharpened by all means wrap them up in newspaper and send them to: Rod's knife sharpening, 11571 Embers CT, Reston VA 20191 welcome to call me at 703 945 0171 or email me at Sharpeningman@yahoo.com
By NANCY MATSUMOTO
Although a few holdouts remain, the days of the itinerant knife sharpener who cruises the neighborhood in a little truck are waning. To fill the void, a growing number of mail-order knife-sharpening businesses have popped up, easily accessible on the Web.
A good sharpening that extends the life of a beloved knife is one of the best investments of these recessionary times. Norman Weinstein, knife-skills instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, recommends using a reputable professional instead of trying to sharpen your knives at home "because the learning curve for doing it yourself is so high."
We tried five different services across the country and, in general, were impressed with the results. Sharpening techniques differed among the services, ranging from one cutler (as knife sharpeners are called) who uses a motorized grinding wheel and a series of "water" or whetstones, to a sharpener who uses a two-horsepower belt grinder and up to six sharpening and polishing wheels.
http://online. wsj.com/article/ SB10001424052748 7034057045750149 92111661922. html
Interesting comments. I think I have one of the best systems of knife sharpening. If you would be interested in having your knives sharpened by all means wrap them up in newspaper and send them to: Rod's knife sharpening, 11571 Embers CT, Reston VA 20191 welcome to call me at 703 945 0171 or email me at Sharpeningman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Here's a better wording of my canidacy statment for the 2010 Reston Association election
I sharpen scissors and knives at farmers markets and hair salons. Scissors and knives, our most basic appliances, can become dull and unusable through use. By restoring them to usefulness, instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a drawer, it saves the cook, hairstylist, or consumer time and money. A knife that cuts instead of tears food is a joy to use. And hair scissors that cut rather than slide or fold hair are not only a joy to use but can actually prevent hand injuries. If elected I would hope to bring this same resourcefulness to the Reston Association. I would like for citizens to be able to use and to perform their will in the Reston Association with less expense and more joy, fulfilling Robert Simon’s vision of the best place on the planet a person can live, work, and find recreation.
Goals: In order to be a community it is important that Reston have lines of communication that go both ways. Unfortunately in the past we have had mostly institutional-type information from the Reston Association, which often makes it seem like a hierarchy. I would like to change that by having a weekly printed newspaper, coupled with an internet newspaper, devoted to Reston. It would allow citizen-to-citizen communication and citizen-to-the RA board communication so that the board could then implement the needs of its citizens. It could largely be self-supporting, which might help Reston businesses.
I would favor more decisions being voted on in referendum votes WITHOUT board input.
I will never vote for expensive feasibility studies without a clear mandate from the people of Reston.
I am here to work for you and would appreciate your vote.
Goals: In order to be a community it is important that Reston have lines of communication that go both ways. Unfortunately in the past we have had mostly institutional-type information from the Reston Association, which often makes it seem like a hierarchy. I would like to change that by having a weekly printed newspaper, coupled with an internet newspaper, devoted to Reston. It would allow citizen-to-citizen communication and citizen-to-the RA board communication so that the board could then implement the needs of its citizens. It could largely be self-supporting, which might help Reston businesses.
I would favor more decisions being voted on in referendum votes WITHOUT board input.
I will never vote for expensive feasibility studies without a clear mandate from the people of Reston.
I am here to work for you and would appreciate your vote.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Candidates Statement for the At Large Reston Association Board Seat 2010- Rod Koozmin and a cure for depression!
Well today I got four signatures on my petition for the upcoming Reston Association board race. I still have to the first of Febuary at 5:00. Most people signed in the frigid temperatures not really interested in my positions in the election.
Candidates Statement for the At Large Board Seat 2010- Rod Koozmin
To be published and must contain each a maximum of 150 words other wise the election committee will chop off last words
Qualifications: I sharpen scissors and knives at farmers markets and hair salons. Scissors and knives, our most basic appliance can in use become dull and unusable. By restoring them to usefulness instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a drawer it saves the cook, hairstylist and consumer time and money. A knife that cuts instead of tears food is a joy to use and a hair scissor for example that cuts rather than slides or folds hair is not only just better but can prevent hand injuries. If elected I would hope to bring this same resourcefulness to the Reston Association. I would like it to be a joy for the citizens of the Reston Association to be able to use and to perform their will with less expense fulfilling Robert Simon’s vision of the best place on the planet a person can live, work and find recreation.
