Jim Sharp

The Wolff STAT Tool

2011-08-01T15:46:00.005-04:00

I get a large number of requests for information on this new tool for adjusting tension on clipper blades without having to take the blade all the way apart. I thought a video would be more clear than just a write up. Here is how the Wolff clipper blade tension adjusting STAT Tool works. It's simple to use, will speed up adding tension to blades when sharpening clipper blades, and works great. If you'd like to purchase this tool call Wolff at 800-888-3832. The part number is WCL0001 and the price is just $24.10. See how it works below:

Great Wolff Show

2011-05-08T18:19:00.001-04:00

Didn't get to post this yesterday. Jason with Edge Pro did an awesome job! Excellent class on adjusting the Andis Master Clipper.

This was a wonderful show. Thanks to all that came out! There'll be a full write up June's On The Edge.

Scissors Sharpening and Sales Presentation

2011-05-07T16:15:00.001-04:00

I was up after Bob at Nebraska Blades.

After me was Bruce. He was great! What a wealth of sales knowledge!

Great show so far. More coming soon.

Nebraska Blades at the Wolff Show

2011-05-07T10:19:00.001-04:00

Bob from Nebraska Blades is off and running at the Wolff Scissors and Clipper Blade Sharpening Show. Excellent presentation!

Hello Dallas

2011-05-05T14:25:00.001-04:00

Will be in Dallas this evening getting ready to set up for the Wolff Show this weekend. Hopefully, if I have access, I'll be able to shoot out a few updates about the show. Keep an eye out.

The Wolff STAT Tool

2011-02-02T11:15:00.010-05:00

Wolff’s New Clipper Blade Tensioning Device

I wrote an article in the January Issue of On The Edge about Wolff's new Spring Tension Adjusting Tool for Clipper Blades (STAT for short). This tool will allow you to add tension to a clipper blade’s spring without having to take the whole clipper blade apart. Here’s some info about it:

The New Wolff Stat Tool

The T-Bar design of the tool allows you to apply force with little effort. It also has a ramp built into the end to use to force the spring back up to replace the cutter blade. Here’s a run down on how it works:

How to Use the New Wolff Stat Tool

Start by slipping the cutter out of the clipper blade (See the picture below). On occasion the blade guide will pop off when you do this. If it does, be sure to put it back on the spring before you replace the cutter when you’re done.

Once you have slipped your cutter out, use the STAT Tool to torque the right side of the clipper blade spring downward as shown in this picture below. Be sure to seat the spring all the way into the slot! You don't want to twist the bifurcated end of the tool out of shape.

Once you’ve twisted the first side of the spring downward, flip the blade around and do the same to the other side of the clipper blade spring.

Now that you’ve added your tension, use the ramp built into the end of the STAT Tool to lift the spring up so the cutter can be replaced into the blade.

That’s it. Pretty simple. And actually it can be even simpler. One of the sharpeners that purchased the Tool already just slips the cutter to one side of the spring and then adds a little tension, then he slips it back the other way to add more to the other side. Even faster!

This is a great time saving tool. I'll be shooting a video about it soon, so keep an eye out for it.

If you'd like to order a STAT Tool from Wolff. The price is just $22.95 and the part number is WCL0001. Give them a ring at 800-888-3832.

Hate Sales Prospecting?

2011-02-02T09:58:00.009-05:00

Hate sales prospecting? Change your attitude. How you start your day has a great impact on how the day goes. I've finished a write up on this topic today over at Interaction Sells, my sales blog. Go take a look and see how you can improve your sales prospecting by changing your view of it. Click here to view the post.

Image: marchbox

The First 2011 Wolff Show

2011-01-31T08:37:00.007-05:00

Wolff has scheduled their first show for the 2011 season. It will be held on Saturday May 7th and Sunday May 8th at the Crown Plaza Park Central Suites in Dallas, Texas.

The show times will be 9am - 6pm on Saturday, and 9am - 3pm on Sunday. There will also be a separate vendor room that will be open each day so you can spend time with a number of our supporting vendors. The price to attend is just $89.00 if you sign up by March 24th, and then $109 thereafter. The price includes access to all seminars and the vendor room.

Speakers will be Bob Schiessl, Bruce Nihart, and myself. We will be touching on all aspects of sharpening shears and clipper blades, business growth, and increasing sales.

Seating will be limited to just 50, so sign up right away to get the discount $89 dollar rate and your seat. If you have any questions, give Wolff a call at 800-888-3832. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the show!

Nebraska Blades and the Hira-To®

2011-01-26T09:16:00.005-05:00

Wolff just announced on the Hira-To® Blog that Nebraska Blades is now carrying the Wolff's newest scissors sharpening unit. To view the post, click here.

How Shears are Made

2011-01-22T12:44:00.005-05:00

Great video showing how shears are made! Note all the hand work that goes into a pair of shears along with the automation. Many beauty shears require even more hand work. Videos like this dispel many of the myths and rumors that shears have twists "purposely" worked into their edges and "specific" edge radius. While all shears have some form of edge radius, most don't have an "exact" edge radius because of the hand work. The same holds true for twisted edges. This too is due to the hand work and will vary from shear to shear. Questions? Shoot me an email at otenews@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the video. I think National Geographic did a wonderful job. I've worked many of these machines myself at some of the companies that manufacture shears for Wolff Industries.

Interested in learning more about sharpening and the machines I use? Visit this post:
http://jimsharp.blogspot.com/2008/11/scissor-sharpening-machines-and.html

Some Wolff Close Outs

2011-01-20T15:02:00.002-05:00

Wolff has put two of their industrial style shears on close out, the Silky and the Cozic. Both are excellent shears and are great for gifts. Here's a couple of pictures and a link:

Silky
Cozic

Click here to view the Close Out Page on the Wolff website.

Lucky Hare's New Website

2011-01-15T20:08:00.004-05:00

Just a heads up that George Harris, owner of Lucky Hare Shears, just redesigned his website. It's a nice clean site that's easy to navigate. To take a look, click on the link below:
http://www.luckyhareshears.com/

If you decide to take a peek, be sure to check out his scissor care page. If you're interested in the Lucky Hare line, give George a call (He's a super nice guy), or give Wolff a call. It's one of the top lines they carry.

Merry Christmas to all my Sharpening Amigos!

2010-12-25T11:00:00.001-05:00

Improve Yourself as a Sharpener

2010-12-18T12:50:00.004-05:00

A Quick Easy Way to Improve Yourself as a Sharpener
What's one way you can improve yourself as a Sharpener? Education. One good place to go to get a little education that will not only make you look smart to your stylists and groomers, but will provide you with information that will allow you to help them too is Andis' YouTube Channel. Here you will find a number of videos on blade care, clipper care, and more. The info you'll find here is great for everyday conversations you have with customers as a Sharpener and good for finding ideas for classes you may be teaching if you speak at beauty or grooming schools.

Here is Andis' latest video:

Having trouble viewing this video via email? Click here.

Here is a link to Andis' YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/andisonvideo

OH MY!!! Not Good!

2010-12-08T10:13:00.008-05:00

Okay. Here is the flipside of inside work. Bad inside work is just as bad, if not worse, than no inside work. Glen received these from a sharpener that picked them up from a new customer. He sent them in for two reasons:

1. To show us.

2. To see if ANTHING could be done to at least make them workable.

In this case, we had to tell this sharpener these shears were dead in the water.

Not Sure What's Wrong Here? Let Me Point Out a Few Issues:

1. Way overworked in the ride area behind the screw.

2. Way too much pressure at the tip. This and set mostly caused the wipe out at the tip.

3. Not sure what happened to the set, but bad set is PART of the reason for the wavy inside ride line.

What Should You Do If You Run Into a Shear Like This in the Field?

I strongly suggest you click on the link below and hit the blue button!!!!!
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/

(For a better look at this shear. Click on the image above to enlarge)

Sharpening Repair on a Left Hand Beauty Shear

2010-12-07T17:44:00.007-05:00

Well, the videos are up and here is the post I promised. I had a heck of a time with this pair of scissors. Quite a bit of inside work needed to be done, and the angles were all wrong. We got 'em fixed up pretty darn good though and it only took 3 YouTube videos to chronicle some of the sharpening. :) Let's have a look:

Before we start, if you're getting this via email and can't see the videos, click here.

Video 1: Sharpening the First Scissor Blade on the Hira-To®

Video 2: Finishing the Sharpening on the Hira-To® and Starting the Second Scissor Blade on the Ookami Gold®

Video 3: Finishing Up on the Ookami Gold® and Testing the Shear

In the videos you see I had to put a LOT of time into working the inside of the shear to reestablish a good inside ride line. In the future I need to do a video that really focuses on this.

I hope these videos help. If you have any questions please feel free to call me or email me, my contact info is in the sidebar on the right. Good sharpening! :)

Getting That Lefty Repair Video Ready

2010-12-04T22:17:00.004-05:00

I've been working on the Lefty Repair Video I mentioned on Jim Sharp yesterday. I have it all edited and I'm in the process of formatting it for YouTube. I hope to have it up on the Blog either tomorrow or Monday.

In the meantime though, I'd like you to review a video I uploaded to the Wolff YouTube Channel last year showing how to use the Wolff Convexing Clamp on the Ookami Gold® Sharpening system. You'll want to watch this because it goes into a little deeper detail on what I will be showing in the Ookami® convexing part of this upcoming video.

Can't view video? Click here.

New Website Training

2010-12-03T16:31:00.003-05:00

David, Ryan, and I spent some time with our buddies at WorthWhile doing some Joomla and Wordpress training. This is all prep for a new website Wolff will be rolling out to promote the industrial shears they sell to the composites market. I'll let you know when the site is up and running and would like to know what you think of it. Be on the look out.

I also shot a new video the other day showing a repair I did on a true left hand beauty shear using the different Wolff sharpening units. That will be up sometime this weekend after I edit it.

The New Kenchii Website!

2010-12-02T15:44:00.004-05:00

Wowzers! Holy Smokes! Great Day in the Mornin'! Stellar work! These, among others, were some of the exclamatory statements I made when I logged onto Kenchii's newly designed website today. Eye catching, easy navigation, and great info makes this site a visual masterpiece that begs to be viewed. You've gotta see this! Here's the site address. Go look and let me know what you think!
https://www.kenchii.com/

IPhone App Test

2010-11-27T08:50:00.001-05:00

This is just a test to see how this new Blogpress app allows me to post here on Jim Sharp. I've been looking for a good app that will allow me to post on the fly using my iPhone. The two most important features I needed were text and pictures. We'll see how the writing comes out and this picture of my youngest practicing piano.

I hope everyone in the States had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The holiday season is now in full swing, so things will be getting even busier. I'll talk to you soon.

Sharp Edges Practice Shears Sale

2010-11-12T10:34:00.003-05:00

Sharp Edges is selling a set of 11 Practice shears for $100 for a limited time. Give them a call at 217-422-0911. Be sure you tell them you heard about this on Jim Sharp! Act now, the sale will only last as long as supplies do.

Google Boost

2010-11-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

A question I get often from professional sharpeners is how can I advertise my local sharpening service effectively on search engines like Google. Well, it looks like a good answer has made an appearance. In this recent post on Mashable, Jolie O'Dell shares a write up she did for American Express OPEN Forum about Google Boost*; Google's new locally targeted, location-based marketing program. This looks like an excellent option for local sharpener to promote their websites.

