HAVE YOUR SHEARS & TOOLS

RECONDITIONED BY A CERTIFIED ROCKET SCIENTIST

ROGER WALCO

Austin’s Top Shear Fit Expert -
Master Salon Sharpener

Roger studied ergonomics, design, and tooling during his university days. Shortly thereafter he discovered a passion for the forge and was first introduced to the Japanese methods of fire, steel, and stone by his first knifemaking teacher, Martin Kruse.

Such was the beginning of a path that lead to being one of the top authorities on Japanese Salon Scissors in America - starting with proper fit for the stylist, factory-method sharpening, and the full-on restoration process for a damaged or incorrectly sharpened shear or razor. He is driven by a passion for the perfect tool in the hands of the artist that wields it.

Roger studied Japanese factory methods for salon shears under a dear mentor, Debra Finck, one of the most skilled beauty-biz sharpeners in the country. His scientific mind, a degree from MIT, and a long family line of professional craftsmen greatly contribute to his own skill and love of great tools as well as their maintenance.

He is well-regarded as one of just a few top experts in these fields, also for his unyielding integrity and meticulous finish.

Answering the Call of Steel

Roger is an MIT-trained engineer, industrial designer, ergonomics expert, and in a previous life - a career video games executive. Always a Craftsman, he has great love of fine tools, antiques and the restoration of such items. And has specifically studied sharpening & knifemaking under very special mentors - carrying their traditions forward.

As an artisan furniture-maker, designer, and blacksmith himself, sharp tools are something he uses & treasures in the shop each and every day, often restoring damaged antique planes and chisels so that their powerfully classic performance can once again come to life. What was once a side-project is now his full-time avocation.

The Walkovitz family were craftsmen & leather workers in Europe for many generations, and most of us feel the call of steel. In the past 15 years, Roger finally made the decision to answer that call, now splitting his time between technology consulting, sharpening, and architectural elements.

you can see some of roger’s personal work here

So needless to say, for us, it’s personal. Your knives & shears are like our own - we give them our very best.

From Our Customers

“I have purchased two pair of Shear Emporium’s Dry-Cutting shears, and I -love them-!! Super sharp and glide through the hair. Roger is so knowledgeable and truly has a passion for his work.

After many failed attempts with other shear sharpeners, our salon finally found our guy! Very happy customer!”

— Denise Peatross, Breeze Salon & Day Spa

“Bought a pair of shears from Roger, and they are wonderful quality and even better price.

Also had him sharpen a pair of my current shears and he was very knowledgeable and helpful with making them be so sharp. Very impressed!”

— Sierra Emerson, stylist

“Love the work Roger does with my shears! Sam Villa shears are a special type of shear, and I need a crafted hand to get them just right. They stay so sharp, even after months of use. His sharpening price is bit up there, but it is -so- worth it. After hearing many horror stories from coworkers and friends about stop & shop sharpeners ruining their favorite shears, I’ve only trusted Roger with my shears.”

— Bethany Gatrell, stylist & barber

“Roger has a team that he personally vets. His work is impeccable, and he is a true artist and perfectionist. Shear Emporium sharpened two of my stylist scissors that turned out amazing.

They also sharpen knives and hold sharpening classes which I found informative and fun.”

— Lori Lozano, Proud People Barber Botanica

“I'm a dog groomer from Washington, and I usually get my shears sharpened almost every month by mobile sharpeners. NEVER AGAIN!!! After talking to Roger and hearing just how passionate and knowledgeable he is, I decided to try him out. That was 5 months ago, & my shears are still sharp! My grooms look better, I don't take as long, and I've already saved money since I haven't needed to sharpen them for 5 MONTHS. Roger is awesome, look no further.”