Goals: In order to be a community it is important that Reston have lines of communication that goes both ways. Unfortunately in the past we have had mostly institutional type information from the Reston Association which generally makes it seem like a hierarchy. I would like to change that by having weekly printed newspapers coupled with an internet newspaper that would be singularly devoted to Reston. It would allow citizen to citizen communication and citizen to the RA board communication so that the board could then hear and implement the needs of its citizens. It must be self supporting which would help Reston and its merchants. I would favor more decisions being voted on in referendum votes WITHOUT board input and I will never vote for expensive feasibility studies without a clear mandate from the people of Reston. I am here to work for you and would appreciate your vote.
Later that day I sharpened 6 scissors at a new place that had called me. I sharpened 6 scissors and got the cell phone numbers to text or the email addresses and will follow up to see how they are cutting. One was a Hiraki.
Later on the way home I stoped by Nestor Gonzolez who has figured out how to stop depression and anxiety by claping your hands and praising God and saying it is good. Nexter was a veritable fountain of helpful imformantion and says it's all in the bible. Write him at Nestor Gonzolez,
Candidates Statement for the At Large Board Seat 2010- Rod Koozmin
To be published and must contain each a maximum of 150 words other wise the election committee will chop off last words
Qualifications: I sharpen scissors and knives at farmers markets and hair salons. Scissors and knives, our most basic appliance can in use become dull and unusable. By restoring them to usefulness instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a drawer it saves the cook, hairstylist and consumer time and money. A knife that cuts instead of tears food is a joy to use and a hair scissor for example that cuts rather than slides or folds hair is not only just better but can prevent hand injuries. If elected I would hope to bring this same resourcefulness to the Reston Association. I would like it to be a joy for the citizens of the Reston Association to be able to use and to perform their will with less expense fulfilling Robert Simon’s vision of the best place on the planet a person can live, work and find recreation.
Goals: In order to be a community it is important that Reston have lines of communication that goes both ways. Unfortunately in the past we have had mostly institutional type information from the Reston Association which generally makes it seem like a hierarchy. I would like to change that by having weekly printed newspapers coupled with an internet newspaper that would be singularly devoted to Reston. It would allow citizen to citizen communication and citizen to the RA board communication so that the board could then hear and implement the needs of its citizens. It must be self supporting which would help Reston and its merchants. I would favor more decisions being voted on in referendum votes WITHOUT board input and I will never vote for expensive feasibility studies without a clear mandate from the people of Reston. I am here to work for you and would appreciate your vote.
Later that day I sharpened 6 scissors at a new place that had called me. I sharpened 6 scissors and got the cell phone numbers to text or the email addresses and will follow up to see how they are cutting. One was a Hiraki.