If you have a website for your business I suggest you give this post a once over and see if this new Google program will work for you. Here is the link to that post on Mashable: http://mashable.com/2010/11/10/google-boost/

If you don't have a website for your business, we should talk. There are many benefits to having a site that I'd be glad to go over with you. Call me at 864-381-8697.

Image: Mashable

*Jim Sharp is in no way affiliated with Google Boost or Mashable. This post is informational only.

Kenchii Holiday Sale!!

2010-10-25T16:49:00.005-04:00

It's time for the holidays and Kenchii has put together a few discounted packages to celebrate. The prices listed below are the sales price for the Stylist. As a sharpener, you will get a special discount. I can't list that discount here, so give me or Wolff a call at 800-888-3832 to find out what your discount is. You also MUST be listed in Wolff's database as a sharpener to get the discounted price. If you are a stylist, and not a sharpener, give me a call at 864-381-8697 and I'll see if I can hook you up with a sharpener in your area that is selling this great line of shears. Here are the fliers and few descriptions:

Click on the Picture to Enlarge

The first kit is the Kenchii® Evolution Kit. The Evolution is a beautiful shear that normally sells for $448.00. From now until December 20th Kenchii® is offering this shear, plus a Kenchii® Swivel Razor and a 10-Pack of razor blades for just $298.00. Code: KEEV122010

You'll also see Kenchii® has their Future Starter Kit on sale. This kit normally sells for $405.00, but is on sale right now for just $249.00. It's a great deal for students and stylists alike. It also comes with a 10-Pack of razor blades that usually isn't included in the kit. Code: FSK122010

Click on the Picture to Enlarge

Above you'll see Kenchii® is offering their Matrix Shear with one of their top selling pouches. Shears and case together normally cost $480.00 to $510.00. Right now you get both for just $400.00. The Matrix is one of Kenchii's hottest sellers. Code: KEMA122010

Next in line is their K7 Even & Orka Deal. Both are dynamite shears, and if bought individually, would sell for $1000.00. Until the 20th they are on sale as a package for just $550.00. The K7 is a great shear, and the Orka is phenomenal. I can't say enough about the thinner, I sold one to my stylist and she swears it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. This is a great deal! Code: KEK7122010

Their are two other coupons listed above, so click on the flier to take a better look. When you call Wolff to order, be sure you have your coupon code handy. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

Disappointing News

2010-10-06T15:45:00.003-04:00

I have some disappointing news. Wolff's supplier for the LF Series Practice Beauty Shears has dried up. Wolff does have other practice shears they've replaced the LF Series Shears with for now to be sent out with machines, but they are no where near the quality of the old ones.

Wolff is on the hunt to find a suitable replacement if they can. I'll let you know what we find in the future, but for now; Wolff Practice Shears should not be sold as usable shears to your customers.

At The NBTSG

2010-09-26T11:40:00.003-04:00

Keep an eye on my Twitter Feed for updates:
twitter.com/jimsharp

Business in the New Normal

2010-08-27T14:04:00.003-04:00

I think Professor Jeff Cornwall hits the nail on the head in his August 16th post titled Survival Strategies the New Normal. He starts the article out saying:

Even the optimists are saying that we have at least two more years of economic stagnation. Other experts are warning of a possible double-dip recession.

There is even growing talk in some circles of America experiencing a "lost decade" in its economy. That refers to the 10-plus dismal years of economic doldrums suffered by Japan in the 1990s.

Recent employment and bank lending rate data seem to support a prolonged recession for small businesses.

So what does this "new normal" in our economy mean for entrepreneurs?

To read on, click here and jump down to the 5th paragraph. Professor Cornwall gives some good advice to anyone who is in or starting a new small business. Take a few moments and read the rest of his post.

Just a Quick Hello and Video

2010-08-26T15:36:00.006-04:00

I know it's been kinda quiet around here for a few weeks. I've been working on a number of projects that have taken up much of my time. I also wanted to let you know that I'll be heading out of town for most of September. Some of this we be to spend time with family, some will be work related.

I'll be shooting some new videos showing some of my work travels with my iPhone 4. This new tool (toy) is amazing. Check out the video I created below showing some of the goings-on at Wolff today. I shot this with the iPhone, edited it on the iMovie iPhone App, and then uploaded it directly to YouTube via the iPhone as well. It really is amazing the things we can do today.

By the way, the iPhone (or any other smart phone that shoots video) would be a great tool for you to collect video testimonials from your customers. Just sayin'. Enjoy the show:

If you've received this by email and you're having trouble viewing the video, click here.

Wolff Sharpening Show Pictures

2010-08-03T09:24:00.010-04:00

Here are some long awaited Wolff Show pictures. Sorry for the delay, but I was slammed after the show and then was out of town the week after that. There is a full write up of the show in the August Issue of On The Edge.

Bill at the Wolff Table.

Mike doing an adjustment to a nipper.

There was never a time where Mike didn't have a crowd. :)

Dennis going over the testing procedures they use at the NBTSG.

George going over the ins-and-outs of the Lucky Hare Line with Bruce.

George doing the same with Robert and Chad.

The Nebraska Blades booth was also full all day. Everyone was glad to see Bob back at a Wolff Show.

Bonnie and Gene going over the Bonika Line of shears.

Randy from Shark Fin going over the benefits of the Shark Fin Shear design with Bruce. These two really know how to sell.

Joe going over the ProLine Shears with John.

This was a display that generated a lot of interest. Glen spent part of the show going over a new pressure tester Wolff has put together. It tests the poundage it takes a shear to cut through different mediums and then feeds that info to a graph on a computer. The graph shows any imperfections in the edge and grades the cut of the shear. Some really neat technology we've been working on to help industrial plants improve their sharpening.

Karen going over the ever popular Kenchii line.

Just an aerial shot of the vendor room.

Bob going over clipper blade sharpening in our seminar room.

Interested sharpeners.

Ryan, David Wolff's youngest daughter's fiancee, did a great job running our camera for the presentations.

Bob doing some Q & A.

Mike demonstrating the Nipper Sharpener.

Bruce sharing his story about how he got into sharpening.

Bruce is one of the top selling sharpeners I know and he came to share some tips with us. He did a dynamite job!

Here I am doing a little Q & A.

Thanks to all of you that attended the show. It was great to see everyone and I had nothing but good reviews from those that came. In fact, here is a quick look at part of a letter sent by a sharpener that has been wrestling with going full time with his sharpening business:

"I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the show in S.C. this past weekend. I bought my sharpening business from a family friend a few years back and have been working it part time ever since. I'm a welder by trade and I'm eligible for full retirement soon, but haven't been able to take that step emotionally as of yet. I've been wonder just how well I could really do in my sharpening business if I focused on it full time.

My trip to the Wolff Show has been most helpful in convincing me that - yes, this is a viable business and there are many folks making a good living doing this work. I made a number of new friends that have offered to help me as I take the plunge into full time sharpening and this alone was worth the trip. Great people, great show. Thank you for all you do."

We are looking at putting together the next Wolff Show. Keep and eye on Jim Sharp. As soon as I have a date and place I'll let you know. If things pan out with a place we're looking at right now, I may have info within the next two weeks.

Remember, if you'd like to see a full show write up, visit www.otenewsletter.com or call me at 864-909-3381 to find out more about On The Edge.

The Wolff Show is this Weekend

2010-07-16T09:29:00.004-04:00

The Wolff Show is this weekend. If you'd like to follow some of the goings-on, a good place to do so will be my Twitter Page. Here's a link that will get you there:
http://twitter.com/jimsharp

Image: blogsdna.com

Sharpening with the Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp

2010-07-16T09:24:00.003-04:00

As promised, here is the video showing how to sharpen with the Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp. This clamp makes sharpening a convex edge on a beauty shear fast and easy. Let me know what you think.

Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp Sharpening System Video from Wolff Industries on Vimeo.

Wolff and Bonika Shears

2010-07-08T17:15:00.006-04:00

Wolff and Bonika Shears
Wolff is now carrying Bonika® Shears. That's right folks, Wolff and Bonika are teaming up.

What does this mean?
What it means is any Bonika® brand shear available from Bonika, can now be bought through Wolff. As Wolff continues to make itself the one-stop-shop for beauty shears, we a proud to say we're carrying this popular line.

Will it cost me more to buy from Wolff?
Nope! Not at all! You get the same sharpener's price from Wolff as you would if you ordered the shear directly from Bonika.

What's my discount?
Well now...I'd be glad to tell you, but not here on this public forum. Give Wolff a call at 800-888-3832 and they will have all the numbers for you.

I've never sold the Bonika® Line before.
If you're unfamiliar with the line, that's another great reason to contact Wolff to ask for a flier or you can visit the Bonika website at www.bonika.com to see what hey have to offer.

The Bonika® Line has been around for sometime now and Bonika has done a great job marketing this product. Because they've done such a good job marketing, many of the stylists you talk to on your route will know this line; and that makes them easier to sell. Let me know if you have any questions. Keep an eye out for the fliers, they will be in your boxes when you place an order. Talk to you soon.

Ookami Gold® Sharpening System Video

2010-07-06T17:14:00.002-04:00

I've been working on a new video for the Ookami Gold® Sharpening System. Here is an online version of it. More to come in a day or two.

Sharpening on the Ookami Gold® Scissors Sharpening System from Wolff Industries on Vimeo.

Stress & Start Ups

2010-06-30T14:07:00.003-04:00

Many sharpeners start their businesses part-time. Not an easy thing to do. Sometimes you're tired at the end of your regular work day, other things come up, and more often than not; it adds extra stress to your life. This last point is important to think about and prepare for. Stress affects health, we all know that; the trick is balancing work/ambition/stress when your starting something like a part-time sharpening business.

One of my friends on Twitter passed a link to a great blog post that talks about the importance of maintaining your health while working on a start up business like sharpening. It's filled with good advice and I think you should take a few minutes and give it a read.

To be successful at sharpening, you need to be healthy. This post will help you stay that way, even during the stressful time of starting things up. Here's the link:

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2010/06/having-enough-energy-to-chase-your.html

Image: alancleaver

Give Me the Worst Pair of Shears You've got.

2010-06-25T12:46:00.004-04:00

I had a student say to me one time, "I go into every shop I can find and say give me the worst pair of shears you have and I'll make them cut." He then asked, "What do you think about that?"

I said, "Well...I think that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life." (With a smile on my face of course)

He laughed and asked why. So I asked, "What happens if they give you a shear like the one in this picture?" (Click on the picture for a better look)

He went on to tell me that he did in fact get a shear almost exactly like this one once. An upholsterer went outside to the dumpster and pulled an old carbon steel shear out of the bottom he had noticed the day before. So I asked, "Were you able to make it cut?"

My student said yes, but he worked on the shear for over an hour and then didn't charge anything for it. Now he did get the account, so that's good, but at what cost? I told him there was a better way if he was interested. He said he was. So I said, "Wouldn't it have been better to walk in and say give me the best pair of shears you have and I"ll make them cut better?"

I'm not pushing arrogance or cockiness here, I'm pushing toward the realm of confidence; although you do need to be careful because there's a fine line between the two. If all you can get to prove you can sharpen from a potential to customer is junk, then take the junk and make it better. But if you REALLY want to make an impression, shoot for getting what's good and then make it awesome.

Filming, Filming, Filming...

