Daily after each client: Wipe the blades down with a soft lint-free cloth while the hair is still fresh, working toward the tip and paying attention to the pivot area where debris collects. For product buildup, use a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, and never let liquid dry onto the shear.
Oiling: At least once a week, hold the shear tips-down with the blades open about 45° and place a couple of drops of shear oil (camellia/tsubaki oil is ideal) right at the pivot point not on the cutting edges. Open and close a few times to work it in, ideally overnight, then wipe away the excess.
Tension check: Hold the shear vertically with tips up, open the top blade to about 90°, and let it fall on its own it should drop halfway to two-thirds down and stop. Closes all the way = too loose (hair folds); barely moves = too tight (grindy, tiring). Adjust one click at a time and retest.
Storage: Store closed in the included leather case, tips down, in a cool dry place away from moisture and chemicals fully dry before putting them away.
Sharpening & service: The best sign is hair folding or pushing instead of cutting cleanly. Check tension first loose tension causes the same folding and only if tension is right and it's still folding is it time for a professional sharpening. Never DIY-sharpen a Japanese convex edge.