Later on the way home I stoped by Nestor Gonzolez who has figured out how to stop depression and anxiety by claping your hands and praising God and saying it is good. Nexter was a veritable fountain of helpful imformantion and says it's all in the bible. Write him at Nestor Gonzolez
vidios to watch and Popery of Shear and scissor knowledge
Vidios you might want to watch:
http://www.hikarisc issors.com/
anima" styles:
http://www.hikarisc issors.com/ tubevid15. html
shear for wet and dry cutting needs to be different:
http://hikarishears .com/tubevid13. html
Popery of hair shear knowledge: As a preferred maintaince procedure clean your shears daily, wiping it with any good light machine oil wiping it down using a tissue or even a chamois. Some will want to loosen but not fully detach the screw or knob (thus not losing any precious washers) and then use a old toothbrush to gently remove any hairs or dirt in the pivot area. One important thing worth emphasizing is properly adjusting the tension on your convexed scissors and even bevel scissors. Convexed scissors are scissors that have a hollow grind and should have a ride line and are convexed rather then bevel edged as dose a household scissor or a sewing scissor. Hair scissors should have from 40 to 60 degree angle but it’s difficult to measure with a protractor. Anyway there is tension on both a bevel edged and convexed scissor. This tension allows the tool to “scissor” one blade pushed against the other at just enough preshure to c-u-t! To adjust the pressure hold the scissor pointing up and with the scissor fully open and holding either the thumb or scissor blade fully open. Then drop the other blade. It should and just catch halfway. Tighten or loosen the screw or knob appropriately. And here’s a tip: when using a screw driver on a scissor or shear take the time to get a screw driver that fits the screw. A gunsmith’s screw driver works best if it fits in avoiding buggering the screw up. Then put a rag on a table and “screw” [:o) with the force, if needed against the scissor instead of your hand and maybe avoid a accident. But most scissors/shears (I make no distinction) should be in good condition and not need violence to open it. If rusted use drops of DW-40 or other similar loosening fluids applied liberally and left over night. And while we are on the subject of screws [:o), some screws on scissors loosen up and are always needing tightening so that they are a constant nuisance! There is a substance that can be carefully be applied, a kind of cement. If applied properly it and allowed to harden it will lock the screw or nut so that it is not constantly loosening. It is available in a variety of flavors at auto stores and of course we have a scissor version of it. Cleaning and lubricating, adjusting the tension and avoiding dropping are the three most important things you can do to preserve your scissor/shear. Keep it in a leather case that protects it from banging other scissors. Leather allows the metal to breath. A friend said there are over 400,000 salons in America approximately 1,400,000 stylists and the average stylist has 3.75 pair of scissors. Now don't ask me how someone cuts with .75 scissors, guess they just do bald men. The object of sharpening hair scissors is to restore the cutting ability. After a while the hair will slide while cutting causing more fatigue and frustration for the stylist. The basic process is: the sharpener first raises the bur on a blade then then polishes and strops it. Then the bur is removed and the scissor is tested. Various materials have been used to test a hair scissor, cellophane, plastic from a drycleaner, one ply of dry or wet tissue, two ply’s o tissue and real hair, wet or dry. From has developed a special fabric which effectively tests new shears and they don’t have to then clean it. I feel hair is the best judge but a dry tissue can help to analyze the shear. But cutting anything else excessively except hair can prematurely dull your scissor. Just about all hair scissors are made with stainless steel that is manufactured in either Japan, Korea, Germany, China, India or Pakistan. The steel made in Japan is regarded as the best steel for making scissors in the world. And while Korean and Chinese steels are good they tend to be just a little softer metal and many feel they do not hold a edge as well as the Japanese steels. German steel is regarded as very hard, too hard to sharpen to a razor’s edge. In making good scissor steel, carbon, molybdenum , manganese, chromium, vanadium, cobalt and titanium are added to add hardness, toughness, tinsel strength, protection against corrosion, toughness and fatigue resistance. Good stainless steels range from 440A to 440C and the the silver tooling tools S-1 to V-10. ATS-314 is considered by many experts to be the finest, most expensive scissor steel in the world. Damascus steel was once used to produce great swords that was both ultra sharp and flexible but today is just a beautiful grain pattern and dose not contribute to the utility of a scissor as the layers are just wrong. The best scissors are hand forged but many many scissors have cast or stamped handles. Some cast blade scissors do not hold a edge as well as a forged shear. There is no stainless steel that is truly stain or rust proof- keep them clean and with a light coating of oil. Titanium coated shears will not last any longer but produces a pretty durable surface. Weight, length, balance and handle configuration can contribute signifigently in prevention of carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cup , and other problems in hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back I have been told. I have also been told that a swivel scissor can prevent or even reverse these conditions if you can get used to it. You can learn how to sharpen a scissor yourself with a DMT folding sharpener, a strop and a Kudo “stone” (available from Kudo scissor sharpening machines –Goougle). Watch the video on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpeVwmTGp5w. It is a crude video with a flaw but never the less demonstrates how to sharpen a pair of convexed scissors by hand and better than most sharpeners who sometimes totally ruin them. You might benefit from some training with a expert. Here’s how judges appraise a scissor at national shear sharpening shows and it’s very confusing:Convex Edge:Hone lines 40 points; honed through edge10 points; Hone line is even, tips not wiped put 5points; No multi angles or roundness of hone 15pointsNo visible hone line along the back 10points; Edge Work 30points; No excess metal removal in back or suckling effect.10points; Smooth convex.5points: Edged through. 5points; 45 degree minimum edge angl.10 points; Set & Alignment 30pointsNo hooks or holes in the run. Balanced feel. 20points; Run is smooth, not rough 10 points;Tipspoints 10 points; Meet and close all the way. Are the same length 5points;Nicely rounded, do not scratch 5points; Curvature 30 (this one will be changed this year); Finish & Appearance 25 points; Blade is high polished with no excess blemishes... .. 5pointsNo excess scratches or blemishes on rest of scissor 5points; Bumper and finger pin are not loose 10points; Bumper not sticking through to inside ring 5points; Final Cutting Inspection 50Scissor cuts entire length of blade 30points; Cut is smooth, not ragged and leaves no sags10points.