2010-06-16T16:38:00.004-04:00

Spent the whole day filming a new Ookami Gold® video today. When I loaded it into the editing program, guess what! It was waaaay too dark and apparently the mic was directly under my nose. Sounds like Darth Vader trying to teach sharpening. :) Back to the drawing board tomorrow. *sigh*

How Long Have You Been Sharpening?

2010-06-15T14:11:00.006-04:00

I had a fellow sharpener that's new to the business send me an email about an obstacle he's been running up against as he knocks on doors. Bet you've run into the same thing from time-to-time. The obstacle was this question, "How long have you been sharpening?"

New sharpeners panic when they hear this because they wonder how they can answer honestly without being shown the door. Well there are a couple of ways I usually suggest new sharpeners handle this question. One involves demonstration, the other involves humor. I'll be doing a write up on this in next months On The Edge Newsletter. If you'd like to find out more about On The Edge, give me a call at 864-381-8697 or visit www.otenewsletter.com.

Image: aidanmorgan

The Next Wolff Show

2010-05-27T12:08:00.009-04:00

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Wolff Show in Greenville, South Carolina on July 17th and 18th is officially sold out. Wolff is starting a waiting list though, so if you'd still like to try to come be sure to call right away. The higher up you are on the waiting list the better chance you have of getting a seat.

I will be sitting down with David and Bill this next week to put together the show schedule. I will list it here when it's done. I look forward to see all of you that signed up. If you have any questions, just give me a call.

Sharpening Pinking Shears

2010-05-26T10:44:00.003-04:00

I've been getting a number of questions on sharpening Pinking Shears lately, so I uploaded this video the other day to the Jim Sharp Blog YouTube Channel. Not real happy with the quality (I shot it with Wolff's Flip Mino HD), but it will do the trick for now. Let me know if you have any questions concerning the procedures in this video. I'll see about shooting a better quality one in the future.

If you are receiving this by email and having trouble viewing this, click here to view the video.

Stainless Steel

2010-04-23T09:24:00.005-04:00

As you can imagine, stainless steel is a topic that comes up a lot throughout my day. What grade? What's the hardness? What makes one steel better than another? What happens when you mix different metals? All good questions. So where can you go to find some answers? Right here on the internet.

One of the great things about living in the 21st century is that information is no further away that the touch of a few buttons. Is all the information solid and reputable? Maybe not, but it's there. Just be sure when you read anything on the web that you go into it with the mindset of chewing up the meat and spiting out the bones, but I digress.

One of my students called me the other day and ask me to point him in the right direction when it comes to researching stainless steel. I sent him a few links and wanted to pass them on to you too. Here are the three I sent:

Stainless Steel
Rockwell Hardness
Fun Video Comparing Steel to Cake

Take a look at these sites and others like them. One of the most important things you can do as a professional sharpener is keep yourself informed. Let me know what you learn, and if you have any questions, I'm just an email away. :)

Image : underclasscameraman

IT'S SHOW TIME!!!

2010-04-20T11:53:00.023-04:00

IT'S SHOW TIME!!! That's right folks! Time again for another Wolff Show!

Where? Good ol' Greenville, South Carolina. It's one town over from the Wolff Headquarters in Spartanburg and a great place to visit. To check out some of the things to see and do in one of my favorite places on earth, click here.

When? July 17th - 18th, 2010. I'll have a full schedule for you soon.

Which hotel is this? The Greenville/Spartanburg Airport Marriott. For more info on the hotel itself, click here.

How much? That's the great part! It's only costs $89.00 to attend all the seminars and gain access to the vendor room. To book your seat, call Wolff at 800-888-3832. Don't wait too long though! Seating is limited to only 46! So if you want to come, sign up right away! If you choose to stay at the hotel, they've given Wolff a special room rate of $89.00 per night on a limited number of rooms. To see what the rooms look like, click here. To book a room, call 864-297-0300 and ask for the Wolff Industries Rate while these rooms are still available.

What's gonna go on? Let me tell ya...

Sharpening on Wolff Equipment
I'll be doing some indepth training on the Hira-To®, the Ookami Gold®, and the Twice as Sharp®. I'll also be showing how the Corru-Gator and Rotary Blade Sharpeners work as well. Throughout all of these seminars I'll be peppering in some shears that...well...let's just say they'll be "fun" to work on in front of a group *shuddering already*. So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned sharpener, you'll find my presentations interesting.

Clipper Blade Sharpening
As of right now, Bob Schiessl plans to be at the show to go over clipper blade sharpening with you. Bob's been at this for over 20 years and I've seen him teach people more tricks in a hour than most sharpeners could teach a person in a week.

Nipper Sharpening
Mike Borsch will show all of us how to put his nipper sharpener to work. More and more we're seeing Day Spas pop up that offer one stop shopping for beauty needs. That means more places will appreciate it if you can service nail techs as well as stylists. Come learn how.

Up Your Income with more Sales
One of Wolff's top selling sharpeners will be at the show to share some of the methods he uses to sell shears every day; three to five shear or more per day as a matter of fact and how you can do this too. He set a business goal this past year in the six figures and beat it! Whether you're looking to sell shears, or just yourself, Bruce will teach you a number of tips and trick you can take to the bank, literally.

Separate Vendor Room
For the first time since Wolff has started doing these smaller shows, we'll have all of our supporting vendors in a separate room from the seminars. So if you'd like to spend a little more time looking at some of the lines of shears we carry, or some of the other equipment Wolff sells besides our own, you can visit with the owners and representatives of those companies at your leisure. The vendors that plan to be at the show as of this writing are:

Wolff
Nebraska Blades
Clipper Shack
Kenchii Shears
Shark Fin Shears
Lucky Hare Shears
ProLine Shears

More are signing up as I can get in touch with them. I'll be sure to update you on this in the future. This room will also be open late on Saturday night so you can play with the machines, look at products, and socialize with us.

Wolff has set the standard in this industry when it comes to sharpening shows! Everyone that's attended in the past has had nothing but praise for the quality of the education, the time and attention Wolff and it's supporting vendors give each attendee during the show, and the fun and fellowship they get to have with their fellow sharpeners. One of my favorite parts about my job at Wolff is putting together these shows. Come join me and find out what sets the Wolff Shows apart. Call me 800-888-3832 or email me at Jim@wolffind.com if you have questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Image of Greenville at top of post provided by linkerjpatrick via Flickr.com

Scissors Sharpening Class: Sizing Tips on the Hira-To® Flat Hone

2010-04-14T14:15:00.007-04:00

I received a request a while back from a fellow scissors sharpener asking me to show how to match tips on a flat hone. What he meant by matching tips is sometimes you'll find a shear with one blade that is slightly longer than the other. For the blades to cut properly the tips need to match up. You correct this by grinding the tips back until they're even. There also will come a time when you'll need to flatten the tips of the shears down because they've become too pointy after numerous sharpenings. You'd use the same techniques I show on the Wolff Twice as Sharp® and the Wolff Hira-To® Flat Hone in the video below to do this as well. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you are receiving this by email, click here to view video.

Scissor Sharpening Class: Sharpen Left Hand Shears on the Hira-To® Flat Hone

2010-04-13T15:37:00.006-04:00

Yup. It's been a little while. Sorry about that, but every once and a while I need a little sabbatical from all the writing I do. Especially when I'm in the middle of a big new website project like the one I'm working on right now. (I'll tell you more about that in the future)

Anyway, time to jump back in the saddle and get going again. I few weeks ago I shot a video showing how to sharpen true left hand shears on the Wolff Hira-To® Scissors Sharpening System. A number of people have already viewed the video, but I wanted to post it here for you to view as well.

In this video, I show you how to set your Hira-To® fixture up to sharpen either right or left hand shears. I also show you how to tell the difference between a right handed shear and a true left hand one. If you have any questions concerning any part of this video, please call me at 800-888-3832 or 864-909-3381 and leave a message with your phone number and email. If you'd like to email me a question, my email is Jim@wolffind.com.

If you are receiving this by email, please click here to view the video.

Scissors Sharpening Class: Fixing a BAD Set Problem

2010-03-12T07:14:00.006-05:00

I shot the video below over a week ago and I've been intending to write about this, but it's been so busy I've had a hard time getting away. Finally things have slowed down just a little, so here is a run down of what brought this video about.

A scissor sharpener called me and asked if I might be able to help him with a problem. He had made a mistake on one of his machines and damaged the blade of one of his customers shears. He said it was bent and didn't feel he could fix it. Seemed like a challenge, so I told him to send it on.

When I received it I saw what he meant! Boy was this shear bent in a bad spot!!! Right at the early entry! In fact, it was bend so badly it almost looked like the shear had a full bend of set in it, but in the wrong direction. I did my best to let you see this in the video below, so I'm going to send you there to view what the blade looked like and what I had to do to fix it. So watch the video now, then read the rest.

If you are receiving this post by email and having trouble viewing the video, click here.

As I said in the video, I had to do some more work to finish this shear; so I went into the sharpening training center and started to resharpen it. While doing so though, I noticed that there was a snake in the blade (this is a bend in the blade that looks like an S) about a 1/4" back from the tip. The blade also looked fatigued so I really didn't want to do a lot of bending on it because I knew it would break. I did a few test passes over my water stone after I bent as much of the snake out of the blade as I dared, but I still didn't have the shear set to the point where I could hone a consistent rideline without causing an unsightly wave. Fortunately, I had a trick up my sleeve, the Ookami Honing Blocks.

These blocks are much more forgiving than water stones and coming in handy when you have a shear with inconsistent set problems. I worked the inside of the blades on these blocks, reformed an acceptable rideline, and then polished and reassembled the shear. It cut well when I was done.

All in all I had about 50 minutes in this shear. A little too long for my taste. If I had run into a shear that was damaged this bad in the field I would have sold the customer a new one. Remember, I often say that there's a big difference between scissors repair and scissors maintenance. Repair takes a lot longer and is less profitable and often a heavily damaged shear just isn't worth saving, but working on shears like this is also part of the fun and learning experience in the business of scissors sharpening. While this may not have been a profitable 50 minutes, imagine if I had been a sharpener trying to get into a salon and someone handed me a challenge like this. When I fixed it, do you think that would carry some weight? You bet it would!

Having the right tools and knowledge is essential if your goal is to become a successful sharpener, and two tools in particular saved the day in this case; the scissors press and the Ookami Honing Block Kit. Concerning the knowledge side of this equation, dealing with a problem shear like this requires sharpening training and/or years of experience. This kind of training is something I can help you with. So if you'd like to find out more about the sharpening training I offer, give me a call at Wolff at 800-888-3832 or email me at Jim@wolffind.com. Also know that I'm available for sharpening support as well. So please call or email me if you have questions concerning anything I did in this post, or with any other sharpening questions you may have.

See How to Sharpen Nippers

2010-03-04T13:34:00.004-05:00

Since Wolff has started carrying the Nipper Sharpener I've had a number of questions about how the unit works. One the easiest ways I could think of to answer some of these questions was to put one of the manufacturer's YouTube videos on Jim Sharp. Take a look at how this unit works and let me know if you have any questions. My number is 800-888-3832 if you need me.

If you are receiving this by email, click here to view the video.

The price for this unit is $1295.00 for the 110 volt unit, and $1495.00 for the 220 volt unit.

Kenchii's new Hearts on Fire Shear

2010-03-02T15:49:00.003-05:00

Kenchii has a new shear called the Hearts On Fire. It is a unique model and the industries very first red titanium coated shear. It's now available in Level 3 material on the beauty side and a Level 2 version of the Hearts On Fire model will be released at the Atlanta Pet Fair for Groomers.

