1) Hold scissors vertically ( finger holes at bottom ), then lift one side up.

2) Drop a blade that you lifted. Then, if two blades:

[ A ] Close Totally.... Tension is too loose. Tighten the screw and try again.
[ B ] Stop in the middle..... Tension is too tight. Loose the screw and try again.
.....Lift up ...........................Too loose ................................. Too tight ......................................Perfect !
.....

...........[ A }

.......... [ B ]

..........[ C ]

[ C ] Almost close but still open 1/2" - 1/4".......That is perfect tension.

Check the tension of your shears periodically
If it's too tight, the blades will grind against each other as they cut.
If it's too loose, they will feel out of control and may develop nicks.

Adjust the tension accordingly with a tension adjuster or a well fitting screwdriver.
( Never adjust the tension on your shears while the blades are open. )
Always make sure your shears are closed before you move the tension screw.
This will eliminate the possibility of nicks to the blades.

"Burr" (fine metal grain) may come up for first few days. When the scissors seem dull, please wipe your blades at least 5 times from both the rake side and hollow side with a thick stack of paper towel, leather or scissors cloth. Why it dulls so fast? Burr stuck on the edge of the blade sticks on to cuticle, hair oil and etc. You can't see it but you can feel it. You must keep the blades clean to help keep the sharpness longer. Please consistently wipe.

The whole purpose of scissors is to accurately cut with fine prepared edges. Therefore, be careful when trimming hair to not cut so much with a single cut. Trimming less amount of hair with many cuts will enable the scissors to cut with precision for longer. Spending a little time cleaning, oiling, and adjusting tension can save you hundreds of dollars in sharpening and replacements