: I sharpen scissors and knives at famers markets and hair salons. Scissors and knives, our most basic appliance can in use become dull and unusable. By restoring them to usefulness instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a drawer it saves the cook or hairstylist money. A knife that cuts instead of tears food is a joy to use and a hair scissor for example that cuts rather than slides or folds hair is not only just better but can prevent hand injuries.
3) USABILITY: The most important thing that you should look for in a shear after you have established what quality of shear you wish to purchase, is how it FEELS, not just in your hand, but how it feels to your WHOLE BODY. The wrong shear can contribute to CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, TENDONITIS, BURSITIS, ROTATOR CUP, and other hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back problems. The right shear can prevent, or even cure, these problems. The factors that will make it a good shear for you are: WEIGHT, LENGTH, BALANCE and HANDLE CONFIGUATION.
A) WEIGHT: There are hundreds of different styles on the market and one way in which they differ is weight. Some people like a heavy shear, most stylists prefer a lighter scissor. Be aware of your preference and make sure that the weight of the scissor is comfortable and that you have a feeling of control all the way to the tip of the blade.
B) LENGTH: Most scissors range in length from 4.5” to 8”. To choose a basic cutting tool, you should measure the length of the blade against your middle finger, and the overall length of the scissor against the extended palm of your hand. Most women are more comfortable working with a 5” or 5.5” scissor, while most men prefer a 5.5” or 6.0” shear. Longer shears, such as 6.5” to 8” scissors are good for scissor over comb work and longer styles. Thinning/blending and texturizing shears can save time and produce more uniform results when softening “lines” and “corners”, feathering, thinning bulk, adding volume or doing the “fractured” or more “textured” styles.
C) BALANCE: A shear should feel well-balanced in your hand. That means that neither the handle nor the blade should feel too heavy when you are cutting with the scissor. You don’t want to feel that you are working to hold the tip of the blade level with the cutting surface, or your hand will become easily fatigued.
D) HANDLE CONFIGURATION: Handle configuration is probably one of the biggest considerations when choosing a new shear. OPPOSING or STRAIGHT handled shears put the most strain on the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck and back. OFF-SET and CRANE-HANDLE shears put less strain on the body and are usually a better choice. Shears that have a bent-down thumb-ring and spacing between the thumb and finger-rings are also more comfortable. For stylists with mild or severe problems, SWIVEL-THUMB shears can be an enormous help. Also, use FINGER INSERTS so that your scissors will fit your fingers and thumb. The holes on a scissor handle should not be sloppy and should not go past your knuckle, especially on your thumb. A poor fit will put more strain on your hand and dull your scissors more quickly.Contace Discount Scissors at 703 945 0171 or home at 703 620 1058 for all of your scissor needs
MAINTENANCE: You will probably be investing between $150 to $500 per shear. That is an investment that should be protected.