Here are some of the specs:

Beauty Shear
Material: Level 3
MSRP: $279.00 all sizes
Edge: Semi Convex
Sizes available: 5, 5.5, 6 and 32 teeth thinner.
Offers: Deep Red coating with beautiful hearts vines pattern.
Extra comfortable Anatomical thumb.
Extra Slim tension dial assembly for easy adjustment.
Exceptional balance and feel.

Grooming Shear
Material LEVEL 2
MSRP: $189.00
Edge: Semi Convex
Sizes Available: 7, 8, 9 straight and curved and 44 teeth thinner
Also available in 3 pcs sets which includes 8" straight, 8" curved and 44 teeth thinners
Lefty Models available: 8" straight, 8" curved and 44 teeth thinners
Offers: Deep Red coating with beautiful heart & vines pattern.
Extra comfortable Anatomical thumb.
Durable matching tension dial assembly for easy adjustment.
Exceptional balance and feel.

This is an awesome looking shear! Email me at Jim@wolffind.com if you have any questions about it.

Scissors Sharpening: Proper Pass Across the Twice as Sharp®

2010-03-01T20:27:00.004-05:00

This may seem elementary, but I wanted to make this video because it will give me a place to send sharpeners when they struggle with this issue. A couple of problems I see when sharpeners sharpen either low-end grooming or barber shears on the Twice as Sharp®, is they either gouge out the early entry of a shear or they round the tips. This is just a short video showing how to keep from doing this.

If you're viewing this via email, click here to view the video.

One Thing I Use Twitter For

2010-02-22T14:34:00.005-05:00

Here is a link to some of the posts I put on Twitter that may interest you as a sharpener or small business person:

Tweets for Sharpeners

I use Twitter as a spring board to share small business info with friends and followers that I find on the internet. To follow me on Twitter, click here.

Image: shawnzlea

Colored Hardware for Wolff Beauty Shears

2010-02-18T15:53:00.004-05:00

How many of you are selling Wolff Economy Line Shears now? How many of you knew Wolff had an Economy Line of shears, among others, you COULD sell? Well, if you didn't know, you know now. And if you do sell the line, this video will show you a few ways you can dress the Economy Line shears up a little.

I tried to think of a number of creative ways I could discuss the price of these shears and the colored hardware with you in a public space like this, but couldn't come up with one. So I'm going to have to ask that you call in to Wolff to find out price an part numbers. Wolff's number is 800-888-3832. Also, please remember that this hardware is for Wolff shears. It may, or may NOT, be compatible with other brands.

I'm sorry that this didn't come out clearer. My black demonstration table was NOT the best choice to shoot this video on. :(

If you are receiving this post via email, click here to view the video.

A Tool to Help Scissors Sharpeners Fix Rusty Shears

2010-02-13T18:02:00.006-05:00

As scissors sharpeners we have all run into shears that are tarnished or discolored. Many industrial shears are made with carbon steel and they are especially prone to discoloring and rusting. Many grooming shears are made with carbon steel as well, although most of them are made with 420 stainless steel with a mix of high carbon. This fights off rust and tarnish to a degree, but not fully.

In the video below, I show a neat tool that sharpeners can use to clean up shears like this quickly and easily. It is called the Rust Eraser and is available from Wolff Industries for just $5.51. Take a look below and see how simple it is to remove discoloration from shears and clipper blades with a few flicks of the wrist. If you'd like to give the Rust Eraser a try, you can order it online by clicking here, or you can call Wolff at 800-888-3832.

If you're receiving this post by email, click here to view the video.

Clipper Blade Sharpeners: New Clipper Blade Test Scale

2010-02-11T16:09:00.006-05:00

One of the fun things about this business is watching all the innovation that takes place. I've seen many a sharpener create some pretty cool tools that help them do their job better and faster. This past week, I had the chance to play with a new tool that fits this bill, Sharp Edges' new Clipper Blade Test Scale.

This new tool will allow you to test the number of pounds per square inch it takes to move the cutter on a clipper blade. Why is this important? If the tension on the cutter is too week, the blade won't cut. If the tension is too tight, the blade will wear faster, overheat, and run the clipper too hard.

As sharpeners, many of us use small cooking or postal weight scales to test the poundage on clipper blades. Sharp Edges' new tool will change that though. Take a look at how this nifty tool works in the video below. During the video I mention that there's a 10% discount offered on this product until the end of February 2010. You have to mention that you saw the Blade Scale on Jim Sharp to get the discount though! So be sure to tell them you saw this here! Sharp Edges number is 217-422-0911. Let me know what you think.

If you have trouble viewing this video or if it's not showing through in your email, click here.

Be sure to visit Sharp Edges and Hamaguri USA online! Here are the links:
http://www.sharpedgesinil.com
http://www.hamaguriusa.com

Live Steam for Scissors Sharpeners

2010-01-29T18:20:00.004-05:00

This is just a quick video that shows why I live stream from my office most days. I NEVER would have gotten this fellows order right if I couldn't have shown him the machine to figure out what was broken. English was his second language and we were having trouble getting on the same page. A video, like a picture, can sometimes be worth a 1000 words. To see the part where I show the machine to my customer, click in the progress bar between the play/pause arrow and the time clock until you get about 4 minutes into the video. The sweet spot is a little more than half way along the bar. I tried to trim the clip, but couldn't load the video into my editing program in a recognizable format.

Drop by and visit me online during my work day. The address for my live stream is:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jim-sharp

You won't be able to talk to me through this connection, but the is a chat box you can use to say hi or ask a question. Check it out when you have a chance.

Nipper Sharpening

2010-01-28T19:25:00.005-05:00

On Monday of this week I had the chance to spend some time with Mike and Pam Borsch from Clipper Shack. Mike came to show me the ins-and-outs of sharpening nippers on the Clipper Shack Nipper Sharpening System. Wolff has recently started carrying this unit and since we sell it now, I wanted to get a better feel for how to operate it.

I had a great time with Mike and was glad to see that they had a nice time at Wolff too. Take a look at the quick email they sent me.

It was very nice to get to meet everyone at Wolff. We enjoyed our visit at Wolff Industries, and your Spartanburg facility is very impressive. You have a training room to die for! Your work environment is professional, but also fun and delightful. Both Mike and I were impressed!

We could tell that everyone who works at Wolff really cares about the company and its products. And all your products you carry at wolff are really great. I feel all sharpeners should take the time to go to Wolff Industries and see all the Wolff products as well as get the chance to meet the caring folks who stand behind the products. (you all are a great bunch of people)

In our opinion, sharpeners who travel to Wolff Industries to see all the products and the Wolff Sharpening facility, will gain more sharpening knowledge, and will form new sharpening friendships as well.

Jim, Thank you so much for everything, we look forward to seeing you all again. When we returned home we find snow and tempatures back in the teens. So really, your weather in SC is wayyyy better than ours!

Mike and Pam Borsch

Thanks for the kind words guys! Glad you came and I learned a lot. I look forward to doing more with you in the future.

If you'd like to find out more about the nipper sharpener, give me a call at 864-909-3381. If you'd like to talk about purchasing any of the Wolff scissors sharpening units, give me a call at 864-909-3381, tell me you're calling because you're a Jim Sharp reader, and I'll see if I can do something special for you. Thanks for reading! And don't forget to subscribe by email. To find out how, click here.

New Online Shark Fin® Catalog

2010-01-27T16:52:00.009-05:00

You need to take a look at this great new online catalog Shark Fin® just put out! It's almost like having the paper version sitting right on your desk. Here is a link:

www.sharkfinshears.com/special/catalogS.html

Wolff sells the Shark Fin® line of shears, so if you're interested in this product give me a call at 864-909-3381 or email me at jim@wolffind.com.

If you want to see an example of how this online catalog works, watch this short video below:

If you'd like an actual hard copy of the catalog, just give Joyce a call at Wolff at 800-888-3832.

Also! Be sure to subscribe to Jim Sharp via email. To find out more, click here.

Subscribe to Jim Sharp via Email

2010-01-23T12:42:00.006-05:00

This is just a quick post letting you know that you can now subscribe to Jim Sharp and get instant updates whenever I add new content to this blog. It's easy to sign up.

All you have to do is type your email address into the "Subscribe via Email" box in the upper right corner of the blog, hit the subscribe button, and then retype a code word that feedburner will give you to start your feed.

Once you've done that, feedburner will send you an email to the account you entered asking you to verify that you want emails from Jim Sharp. Click on the link they send you, and that's it. You should start receiving an email whenever I update Jim Sharp.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a ring at 864-909-3381 or email me at jim@wolffind.com.

PS - Just so you know, I'm trusting this will work. I've subscribed to my own feed, so I should know for sure whether I set everything up right once I post this. If you subscribe, and have any issues, please email my right away and I do my best to take care of them.

Image: jaysee_pingkian

Stylists will pay SOMEONE to sharpen their shears. Will that someone be you?

2010-01-21T14:20:00.008-05:00

Stylists will pay someone to sharpen their shears. Will that someone be you? I mean really, at some point every stylist you talk to (or groomer, or tailor, or upholsterer) will eventually need to have their shears sharpened. They all go dull, so you can count on this being true. The question is, will these customers think of you when the time comes?

Now, I know you can make money cold calling every day and finding the ones that need the work done right then. Sharpening is somewhat of a numbers game and to some degree your success is tied to the needs of the moment. But if you really want to grow. If you really want to make money. You have to make yourself valuable to your customers and make it easy for them to connect with you. So...what are you doing to make yourself valuable? Hopefully you're providing your customers with unforgettable, top notch service! But what are you doing to stay connected? Here are a few suggestions you may want to consider incorporating into your business if you aren't doing them already:

Have good sales/marketing materials
Now I'm not just talking about just a full color brochure, I'm talking about having a full gambit of tools. These would include:

A well designed business card with up-to-date contact info including cell phone, website or blog or facebook fan page.
A website or blog or facebook fan page. Probably saw this second bullet point coming :)
A well designed sales/marketing packet. The brochure mentioned above would go in this, but so would price lists, catalogs of shears you carry, fliers with information about route schedules, and extra business cards for friends.

Have a way to collect contact information
First and foremost, collect business cards! Almost all your customers will have one, and the majority of them will be happy to give you one if you ask.

Check and see if there's an email address on the card. If there is, ask if you can use the email address to contact them via email to share route schedules and/or any specials you may be running on products you sell. Make a note on the card if they give you the okay.

If there isn't an email on the card, ask if you may have one. With today's cellular technology, if they say yes, collecting contact information like this is easy. Just punch the info into your smart phone, then sync it with your computer when you get home. Don't have mobile cellular technology that allows you to do this? Why not? If you're a mobile sharpener any mobile tools that can help you be more efficient and stay in touch with your customers is a good investment. Consider upgrading.

Finally, ask your customer if they are on facebook. If they are, point out your facebook fan page on your card and ask them to become a fan. Tell them this is another way you keep customers informed of schedules and specials.

Stay in touch
Once you have contact info, be sure to contact them. Put together a simple postcard you can send to customers that don't want to be contacted by email or facebook. If you get the customers email, enter it into your database and send a quick email thanking them for their info. Then send a short email once a week with updates. Make sure the email you send has a signature line with your cell number, email address, and any links to online sites you're using. Also, be sure to pay attention to your facebook fan page if you choose to start one. When someone becomes a fan, be sure to say thank you and update this site regularly. If you do a blog or website, do the same. People only come back to sites on line if there's something to come back to.

