<blockquote class="source-note"><p class="small text-muted mt-3">Source baseline: ScissorPedia research index and JapanShears distributor data — Document supporting interviews or shop quotes in the editorial log.</p></blockquote>
When Darwin, Cairns, or the Gold Coast slides into wet season, humidity spikes above 70% and rust tries to chew through every edge. Use this survival plan to keep shears gliding until the dry season returns.
Daily Non-Negotiables
- Wipe & Disinfect After Every Client – Moisture plus hair fragments equals corrosion. Use an ARTG-listed disinfectant, honour the dwell time, and dry thoroughly.
- Oil the Pivot – A single drop of moisture-displacing shear oil keeps ride lines smooth; wipe away excess to avoid attracting grit.
- Store Airtight – Rest shears closed inside padded cases with silica packs or rechargeable dehumidifiers. Never leave them exposed on a damp station.
Weekly Wet-Season Tasks
- Inspect for Rust – Use bright light around the screw and blade tips. Address any spots immediately with a soft cloth and fresh oil.
- Swap Silica Packs – Recharge or replace desiccants as soon as they turn colour.
- Log Climate Notes – Track humidity impacts inside the ROI planner so you can forecast sharpening needs.
Sharpening Strategy
- Book mobile specialists (Top End Mobile Sharpening, etc.) or mail-in services before cyclone alerts start.
- Rotate duplicate shears into play while your primary pair is away—no gaps in service.
- Ask sharpeners to provide edge reports and store them in
docs/shear-brand-validation.md.
Power Outage Contingency
- Keep manual checklists for cleaning and logging; storms can knock out POS and scheduling systems.
- Stock spare dehumidifier packs that don’t rely on power (silica, calcium chloride tubs).
- Ensure mobile lighting or headlamps are ready for edge inspection if the shop is dark.
Service Recovery
- Communicate realistic wait times to clients during extreme weather weeks.
- Offer maintenance add-ons (blade wipe demo, at-home care tips) to reinforce professionalism.
- Review insurance coverage for water damage in case storms breach storage areas.
Wet season takes discipline, not miracles. Build these habits now and every convex edge in your roll will survive the humidity—even when the forecast reads 30°C and 90% every afternoon.