Shears should be CLEANED at the end of each day, before they are put in their case for the night. And if you are cutting permed hair, colored hair or hair impregnated with chlorine, you should wipe down the blades with alcohol and dry them after the cut. These chemicals can dull your blades. Hair and dirt left on scissors can cause rusting and pitting. At least once a week, you should OIL your scissors at the pivot point. Clipper blade oil is fine for this. It is best to store your scissors in a CASE whenever they are not in your hands. This will prevent customers and other stylists from “borrowing” your scissors to do things like cut out recipies and cut off the tops of perm bottles.
We recommend having any shears that you use on a regular basis serviced at least once a year. They need to be cleaned, set and balanced, even if they are still sharp.
http://www.hikarisc issors.com/
anima" styles:
http://www.hikarisc issors.com/ tubevid15. html
shear for wet and dry cutting needs to be different:
http://hikarishears .com/tubevid13. html
Popery of hair shear knowledge: As a preferred maintaince procedure clean your shears daily, wiping it with any good light machine oil wiping it down using a tissue or even a chamois. Some will want to loosen but not fully detach the screw or knob (thus not losing any precious washers) and then use a old toothbrush to gently remove any hairs or dirt in the pivot area. One important thing worth emphasizing is properly adjusting the tension on your convexed scissors and even bevel scissors. Convexed scissors are scissors that have a hollow grind and should have a ride line and are convexed rather then bevel edged as dose a household scissor or a sewing scissor. Hair scissors should have from 40 to 60 degree angle but it’s difficult to measure with a protractor. Anyway there is tension on both a bevel edged and convexed scissor. This tension allows the tool to “scissor” one blade pushed against the other at just enough preshure to c-u-t! To adjust the pressure hold the scissor pointing up and with the scissor fully open and holding either the thumb or scissor blade fully open. Then drop the other blade. It should and just catch halfway. Tighten or loosen the screw or knob appropriately. And here’s a tip: when using a screw driver on a scissor or shear take the time to get a screw driver that fits the screw. A gunsmith’s screw driver works best if it fits in avoiding buggering the screw up. Then put a rag on a table and “screw” [:o) with the force, if needed against the scissor instead of your hand and maybe avoid a accident. But most scissors/shears (I make no distinction) should be in good condition and not need violence to open it. If rusted use drops of DW-40 or other similar loosening fluids applied liberally and left over night. And while we are on the subject of screws [:o), some screws on scissors loosen up and are always needing tightening so that they are a constant nuisance! There is a substance that can be carefully be applied, a kind of cement. If applied properly it and allowed to harden it will lock the screw or nut so that it is not constantly loosening. It is available in a variety of flavors at auto stores and of course we have a scissor version of it. Cleaning and lubricating, adjusting the tension and avoiding dropping are the three most important things you can do to preserve your scissor/shear. Keep it in a leather case that protects it from banging other scissors. Leather allows the metal to breath. A friend said there are over 400,000 salons in America approximately 1,400,000 stylists and the average stylist has 3.75 pair of scissors. Now don't ask me how someone cuts with .75 scissors, guess they just do bald men. The object of sharpening hair scissors is to restore the cutting ability. After a while the hair will slide while cutting causing more fatigue and frustration for the stylist. The basic process is: the sharpener first raises the bur on a blade then then polishes and strops it. Then the bur is removed and the scissor is tested. Various materials have been used to test a hair scissor, cellophane, plastic from a drycleaner, one ply of dry or wet tissue, two ply’s o tissue and real hair, wet or dry. From has developed a special fabric which effectively tests new shears and they don’t have to then clean it. I feel hair is the best judge but a dry tissue can help to analyze the shear. But cutting anything else excessively except hair can prematurely dull your scissor. Just about all hair scissors are made with stainless steel that is manufactured in either Japan, Korea, Germany, China, India or Pakistan. The steel made in Japan is regarded as the best steel for making scissors in the world. And while Korean and Chinese steels are good they tend to be just a little softer metal and many feel they do not hold a edge as well as the Japanese steels. German steel is regarded as very hard, too hard to sharpen to a razor’s edge. In making good scissor