This seems like a lot of work
It is a lot of work, but in the long run it will pay off big time. Maintaining a presence online or maintaining a database and staying on top of it to use them to effectively communicate with your customers takes a certain level of dedication, I admit that. But staying in front of your customers consistently is the only sure fire way that I know of to be the first Sharpener they think of when they need their shears sharpened, or a new set of shears to play with. Why not look into some of the tools to stay in touch with your customers in quick and easy ways like email and facebook.

If you have questions about these things, drop me an email at jim@wolffind.com or call me at 864-909-3381. I'll be glad to walk you through the steps to do these things or point you toward good books or websites if you'd like to study this further.

Image: flavinsky

Is Good Customer Service a Must?

2010-01-13T13:50:00.005-05:00

What's the value of customer service? Can it be measured? To a point...yes. Can it make or break a sale? You bet! Will most people pay extra if they feel the service is worthwhile? Definitely! So why don't more companies and salespeople make it a practice to provide good quality, helpful customer service?

We just had the opportunity to experience the Ying and Yang of the customer service conundrum here at Wolff. It involved two cell phone companies and one fantastic young lady.

The Old
The company that was providing our cellular service was recently purchased. The salesperson we had before the buyout was excellent. If we had a question, she knew the answer or was willing to get an answer for us. If we needed help, she was always there. Unfortunately, after the merger she was assigned to a different area. Since she's taken her new position it's been nearly impossible to get any real help when we have a need. She's tried to help from afar, but could only do so much from where she sits now.

Well, it was time this week to renew our cell phone contact, so we gave this new provider a call. After multiple attempts to contact the lady that was supposed to be our new salesperson, we finally had to call a higher-up and complain. That got a call from our salesperson and a date to meet. When we did meet though it was very disorganized. She had no phones in hand to look at, no thoughts on what she felt might fit Wolff's needs, and very little experence in the realm of cellular service for a business. Needless to say, we were disappointed, so we did some shopping around.

Out With the Old and In With the New
After making some calls, visiting some providers, and asking a lot of questions, we finally came across a breath of fresh air. Her name was Corie Seay. When we walked into her store she immediately took us under her wing and showed us all the newest technology that she felt would be a help to Wolff. She then set up an appointment to come visit Wolff and bring some other phones she though we might like. When she came for the visit, she had all her ducks in a row, phones in hand, and a colleague she felt might be of help to us as well.

After reviewing all she had and asking a few more questions, we signed on with her. Well, we signed on with AT&T that is, but really we signed on with her. She went out of her way to meet every need we had. She did a bunch of legwork prior to coming over to set up our new phones. And when she couldn't get everything done on the day came, she came the next day and finished even though it was her day off. Whoever may be reading this at AT&T, you have a truly wonderful asset in Corie. She was polite, good natured, and unbelievably helpful and knowledgeable. She should be commended.

So What's My Point?
My point is, it didn't have to be this way. If the company that bought the old company we were using had just taken a little time to actually help us, we'd most likely still be with them. Because they didn't care, we moved on; and as far as I can tell, we have no plans of returning.

Customer service is important! It's what will separate us from the competition. It's what will make both existing and potential customers stand up, say wow, and sing our praises to their friends. What are you doing to provide great service to your customers? Are you wowing them? Are you giving them things to talk about? Corie inspired me talk. Make it a goal every day to inspire your customers to do the same!

For the sake of disclosure, neither AT&T or any of their employees asked me to write this post. I wrote this because these compliments were earned and were a good example for Jim Sharp readers.

Help by Video

2010-01-07T13:32:00.006-05:00

I do my best to help people as much as I can. In years past, it's been a little hard to really be much help to fellow sharpeners overseas, but with the internet making the world a smaller place, it's not that hard to help pretty much anyone...anywhere.

A good example of this is my friend Theodoros from Cyprus. He has been sharpening for a number of months now and I've been helping him adjust to using his new Wolff equipment. This is an unedited e-mail he recently sent and asked me to share:

This Theo from Cyprus.

I want to thank you for convincing me to buy the Hira-to®. It is an amazing machine with vast capabilities. It provides a sharpening finish that can only compared with that of the manufacturers.

I am using it for few months now and I do not any unsatisfied customer. The contrary they all are extremely happy and they are telling it to there colleagues as well.

The support I am receiving from you is close to none. Thanks a lot once again.

Best regards

Theodoros

Okay...so maybe there was a little lost in translation at the end there. I'm hoping he meant second to none and not close to none, but you get the point. :) Theodoros is happy. So how am I able to offer helpful support to someone so far away? I do so through a very cool online site called Skype.

Skype is a free online video chat service. All a person needs to do to use it is:

1. A Skype account. This is free, but you also have a choice of paid options as well.
2. High-speed access to the internet
3. A video cam for their computer. Actually, you don't really need the cam, but if you don't have one the person you are talking to won't be able to see you. Not as much fun that way!

Through this service I've been able to show Theodoros a number of sharpening techniques I never would have been able to explain over the phone. It's been a great help to both of us.

So why am I telling you this? Well, I figured this worked so well for Theodoros, why not use it more? How 'bout it? Want to give it a try? If you'd like to connect via Skype with me and see how this service will allow me to help you, send me an email with "What's your Skype address" in the subject line or body of the email and I'll send you my Skype address. My email address is jim@wolffind.com. If you'd like to learn a little more about Skype frist, here is their website:

http://www.skype.com

I'm using this service to talk to people in the UK, Austraila, New Zealand, South Africa, and Russia. There's no reason I shouldn't be helping you via online video as well. Let me know if you want to connect!

Goodbye 2009!!!

2009-12-31T20:18:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! I have to admit that I'm not really sad to see 2009 pass into the night with a new year and new hopes on the horizon. 2009 was a hard year for many, but even though many struggled, many grew as well. Hard times test us and often help us see what's really important in our lives.

Since this year is almost gone as I write this, I thought it might be a good use of my time to review what I've written over the past year and point you back to some of may favorites. Here is a list of some of the posts that stood out to me:

Setting Beauty Shears

How to Bend Shear Handles

A Day of Training with Jim - Warning shameless self promotion here! At least I didn't write it! :)

What to Watch Out for When Buying Equipment or Picking a Trainer

Keep the Screw from Backing Out

Dress Up Your 200 Series Wolff Shears

Squeaky Wheels

Restoring a Shear on the Wolff Hira-To®

Repairing a Hollow Ground Thinning Shear

Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp

All of my Interview Videos on YouTube

Let me know if you think I missed any. I look forward to sharing more with you in 2010 and hope you find this new year is one filled with health, good friends and family. See ya in 2010!!

Image: optical_illusion

Merry Christmas from Santa's Sharpener Helpers!

2009-12-23T09:47:00.004-05:00

I'd like to take a moment and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It been my pleasure to help you over this past year. I knew David and Glen at Wolff felt the same, so for your enjoyment we decided to visit our buddy Santa and put this little video together for you. Enjoy!!

SwagClub! That's Right! I Said It!

2009-12-18T10:53:00.010-05:00

Is making an impression really important? Do you make good impressions every day? How do you do it? How can you do it consistently? Well I have a great example of how an independent business person can not only consistently make a good impression, but also make you feel like you're the most important person in his or her business world. That example is Kamran Popkin.

Now just so you know, I've worked with Kamran for years. He was the print salesman Wolff delt with until he started Swag Club. Kamran now provides us with great swag (aka business promotional tools). All of the items I'm about to show you are gifts from him over time and related to what he does.

So what makes Kamran so special? Is it that he puts his customer's needs first? Yes! Is it that he strives to put together programs that "fit" his customers marketing needs and doesn't just "take orders" like so many people do in his line of work? Absolutely! Is it that he never wears socks? Well...maybe a secondary yes on this one. What makes Kamran REALLY special is the relationships he builds with each of his clients. They aren't customers to him, they are friends and colleagues. How does he put this into action in a way that benefits both him and his clients? He listens and shares. Let me give you some examples:

Kamran Knows What You Like
I love to read and write. I especially love to read about sales and marketing because that's what I do. Here are two examples of how Kamran has taken his knowledge of my likes and created an experience for me.

The two books in the upper left corner are just two of the books Kamran has given me over the years. He doesn't buy books for me, he reads them (he loves to read too) and then shares them with me when he finds one he knows I'll like.

The journal is my Christmas gift this year. It will stay on my shelf and become my personal journal for 2010. I will think of him every day as I record life moments in it. This is a precious gift to me because I intend to pass all my journals on to my children one day.

Kamran Knows How to Say Thanks
Earlier this year I spoke at Social Media Club in Spartanburg. Kamran and I are both members. A few days after my presentation, I found this note on my desk...

Kamran had taken the time to stop by and sneak a short thank you note for speaking into my office while I was working in the back. It came sealed with his Maker's Mark Seal and a little gift. This was totally unexpected and really made me feel great!

Kamran Listens
If you read my blog, you know I like to use the micro-blogging site called Twitter. Kamran and I follow each other there. While on a trip to Atlanta a few weeks ago, I noticed a sticker on the back of a car that said, "Wag more, bark less." I thought it was a good point, so I passed this bit of advice along on Twitter. (Not while driving BTW!) Kamran showed up at my office with a smile and this a few days later...

Kamran Looks
The fact that Kamran looks around for opportunities to make an impression netted me my favorite Swag gift to date. My new mouse pad!

The old one was beat to death. Kamran noticed it was old, asked why I was still using it, and then said, "I have something better!" He ran out to his car and came back with the mouse pad above. Now I get to look at three of my favorite people every day as I work.

Now I could go on and tell you about the Bibles he sent to all my children at their births, the pens, pads, and more; but I need to get to the point. How can Kamran's example benefit you? Well...it's simple. Emulate what he does!

While you're out running your route and sharpening for the day, think the Kamran way. Wow! We could make a little jingle out of that! :) Here's what I mean:

1. Find out what your customers like. Not just what they like business-wise, what they like on a personal level.
2. Look for chances to say thanks. Even a little note goes a long way!
3. Keep your ears open. What are your clients talking about? How can you show you're paying attention to them personally as well as professionally.
4. Keep your eyes open too. Think about the mouse pad. It's handy and Kamran's info is emblazoned on it. What could you give your customers that would meet a need and keep you in front of them? I'm sure Kamran would have some great ideas!

Take the time to build relationships as you work, not JUST a service. Kamran is a great example of how you can make yourself valuable to your customers on a whole new level that will make you stand out from the crowd. I don't love Kamran because he gives me things. I love Kamran because he's my friend, because he treats me like a brother, because he cares. And because of these things, guess who I will ALWAYS go to when it's time to buy swag!

Want to see that I'm not the only person Kamran has made an impression on this year, check out my friend Olivier's blog. He got the coolest calendar from Kamran, one of the most unique I've ever seen. Kamran gave one to David Wolff too. What kind of impression did it make? It's on David's "Special Shelf" in his office!

So...what are you doing to make a good impression?

If you're interested in contacting Kamran, here is his contact info:

kamranpopkin@gmail.com
864-316-6263

Don't be afraid to call him! He can help any business big or small and NEVER pushes. He really does put you needs first!

