JIM TURNER, of Gaffney, a professional sharpener of scissors and shears, shows off the 1st place medal he won for presenting the best trade idea at the 13th Annual Sharpeners Jam in Atlanta, Ga. For a long time, Jim Turner concedes he was always leery about divulging his trade secrets.

But loose lips don’t always sink ships. Sometimes they can result in medals.

Turner, of Gaffney, owner of the Scissor’s Magic Company, recently returned from the 13th Annual Sharpeners Jam in Atlanta, Ga., with a 1st place medal for the best idea presented at the conference. To win the award, he divulged his method of repairing and sharpening curved hair-cutting shears.

“I won third place last year,” he said. “That felt good. First place this year felt even better.”

Turner is the second generation of his family to go into the sharpening business and guides a company started by his father and uncle in 1942.

While he will sharpen things like knives and does knife repair, his work is primarily centered on the hair-cutting industry which relies on high-quality scissors and shears. Far from throwaway, the scissors and shears used by hair stylists, barbers, and even pet groomers, can cost upwards of $400 or $500, making repairs and occasional tune-ups by a skilled sharpener a worthwhile investment.

The Sharpeners Jam is an annual convention of sharpening professionals from across the country.