steel, carbon, molybdenum , manganese, chromium, vanadium, cobalt and titanium are added to add hardness, toughness, tinsel strength, protection against corrosion, toughness and fatigue resistance. Good stainless steels range from 440A to 440C and the the silver tooling tools S-1 to V-10. ATS-314 is considered by many experts to be the finest, most expensive scissor steel in the world. Damascus steel was once used to produce great swords that was both ultra sharp and flexible but today is just a beautiful grain pattern and dose not contribute to the utility of a scissor as the layers are just wrong. The best scissors are hand forged but many many scissors have cast or stamped handles. Some cast blade scissors do not hold a edge as well as a forged shear. There is no stainless steel that is truly stain or rust proof- keep them clean and with a light coating of oil. Titanium coated shears will not last any longer but produces a pretty durable surface. Weight, length, balance and handle configuration can contribute signifigently in prevention of carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cup , and other problems in hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back I have been told. I have also been told that a swivel scissor can prevent or even reverse these conditions if you can get used to it. You can learn how to sharpen a scissor yourself with a DMT folding sharpener, a strop and a Kudo “stone” (available from Kudo scissor sharpening machines –Goougle). Watch the video on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpeVwmTGp5w. It is a crude video with a flaw but never the less demonstrates how to sharpen a pair of convexed scissors by hand and better than most sharpeners who sometimes totally ruin them. You might benefit from some training with a expert. Here’s how judges appraise a scissor at national shear sharpening shows and it’s very confusing:Convex Edge:Hone lines 40 points; honed through edge10 points; Hone line is even, tips not wiped put 5points; No multi angles or roundness of hone 15pointsNo visible hone line along the back 10points; Edge Work 30points; No excess metal removal in back or suckling effect.10points; Smooth convex.5points: Edged through. 5points; 45 degree minimum edge angl.10 points; Set & Alignment 30pointsNo hooks or holes in the run. Balanced feel. 20points; Run is smooth, not rough 10 points;Tipspoints 10 points; Meet and close all the way. Are the same length 5points;Nicely rounded, do not scratch 5points; Curvature 30 (this one will be changed this year); Finish & Appearance 25 points; Blade is high polished with no excess blemishes... .. 5pointsNo excess scratches or blemishes on rest of scissor 5points; Bumper and finger pin are not loose 10points; Bumper not sticking through to inside ring 5points; Final Cutting Inspection 50Scissor cuts entire length of blade 30points; Cut is smooth, not ragged and leaves no sags10points.
: I sharpen scissors and knives at famers markets and hair salons. Scissors and knives, our most basic appliance can in use become dull and unusable. By restoring them to usefulness instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a drawer it saves the cook or hairstylist money. A knife that cuts instead of tears food is a joy to use and a hair scissor for example that cuts rather than slides or folds hair is not only just better but can prevent hand injuries.
3) USABILITY: The most important thing that you should look for in a shear after you have established what quality of shear you wish to purchase, is how it FEELS, not just in your hand, but how it feels to your WHOLE BODY. The wrong shear can contribute to CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, TENDONITIS, BURSITIS, ROTATOR CUP, and other hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back problems. The right shear can prevent, or even cure, these problems. The factors that will make it a good shear for you are: WEIGHT, LENGTH, BALANCE and HANDLE CONFIGUATION.
A) WEIGHT: There are hundreds of different styles on the market and one way in which they differ is weight. Some people like a heavy shear, most stylists prefer a lighter scissor. Be aware of your preference and make sure that the weight of the scissor is comfortable and that you have a feeling of control all the way to the tip of the blade.
B) LENGTH: Most scissors range in length from 4.5” to 8”. To choose a basic cutting tool, you should measure the length of the blade against your middle finger, and the overall length of the scissor against the extended palm of your hand. Most women are more comfortable working with a 5” or 5.5” scissor, while most men prefer a 5.5” or 6.0” shear. Longer shears, such as 6.5” to 8” scissors are good for scissor over comb work and longer styles. Thinning/blending and texturizing shears can save time and produce more uniform results when softening “lines” and “corners”, feathering, thinning bulk, adding volume or doing the “fractured” or more “textured” styles.