PS - Hey Kamran! I know we're not supposed to talk about Swag Club, but you know I like to break the rules! :)

Let Them Eat...Metal???

2009-12-16T10:08:00.005-05:00

A little over a year ago I posted about a video I use in a number of my classes. I'm posting about this again because I noticed the other day that the old link I had in last years post was broken.

This is a video Alton Brown did for Shun® knives; an excellent Kai product by the way. In this video Alton uses a very simple, but powerfully descriptive metaphor to explain how metal is mixed together to make these impressive knives. The metaphor involves cake, and is an excellent example of something you could use to explain metal mixes if you're ever asked to speak at a school or other similar venue. Take a look at the YouTube video below:

Live Streaming a Repair

2009-12-15T09:01:00.005-05:00

I'l be streaming live for a bit today. I got a challenging shear in that a sharpener asked me to look at. It has a blown out plastic ride, weak ride line and rounded tips. Should be fun.

I'll be taking some pictures and shooting some video while I do the repair. Come watch me work. You can watch here by clicking in the box in the right sidebar, or you can visit my ustream page at:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jim-sharp

PS - Okay...so the picture is a little over the top. Just having some avatar fun on http://www.twitter.com/jimsharp :)

Little Singing Sharpeners?

2009-12-13T15:02:00.004-05:00

Howdy! This is just a heads up for anyone that hops on the blog tonight. You may find that I'm live streaming while here. I'll be streaming the youth choir at my church this evening from about 6 until 7 pm. My children are in this production, but so are some kids that belong to a friend of mine. This friend is serving our country as a chaplain in the US army. I'm streaming live via my Jim Sharp channel so he can watch his little ones. You're welcome to join us if you're on at that time, just click on the box in the right hand sidebar. I just wanted to explain why I'm showing a youth choir program on a sharpening channel. :)

New Hira-To® Website Up and Running

2009-12-11T16:49:00.003-05:00

The new Hira-To® website is up and running! WooHoo! Please take a look and let me know what you think. The link is below:

http://www.hira-to.com/

Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp

2009-12-09T14:44:00.008-05:00

I am often asked how the Wolff Ookami Gold® Convexing Clamp works. Here is a video that shows how this accessory for the Ookami Gold® Scissors Sharpening System functions, and includes three methods you can employ when sharpening with this fixture. If you have questions about this clamp, feel free to call me at 864-909-3381 or email me at jim@wolffind.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:43:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving tomorrow! Here are just a few of the things I'm thankful for:

1. God
2. My wife and children
3. The work I get to do every day
4. My country
5. My home
6. My parents
7. My in-laws [but don't tell them! :)]
8. My brother and brother and sister-in-laws
9. Good books
10. Time well spent

Image: biggreymare

My Goodness!

2009-11-23T08:56:00.002-05:00

OK. Normally I don't put stuff like this on my blog. But, I mean, MY GOODNESS! *Shaking Head*

New Bumpers!!!

2009-11-20T08:32:00.002-05:00

WooHoo! Wolff has some new bumpers for you to choose from!

All of you are familiar with the Wolff 21531 Pull Through Bumper and love it. Well, now there are 3 sizes of this bumper to choose from. They are pictured above and here are the part numbers:

21531-S
21531-M
21531-L

The old 21531 is the same size as the new 21531-S, so we will be doing away with that old part number. The M and the L are a few thousandths large in turn than the S.

They are all still the same price as the old 21531, $2.00 for 4 bumpers. They are available now, so be sure to order some of the new sizes next time you call. Wolff's office order line is 800-888-3832.

Live Stream Box

2009-11-19T15:51:00.003-05:00

I just added a new feature to Jim Sharp today, it's a Live Feed Box in the right hand sidebar of the site. This is a live feed of what I'm doing in my office at Wolff. Now please understand, this will not be what I would term as an exciting show, but if you have absolutely nothing else to do, drop in for a visit. You'll know I'm streaming live when you see a play arrow in the center of the Live Feed Box, and you'll know I'm NOT streaming live if you see a picture in the middle of the Live Feed Box just like the one I've included in this post.

One way you can use this as a tool is by double clicking on the Live Feed Box. This will take you directly to my Ustream Page where you'll find a chat box. You can use this chat box to ask me questions or to let me know that you need me for something. This is purely a text communication tool, so I won't be able to hear you, but I will be able to see what you're typing in real time. I check this chat box numerous times during the day, so this is just another way to reach me.

Let me know what you think. Waste of time? Maybe a good tool? I'm going to try this few a few days just to see if it has value. Stop in and say hi if you have a chance.

PS - sorry about the funky head shot. I created this avatar to get a smile from my friends on Twitter. :) If you're interested, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jimsharp.

Some Kenchii Deals

2009-11-18T15:00:00.003-05:00

Things are coming along with my Ookami Gold® shoot little-by-little as they say. But this post isn't about that, it's about Kenchii. They dropped me a quick note and I wanted to pass it on to you:

Hello Jim,

Attached are the specials we're running for the holidays. Also we will closing for the holidays from December 23rd until January 4th so please stock up on any items you may need. Thank you again for a wonderful year and may you have an even better year next year.

Thank You,
From all of us at Kenchii Shears

I just wanted to give you a heads up on the dates they'll be closed for Christmas and pass along the specials they're offering. I'd put the PDF showing the specials up on Jim Sharp, but I can't because I don't want to advertise your wholesale prices on these products. If you'd like a copy of the Specials PDF that Kenchii sent me, send me an e-mail at Jim@wolffind.com and put "send me the specials PDF" in the subject line or the body of the e-mail.

Just a Quick Update

2009-11-11T16:05:00.004-05:00

It's been a busy few weeks at Wolff. First off, we've been picking up overseas distributors for the Hira-To® like crazy. We have one fully set up in Russia, one coming online in England, and another in the works in South Africa. My next target will be Brazil. :)

I've also been prepping to finally shoot a new Ookami Gold® Instruction Video. Shooting the video never takes that long, but the story boarding and then editing after the shoot sure does. The story board is written and shooting starts tomorrow. If I can pull it off, I'll be streaming the shoot live. If you want to pop in and see what I'm up to, you can click here to view the live shoot on my Ustream page.

I've also started a new series of articles in On The Edge on Basic Sharpening. While at the NBTSG, I saw first hand that the majority of the shears that were sharpened during the certification did not cut. The number one reason they didn't cut was they were too loose. So I've decided that it's time to go back and review the basics of sharpening, something that is needed for newbies, and a good reminder for the rest of us. If you'd like to learn more about On The Edge, click here.

Repairing a Hollow Ground Thinning Shear

2009-11-04T06:17:00.007-05:00

It seems that one of the most perplexing shears for professional sharpeners is the dreaded Thinning Shears that beauticians and stylists use to thin thick hair and blend layered hair. They're easy to sharpen when you don't have a trouble shear, but what happens when you run into one that has a bent tooth? Here is a video that may help:

Here is a link to the video showing how to apply diamond paste to your Hira-To Polishing Disc:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DFVK_N_JZs

A New Hira-To Video!

2009-10-30T11:37:00.003-04:00

I mentioned back in August that I was working with my web designer on a new site for the Wolff Hira-To Scissors Sharpening System. We are just putting the finishing touches on it now and getting ready to load a really cool video that will play on the front page that advertises this awesome unit! I've already put the video on YouTube and wanted to embed it here as well. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think.

Interview with Randy the Sharpener

2009-10-27T20:11:00.004-04:00

I had a great time at the Wolff Show! Unfortunately only two sharpeners had their mobile rigs at this get together and I only got outside to interview one of them. Randy is the owner of Ultimate Sharpening in California and he has outfitted a wide body ambulance to sharpen out of. Here's a short video showing off his rig:

There will be a full write up of the Wolff Show in the November Issue of On The Edge.

Wolff Show Set Up

2009-10-23T13:15:00.005-04:00

Bill and I are getting ready to do the set up for the Wolff Show here in California. Once the staff gets in and brings the tables and sets up the chairs, we'll start running wire to set up the camera, projector, and equipment.

I will be streaming live from time-to-time during the show, so if you want to see what's going on, visit my ustream channel at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jim-sharp.

Looking forward to a good show.

Sampe Show was Great!

2009-10-22T08:11:00.005-04:00

Sampe was a lot of fun. I was right between two veterans of the composite industry, John Green and Jim Hickman. Two of the nicest guys I've ever met which made the show that much better. Nothing like making new friends.

Here are a few pictures of the event. I'm on my way to California today for the Wolff Show, so I'll see some of you there. :)

The Wolff Display

Busy first day

A birds eye view

The ladies that make it all happen

Thanks to Sampe for a great show!

The Loss of a Dear Friend

2009-10-21T01:29:00.003-04:00

I regret to inform all of you that a good friend of mine has vanished today. My Blackberry. I'm not sure when or where I lost my faithful friend, but you will be missed. We have been through much together. Enjoy your new home my friend, where ever that may be. I'm sorry I had to shut you down, but you knew the risks of involving yourself with a traveler like me. Farewell.

Image: sofianeb

PS - I'll put some images up of the Sampe Show in the morning.

Made it to Wichita

2009-10-19T10:45:00.004-04:00

Well it took a while to get to the point where I could even write this. All kinds of internet connection problems. But that's part of the fun of travel. :)

As for traveling, I put up a short video to test the edit functions on the Flip Mino HD Video Camera I use. It editing power is a little lean, but that made me think about how I shot the video as I went. I miss my editing software though. Here's the video:

I head for the Century II Convention Center this afternoon to set up for the Sampe Show. This show caters to the men and women that design all those cool composite materials we use in so many of today's products. Of course, those materials are often hard to cut, so that's where I come in. I'll let you know how the first day goes tomorrow night. Looking forward to the Wolff Show in a few days.

Hitting the Road

2009-10-18T14:02:00.003-04:00

I'm getting ready to hit the road in just a few minutes. Keep an eye on the blog for updates and videos. I'm taking my Dell with me this time, so that means I'm going to have to come up with fancy ways to edit footage. Should be fun. See ya soon if you're coming to Anaheim!

Image: virtualpilot

Are You Hearing No Enough?

2009-10-15T14:46:00.005-04:00

As sharpeners we hear the word "no" all the time. Let's face it, the sharpening business is a business filled with hardcore sales/cold calling, especially when we first start out. Hearing "no" can be depressing and drain all the life out of your day, but it doesn't have to. Take a look at this video I shot a couple of months ago that talks about the book, Go for No; one of my favorite sales books. View the video now, then read on:

Go for No really is a great book. It will help you see the value of going after "no" and will show that if you willing to hear this word enough times, you'll be able to achieve every goal or quota you’ve ever dreamed of.

Here is a link to the Go for No website where you can find the book: http://www.goforno.com/

Here is Andrea's Twitter Profile: http://twitter.com/GoforNo

And last, but not least, is the video I mentioned:

All Packed for the Wolff Show

2009-10-14T16:32:00.002-04:00

We are all packed and ready to go. Keep an eye on Jim Sharp for updates on where I am, what I'm doing, and how much fun I'm having. Looking forward to seeing many of you in just a few day in California.

The Next Couple of Weeks

2009-10-13T21:00:00.004-04:00

I will be hitting the road in a few days for a two tier trip. The first leg will take me to Wichita, KS where I'll be mixing it up with some very cool guys and gals at the SAMPE Show. This is a show that caters to the composite material and aramid fiber industry. I'll be showing off the Wolff Corru-Gator and the Twice as Sharp, as well as Wolff's top-notch modified bend trimmers that are enhanced by Wolff to cut these specialized materials.