C) BALANCE: A shear should feel well-balanced in your hand. That means that neither the handle nor the blade should feel too heavy when you are cutting with the scissor. You don’t want to feel that you are working to hold the tip of the blade level with the cutting surface, or your hand will become easily fatigued.
D) HANDLE CONFIGURATION: Handle configuration is probably one of the biggest considerations when choosing a new shear. OPPOSING or STRAIGHT handled shears put the most strain on the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck and back. OFF-SET and CRANE-HANDLE shears put less strain on the body and are usually a better choice. Shears that have a bent-down thumb-ring and spacing between the thumb and finger-rings are also more comfortable. For stylists with mild or severe problems, SWIVEL-THUMB shears can be an enormous help. Also, use FINGER INSERTS so that your scissors will fit your fingers and thumb. The holes on a scissor handle should not be sloppy and should not go past your knuckle, especially on your thumb. A poor fit will put more strain on your hand and dull your scissors more quickly.Contace Discount Scissors at 703 945 0171 or home at 703 620 1058 for all of your scissor needs
MAINTENANCE: You will probably be investing between $150 to $500 per shear. That is an investment that should be protected.
Shears should be CLEANED at the end of each day, before they are put in their case for the night. And if you are cutting permed hair, colored hair or hair impregnated with chlorine, you should wipe down the blades with alcohol and dry them after the cut. These chemicals can dull your blades. Hair and dirt left on scissors can cause rusting and pitting. At least once a week, you should OIL your scissors at the pivot point. Clipper blade oil is fine for this. It is best to store your scissors in a CASE whenever they are not in your hands. This will prevent customers and other stylists from “borrowing” your scissors to do things like cut out recipies and cut off the tops of perm bottles.
We recommend having any shears that you use on a regular basis serviced at least once a year. They need to be cleaned, set and balanced, even if they are still sharp.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Well Wednesday despite the cold and despite the snow and dispite having to be back from my Key West vacation was a great day sharpeningwise. I sharpened a number of scissors and knives at Curran Designer Fabrics as I do the first Wednesday of the Month from 10:30 to 11:30 but most interesting was a pair of solid silver scissors. They are used for cutting a bunch of grapes on elegant tables, I'm sure you know what I mean.
They were about 8". The handles were more then half. They were riveted so nothing could be done to improve the ride area. Examining them they were blunt at the edge. It would cut Time magazine covers but somewhat jagged, towels not at all. I put a slightly convexed edge on it just because it was already somewhat that way. They then cut the Time somewhat better but the towel. (I didn't;t bother with a wet tissue or Hair fall pieces)
Silver like copper gets hard when hammered . It gets brittle and can again be made malable by heating it. House wiring is hard and therefore difficult to bend around screws or twist into wire nuts. My next scissor that day was a bent convex. It was fortunate that I had my Mighty Mini belt sander which is perfect for doing bent convexed. In fact I couldn't;t imagine doing it with a flat hone or a Aquahone(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjyyx_JhPVQ&feature=channel). It was a blue something which I had sold the gal the month before from the scissor Mall collection. I was anxious to see how she liked or disliked the thing.It turned out she had dropped the thing and she was especially glad to see me.
I took it apart and noticed the odd large washers on both sides of the scissor screw with a clik plate. I hope I can get more of those from "Scissor Mall" because I have a feeling I am going to need them. Maybe I'll cc them for this post.
Anyway with a 1000 belt I started going over the convex on the finger blade. It just needed more bite as the angle didn't seem right so I switched to a 600 belt. That one was just right and I raised the bur on the finger then the thumb blade. Then I polished both blades with the 1000 and worked the ride line slightly on My Kudo stone mainly just knocking the bur down and maybe the nick from the drop.. Then I st roped blades with my leather belt which I keep on another unit and Japan Woodworker Green and put them back together. I could of sworn they cut much better then before.
I handed them to the groomer and she sniped a few snips on a white poodle and smiled and I knew knew it was yet another successful mission for the mighty mini sander. The whole operation couldn't of taken more then more then five minutes!
It was after doing a few more scissors that her co worker who is someone that initially encouraged me to get into scissor sharpening when I'd bring my beagle in to her to get her nails clipped because I just couldn't stand to her her yelp when I tried. She'd tell me that her former sharpener ground the hell out of her scissors. Anyway she'd told me that she planed to buy a clipper machine from my competitor locally (written up by the Washington Post) who it seemed was going out of the clipper business. I called Skip and learning about the machine which confirmed what everyone else said you could pretty much figure out why. They are just planning to do clipper blades which I haven't wanted to get into so it might be a good deal for both of us. But I called her and told her what Skip said so she might get a better machine.
Then off to another groomer in McLean where I sharpened a few scissors and off to McLean Barbers and Tommy Chew. Tommy is planning to go off to New York City by bus which is the best way from Rockville and celebrate and eat Cantonese food. He had a Wahl 8081 that just broke in his hands. I sent it back to Wahl and resharpened a thinner and got a haircut. Discussing tea with Tommy he gave me a bag of "toasted green tea." It was strong stuff but maybe just the thing for my cold.-Rod
They were about 8". The handles were more then half. They were riveted so nothing could be done to improve the ride area. Examining them they were blunt at the edge. It would cut Time magazine covers but somewhat jagged, towels not at all. I put a slightly convexed edge on it just because it was already somewhat that way. They then cut the Time somewhat better but the towel. (I didn't;t bother with a wet tissue or Hair fall pieces)
Silver like copper gets hard when hammered . It gets brittle and can again be made malable by heating it. House wiring is hard and therefore difficult to bend around screws or twist into wire nuts. My next scissor that day was a bent convex. It was fortunate that I had my Mighty Mini belt sander which is perfect for doing bent convexed. In fact I couldn't;t imagine doing it with a flat hone or a Aquahone(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjyyx_JhPVQ&feature=channel). It was a blue something which I had sold the gal the month before from the scissor Mall collection. I was anxious to see how she liked or disliked the thing.It turned out she had dropped the thing and she was especially glad to see me.
I took it apart and noticed the odd large washers on both sides of the scissor screw with a clik plate. I hope I can get more of those from "Scissor Mall" because I have a feeling I am going to need them. Maybe I'll cc them for this post.
Anyway with a 1000 belt I started going over the convex on the finger blade. It just needed more bite as the angle didn't seem right so I switched to a 600 belt. That one was just right and I raised the bur on the finger then the thumb blade. Then I polished both blades with the 1000 and worked the ride line slightly on My Kudo stone mainly just knocking the bur down and maybe the nick from the drop.. Then I st roped blades with my leather belt which I keep on another unit and Japan Woodworker Green and put them back together. I could of sworn they cut much better then before.
I handed them to the groomer and she sniped a few snips on a white poodle and smiled and I knew knew it was yet another successful mission for the mighty mini sander. The whole operation couldn't of taken more then more then five minutes!
It was after doing a few more scissors that her co worker who is someone that initially encouraged me to get into scissor sharpening when I'd bring my beagle in to her to get her nails clipped because I just couldn't stand to her her yelp when I tried. She'd tell me that her former sharpener ground the hell out of her scissors. Anyway she'd told me that she planed to buy a clipper machine from my competitor locally (written up by the Washington Post) who it seemed was going out of the clipper business. I called Skip and learning about the machine which confirmed what everyone else said you could pretty much figure out why. They are just planning to do clipper blades which I haven't wanted to get into so it might be a good deal for both of us. But I called her and told her what Skip said so she might get a better machine.
Then off to another groomer in McLean where I sharpened a few scissors and off to McLean Barbers and Tommy Chew. Tommy is planning to go off to New York City by bus which is the best way from Rockville and celebrate and eat Cantonese food. He had a Wahl 8081 that just broke in his hands. I sent it back to Wahl and resharpened a thinner and got a haircut. Discussing tea with Tommy he gave me a bag of "toasted green tea." It was strong stuff but maybe just the thing for my cold.-Rod
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