After I'm done in Wichita, I jump a plane and head to Anaheim, CA for the Wolff Show. This is gonna be an awesome show! I will be going over all the tricks and tips that make sharpening shears faster and easier, as well as show you how to repair some pretty scary lookin' shears. You know...the kind you see that make you want to turn tail and run for the hills.

Bobby Huffman will also be there teaching how to tear it up in the clipper repair and clipper blade sharpening arena, and Mike Borsch is gonna teach us how to make some money in the world of nipper sharpening.

I love doing these shows for sharpeners! I always come away with new ideas that charge me up and help me face all the challenges that manage to creep there way into this wonderful profession known as sharpening. If you'd like to attend, there are still some seats available. Give Wolff a call at 800-888-3832 to sign up. It's only $89 dollars to attend, so the price is right and the fellowship is great! Come if you can! Here's a link to view the schedule.

Wolff Show Schedule

2009-10-09T15:27:00.005-04:00

Here is a run down of the schedule for the up-coming Wolff Show in Anaheim, CA on October 23 - 25:

Friday
6:00pm - 6:30pm Registration and Welcome
6:30pm - 8:00pm Nipper Sharpening by Mike Borsch
8:00pm - 9:00pm Hands on Time
Saturday
9:00am - 10:00am Ookami, TAS & Hira-To by Jim O’Donnell
10:00am - 10:15am Break
10:15am - 11:30am Ookami, TAS & Hira-To by Jim O’Donnell
11:30am - 1:00pm Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00pm - 3:00pm Clipper Repair by Bobby Huffman
3:30pm - 4:00pm Break
4:00pm - 6:00pm Marketing/Sales Brainstorming Session
Sunday
9:00am - 10:00am Blade Sharpening by Bobby Huffman
10:00am - 10:15am Break
10:15am - 12:00pm Question & Answer Session w/ Speakers
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00pm - 3:00pm Hands on Time
(Come to the Room & Play with Machines, Products, & Visit)

There are still some seats left if you'd like to attend. The price to come to the show is just $89 and the hotel room rate is $89/ night. Give Wolff a call at 800-888-3832 if you'd like to attend. I'm looking forward to see many of you there.

Apply Diamond Paste to the Wolff Hira-To Scissors Sharpening System

2009-10-05T12:10:00.007-04:00

Time to get back on the horse and start posting again! Sorry for all the silence, but between work and a little bit of burn out on writing, I've taken a break from Jim Sharp.

Here is a quick video about how to apply the diamond paste to the felt disc that comes with the Wolff Hira-To Flat Hone Scissors Sharpening System. The training video that comes with the unit shows an older method we used when we started building the Hira-To and have since done away with.

If you have any questions concerning the polishing steps on the the Hira-To Sharpener, or just questions about this machine in general. Give me a call at 864-909-3381 or e-mail me at jim@wolffind.com.

NBTSG Part 2

2009-09-17T06:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I posted about the general goings on at the NBTSG. Today I want to show you some of what took place during the certification process. I was very impressed with the consistency of the damage that was done to the shears and clipper blades for the test. It was very comparable to all the different challenges you'd find in the field, just maybe not all on the same shear. :)

For those that participated in the certification, I'd like to give you a hat tip. I knew by what I saw that the test was not easy, and I could tell you were going to learn A LOT! All of the participants said that it was well worth the time and expense, and that they'd do it again. Here is an general overview of what went on:

I'd also like to say, that I learned a lot from this test as well. I was fortunate enough to be involved with the judging of these shears and clipper blades, so I got to see first hand where many of those that took the test were lacking. I will be addressing some of what I discovered in On The Edge in future issues.

The next video will show some of the judging process, but it will be a week or so before I post that because I'm headed out of town. Until then, please enjoy this video. We'll see ya!

The NBTSG Part 1

2009-09-15T21:14:00.003-04:00

I few days ago I returned from the 2009 National Beauty Tool Sharpeners Guild in Saint Louis, MO. I had a blast getting to see all of my friends and fellow sharpeners in one place to celebrate the art of sharpening.

The NBTSG was a success! There was a good turn out, plenty of vendors, and a spirit of camaraderie as we spent 3 days learning, networking, and for a brave few; testing.

This is the first in a series of videos I will be putting together about this show. It will hopefully provide a taste of what the NBTSG was like. Take a look:

The next video will show some of what happened during the certification process. Keep an eye out.

KAI Shears

2009-08-27T11:08:00.004-04:00

Last night I received an e-mail from a potential customer. She was requesting a catalog and I told her we'd have one out to her the next day. I also took a moment to ask how she found out about the KAI Shears. This is what she wrote:

While working on a local volunteer project, several of the women were using your scissors and I was very impressed. They couldn't say enough about them and they even let me try theirs (as long as I was very careful). I loved them!

The project we are working on is a plantation home that is being turned into a private counseling home for young girls that are facing eating disorders and teen pregnancy. It is being turned into a designer home with donations and workroom ladies from several states have come to make headboards, curtains, and recover furniture. The website is www.aplacetobreakfree.com

Awesomeness! Great to hear the KAI shears made such a good impression, and glad to see them being put to such good use.

If you'd like to find out more about Wolff's KAI Shears, one of the choice lines for window covering professionals; then click here. The KIA Shears are all hand honed and tested before they leave Wolff, and guaranteed to cut better than any other shear you've ever used. The two most popular lines of KIA Shears are the 5000 series line and the 7000 series line. The 5000 series line of KIA Shears are Wolff's standard industrial shears. They are an excellent shear, reasonablily priced, and have been a staple in all kinds of industrial and fabric applications for years.

The 7000 series line of KAI Shears are Wolff's premium line! These shears are increadible, and I'd put them up against any other shear on the market and expect them to win any cut test hands down! They are one of the hardest, longest lasting, best cutting shears in the world. All I have to do is put one in a clients hand and they buy them on the spot!

If you are not selling industrial shears now, consider carrying the KIA line of shears. They would make an excellent addition to your service because they're easy to sell, and a pleasure to sharpen. Let me know if you have any questions.

My AWESOME Day at BMW!!!

2009-08-21T14:47:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to share a video of yesterday's fun I had at the BMW Performance Driving School. I was asked by BMW, along with a group of local bloggers and other social media enthusiasts, to put some high powered cars to the test. Want to guess how long it took me to say yes?! NOT LONG!!!

The invite came through my friend Kamran Popkin (they asked him for some suggestions). Kamran is a major leader in the sales of swag and other fun toys to promote your business. I've been doing business with Kamran for years, and I can truly say he is one of the best salesmen I know. Thoughtful, attentive, and obviously, he knows some people. :) You can follow Kamran on Twitter, Facebook, his personal blog, or to really see what he does; go check out http://swagclub.biz.

BMW's staff did an incredible job of taking care of us while we were there! Food, fun, and lots and lots of instruction! Everyone – from the catering folks and event coordinators to the driving instructors – were absolutely top notch; not to mention the facility. I mean WOW! They gave us one heck of an intense experience! Thanks to all of you!

You've heard me talk about Twitter in past posts. Be sure to keep an eye out for some Twitter handles of a few of my local Twitter friends. They'll pop up during the video.

Under my YouTube video, you'll find one my friend Olivier shot (He's the fella in the car with me; and a MUCH better driver by the way!) We filmed for each other throughout the day. Riding with him made the day that much more fun! Super guy with an incredible mind for business and marketing! Visit his blog for more on this subject. Well, here we go! Have fun!

My video:

Olivier's video:

A quick editors note:
I do not work for BMW, nor was I paid to write this post. This is from the heart! Thanks BMW for providing me a day I won't forget!

Proactive vs Reactive

2009-08-19T11:02:00.011-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak at a Pecha Kucha in Greenville. This is a speaking format where each speaker gets a total of 20 slides for 20 seconds each and they have to time their presentation to fit. It was much hard to do than I though it would be. (There is a video of my presentation at the bottom of this post if you're interested. My topic was Business Networking.)

One of my friends, Olivier Blanchard, was speaking as well. While there, I gave him one of my Wolff KAI 5220's to take home to his wife as a gift. This is what he said about them on Twitter.com:

Okay...so he was one number off. Shortly after, he received this note from one of Fiskars friendly Fisk-a-teers:

He then wrote back and said:

To which she replied:

To which I responded:

and:

Well, I waited and waited. Two weeks to be exact, and guess what, no shears. So I made good on my promise and bought a Fiskars Razor Edged Shear, sent it to Olivier with some testing cloth, and then put this on Twitter:

So far no reply from either, but I've heard that a third party that helps Fiskars with some of their online marketing has taken it upon himself to see that some shears are sent.

So why am I writing this to you? To show how important it is to DO what you SAY you are going to do! Now don't get me wrong. I think Fiskars is an excellent company and they have a dynamite selection of craft shears. The Fiskars Razor Edged shears I sent Olivier are, in my opinion, a fine set of shears that cuts well with a good edge life. The problem here is that Fiskars didn't follow through and now they are in the reactive mode instead of the proactive sphere!

When you tell a potential customer (or promoter in Olivier's case) that you are going to do something, DO IT!!! Being proactive feels great! Being reactive feels awful! I'll let you know how things shake out after Olivier compares the two shears on his blog.

Fiskars is a Registered Trademark of Fiskars Brands, Inc.
Wolff is a Registered Trademark of Wolff Industries, Inc.
KAI is a Registered Trademark of KAI International

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-08-19T08:53:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy few weeks for me! Between a number of speaking events like the Social Media presentation I did for the Social Media Club here in Spartanburg, to a brand new web site design I'm working on for www.hira-to.com:

I haven't had much time to blog. And as it stands right now, it doesn't look like things will slow up for the next couple of weeks either.

I'm prepping for Larry's new Sharpeners event over the next few days. That will take up a good bit of my time. I'm really looking forward to this show though! Everything Larry does is top-notch! The NBTSG is going to be a blast! If you are interested in coming, it's in Saint Louis, MO at the end of this month and you can find information here:

www.nbtsg.com

I'm also in for a treat tomorrow! I am going to BMW to drive some of their cars on their autocross course! Here is what the invitation said:

Corporate Club BMW Driving Experience helps bring new focus to your business in a whole new way. This program is designed for rewarding employees, developing team building skills, entertaining clients, networking or simply satisfying your passion for driving BMW’s.
The Corporate Club program starts Thursday, August 20, 2009 at noon with a catered lunch by our very own M-Cafe. After your lunch and brief overview you will be immersed into three exhilarating driving exercises followed by heart racing M Car Hot Laps on the autocross course with our Professional Drivers. The event will wind down with a hors d’oeuvre, wine and beer reception.

The great part is I'll be there with a large group of local business friends! This will be one unique and fun networking event! Expect some pictures!

As for the lack of posts, as soon as the smoke clears I hope to have a number of new video interviews to share from the NBTSG sharpeners event. I do have one other post I plan to put up about a Social Media Challenge that involes Fiskars Shears. I'll be writing that today or tomorrow. See ya soon!

Speaking at Social Media Club Spartanburg

2009-08-13T14:27:00.005-04:00

This past week I had the opportunity to speak at the Social Media Club in Spartanburg. I've been using Social Media for some time now as a tool to help me market both myself and Wolff Industries. If you're willing to invest a little time to learn more about SM, I think you'll find it to be a powerful medium for your business as well.

This form of communication is the way of the future. It's become a sounding board for what's hot and what not, and it's an incredible word-of-mouth tool that continues to grow in popularity and strength every month. Do you know what Social Media is? Do you know what kind of effect it could have in you business? Take a look at what I had to say! If you have any questions or would like to learn more just drop me an e-mail.

Measuring a Beauty Shear to Fit the Hand of a Stylist

2009-07-30T08:54:00.003-04:00

I get a number of questions concerning how to sell shears. There are many pointers and tips I have for this, but I wanted to share two with you today and they are two methods you can use to fit a beauty shear to a Stylist's hand if she asks if a particular shear is the right size for her.

Now the tips I show in this video are not etched in stone, they are only rules of thumb. The best shear for your client is always the one that feels right in their hand and that they enjoy cutting with. You also have to take into account what they will be using the shear for and how long a length of cut they want to do. But I'll save these topics for a future post or article in my newsletter.

With that said, take a look at the video below. It's not my best video, but I think it explains the points I want to make clearly enough. As always, if you have and questions just e-mail me or call.

The Sharpeners Jam I mentioned in the video has already taken place this year and was a great success from what I hear. Here is a link to the Bonika web site with info about shows like this.

Service Awesomeness!

2009-07-30T08:24:00.004-04:00

One of the things I try to pound into the heads of my students is service is everything, especially in this business. Getting our customers to trust us, see that we're reliable, and stand behind what we do is a must!

Here recently, I had the chance to benefit from this kind of service from Spartan Copy, the copy machine sales and service center I use. I had bought a new copier from them for the newsletter I do for professional sharpeners called On The Edge. When I went to hook this new unit up to my computer, I couldn't get the driver to load properly on my computer or ledger size paper to print. I called them after hours, left a message telling them my problem, and hoped they'd be available to help the next day.

I got a call at 7:50am while on my way to work. The tech told me he would meet me that afternoon and he fixed my problems. Great example of quick, thoughtful service!

Now I had no doubt that Spartan Copy would handle things this way, I've used them for years and the confidence I have in them is why I continue to buy from them when I need new equipment and pay for their service contract. Instilling THIS kind of confidence in your customers about you and your business should be a daily goal. Confidence is king in a service business!

Restoring a Shear on the Wolff Hira-To® Scissors Sharpener

2009-07-20T15:18:00.005-04:00

Last week I told you I'd be putting up a video of a shear restoration job I did on the Wolff Hira-To® Scissors Sharpening System. Here is the video:

Let me give a quick run down of what I did on this YouTube video on the blog as well.

I started by tipping the shears down on the Twice as Sharp® Scissors Sharpener. I could have also tipped the tips down on the Hira-To® with an 80 or 60 micron disc, but the Twice as Sharp® was readily available so I chose that route.

I then chamfered the inside top of the ride area. I did this so I could re-align the hone line all the way from the tip to the back of the ride area. The reason I had to do this was the shear had been sharpened so many times, the ride area was too far above the cutting edge to re-create a good hone line. Removing the metal on the upper inside of the ride area allowed me to re-create the hone line across the entire length of the inside the shear so the shear would cut in the early entry area of the blades.

You'll also noticed that I used a 1000 grit Shapton water stone to re-create the hone line. I could have used the 6000 grit water stone, but that would have taken more time. Wolff does not sell the 1000 grit stone, but if you'd like to buy one you can find them here:

www.shaptonstones.com

After re-working the inside of both blades I then re-convexed the front surface of each blade with a 60 micron disc. When finished, I pulled the burrs back with my 6000 grit shapton water stone and sharpened the shear just like any other shear on the Hira-To® Scissors Sharpener. Here is the video showing the overview of this sharpening process:

If you have any questions, please give me a call at Wolff at 800-888-3832 or e-mail me at Jim@wolfffind.com. If you e-mail me, be sure to include your phone number just in case I need to call to answer some of your questions.

Restoring a shear like this is fun, but it's not a money maker. I think I had about 40 to 45 minutes in restoring this shear. So if you choose to take something like this on, be sure you have the time and be will to trade about an hour to make a good impression.

To find out more about the Hira-To® Flat Hone Sharpening System, visit the Hira-To web site:
www.hira-to.com

NBTSG National Beauty Tool Sharpeners Guild

2009-07-17T12:18:00.004-04:00

**note** This is a reprint of the an article I wrote for the July Issue of On The Edge. It is rare that I ever mix these two mediums together, but I put a lot of though into this write up promoting Larry Brooks' new show and I wanted to share it here too. On The Edge is a subscription newsletter that I publish for the sharpening community. If you're interested in subscribing, or if you'd like to find out more about this newsletter; just e-mail me at Jim@wolffind.com. **note**

I’ve been trying to figure out how I was going to promote this show over the past few days. I have a number of documents from Larry at Sharp Edges that are all well written and loaded with information, but I think I’m going to shy away from all that material and just tell you why I’m going.

Let’s Start with Larry Brooks
Those of you that have known me over the years know that I have been friends with Larry for a long time. We’ve spent many hours together trading ideas and techniques and we’ve collaborated together a number of times to work to help all of you in your businesses.

In my opinion, Larry is one of the finest examples of a professional sharpener in the industry. He has proven himself in three ways.

1. He has grown Sharp Edges into one of the most successful mobile sharpening business in the country. This business now supports not just he and his wife Linda, but their son Dennis and his family too.
2. I hear more complements about how well he trains and the time and attention he gives his students than I do about any of the other sharpening trainers in the industry. He has turned out a lot of successful pupils!
3. He has stuck his neck out to show he’s a great sharpener over-and-over again. Larry has been an active participant in the NSSG for years now. He started out as a entrant in the certification and over time, proved himself with his consistently high scores and eventually became a judge.

Let’s Look at the Plan for the New Guild
Larry has been talking about doing something like this for some time now. He mentioned to me a few years back that he thought there should be a Guild that would encompass the sharpening industry as a whole instead of just one aspect of it. While he has enjoyed his time with the NSSG and supports it, he thought it was time to push forward with this vision and make it a reality. He will do this with this show if we as sharpeners support him.

The Certification
Larry has created a certification process for the NBTSG that will allow you to increase your skills through both training and testing. The 2009 certification categories are Beauty Shears/ Thinners and Clipper Blade Sharpening. There will also be a discussion about including Nail Tech Tools in next years line up. If you participate in this certification you will achieve one of four potential Guild Membership Levels:
Guild Member Apprentice: This is a sharpener that tested but did not score high enough in the test to meet the requirements in their chosen field for full Guild Membership.
Guild Member: This is a sharpener that scored high enough on the test to achieve status in their chosen field.
Master Sharpener Guild Member: This is a sharpener that scored high enough on the test to achieve a title of Master Sharpener in the Guild in their chosen field.
Grand Master Sharpener Guild Member: This is a sharpener that has achieved Master Sharpener status in all the fields offered.

The test is graded on a point system based on the quality of work in a predetermined list of steps in the sharpening process. These shears and clipper blades will be judged by Larry Brooks, Dennis Brooks, and Craig Cazier. I can personally vouch for each of these men and feel they are more than qualified to judge for this certification. It is also planned that Bob or Bobby Huffman will help judge the clipper blades and a number of other industry leaders, like myself, will assist in the overall judging process.

The Show Itself
Many of you have expressed that you’d like to see the old-style Wolff show come back where you can view a number of seminars and visit with industry vendors. This show will have all of the best parts of the Wolff Show. There will be seminars on the latest equipment in all the different aspects of the sharpening industry. There will also be a vendor room that will be open during the entire show, so if there’s a seminar you’re not particularly interested in you can visit the vendors in the Vendor Room and learn as much there as in any of the seminars.

Finally Trust
I’d like to end this with one more word about how I personally feel about Larry. I trust him. And quite frankly, this is the highest complement I can pay a fellow sharpener, supplier, and trainer. When Larry attaches his name to something, he gives himself to it 120%. I strongly suggest you consider attending this show. I think it has the potential to become a powerful tool to help you, as a sharpener, grow in this industry and set yourself above your competition.

The dates for the show are August 30th, 31st, and September 1st. The cost to attend is just $175.00. The cost to participate in the shear or clipper blade certification is $120.00 for each. There will also be a fun getaway during the off hours; Larry has set up a dinner cruise. If you’d like to attend, the cost is just $40 per person. Call 217-853-6256 or visit www.nbtsg.com to find out more or to sign up for the show.

I will be attending along with David Wolff and Bill Pierce. All three of us are looking forward to spending some time with you and helping you as you continue to expand your knowledge in what I think is one of the best businesses in the world. Please consider coming if you can. Larry has never disappointed me. I know this show will be a great success. Get in on the ground floor of this new Guild and help support the new NBTSG.

Social Media on Jim Sharp

2009-07-16T11:01:00.005-04:00

I just wanted to give you heads up that if you're subscribed to my YouTube Channel...

http://www.youtube.com/jimsharpblog (Subscribe! It's Free!)

...you'll find a few Social Media Videos on there.

They don't fit the context of this blog, so I'm not posting them here; but they are well worth a look. My friend Olivier Blanchard shares some great info on how to use Social Media in your business. Here's the links:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvUgagiptZs
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQmJdFp1z5U
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp0_otE4V-o

You may also want to visit Olivier's blog on Business Branding. He's one of the best branding consultants I know. You can check his blog out here:

http://www.thebrandbuildermarketing.com./

I'll be writing another post later today about the NBTSG that's coming up at the end of August. Stay tuned!

INTERVIEWS AND SHEAR REPAIR

2009-07-15T09:25:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the silence over the past few days. I've been busy with a number of projects here at Wolff and haven't had the time to focus on my blog.

I will have the video I talked about above on YouTube in a few days. Just too many editing projects in the way.

The next few weeks will be spent getting ready for Larry's new show as well. I'm really looking forward to this show and hope to see many of you there. For more info about this show, visit the web site at www.nbtsg.com. I'll write a post with more details about the NBTSG later this week.

Thanks again for watching my Interview Videos. If you have any questions, please give me a call or send an e-mail. I'll talk to you soon.

INTERVIEW WITH RON THE SCISSORS & CLIPPER BLADE SHARPENER

2009-07-09T15:21:00.004-04:00

Ron, today's interviewee, is without a doubt one of THE BEST Andis Master Clipper Repairmen in the country. He has been a friend for many years and excels in both scissors and clipper blade sharpening. Come join me as he gives us a tour of his mobile unit and shows us some of the sharpening equipment he uses.

INTERVIEW WITH JACK THE SCISSORS AND CLIPPER BLADE SHARPENER

2009-07-07T14:10:00.004-04:00

Jack has been a great friend to me over the years and is an excellent sharpener. He's one of the few sharpeners that specializes in the Large Animal Segment of the business and has built a large following of horse and cattle customers in southern Texas. He is a wealth of information to me and others in the sharpening trade! Let's visit with him for a few minutes:

TAKE A TOUR OF HUFF'S WHOLESALE WITH ME

2009-07-02T07:02:00.004-04:00

Huff's Wholesale is one of the premier suppliers of clipper parts to the sharpening community. While at their show this past month, Bob took me on a tour of their facility. Come along with me as Bob shows some of what goes on at Huff's every day.

If you'd like to find out more about Huff's and how they can help you, visit their website at:
www.clipperparts.com