2025 Sharpeners Jam - Cancun

July 24-28, 2025 4 days / 3 Nights

Join us for this special Cancun Sharpeners Jam at the All-Inclusive Resort of Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya!

This exceptional 4 star resort caters to both families and couples seeking an upscale escape. Savor delectable cuisine at a variety of restaurants, pamper yourself at the expansive 32,000-square-foot spa, or simply relax under the shade of towering Mayan statues, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Our itinerary seamlessly blends educational and professional development sessions with ample time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, this trip coincides with a joyous celebration – the 50th wedding anniversary of your Bonika Shears hosts, Bonnie and Gene Megowan. Join us in celebrating this couple as we create lasting memories in this idyllic Caribbean paradise.

All inclusive (food, drinks, entertainment and education), 1 room suite pricing. does not include airfare. 

Morning sessions each day. 

Classes: 

Inside the Edge with Ramon Eickert
Learn how ride lines, ramping, and hollow grinds affect shear performance. Ramon Eickert, manufacturer and sharpener breaks down the inside geometry of straight, curved, and texturizing shears. Take your sharpening to the next level with real insights from someone who’s built and honed shears from the factory floor to the salon.

Beyond the Grind with Jim O'Donnell
You’ve sharpened the blade—now what? Learn to assemble, tension, adjust sockets, and test clipper blades with industry veteran Jim O'Donnell, editor of On the Edge and longtime sharpening educator. A must-attend class for sharpeners serious about perfect clipper blade performance.

Test Before You Touch – with Bonnie Megowan
Don’t just sharpen—inspect first. Learn how to test tension, identify red flags, and recognize when a shear should be left alone. Bonnie Megowan, founder of Bonika Shears, shows you how to protect your reputation by diagnosing problems and making smart sharpening decisions—before you power up the machine.

Full class Descriptions: 

Go beyond the shine—what's inside the blade tells the real story.

In this hands-on, detail-rich class, Ramon Eickert will guide sharpeners through the often-overlooked inner structure of beauty shears. Learn to identify and master the intricacies of ride lines on straight and curved shears, thinners, and texturizers. Ramon will demystify concepts like ramping and the hollow grind, explaining how each affects the ride line and ultimately, the shear’s performance. If you’ve ever struggled with ride line consistency or wanted to understand why certain shears just “feel” better—this class will connect the dots from factory floor to salon chair.

Ideal for intermediate to advanced sharpeners, especially those looking to deepen their understanding of shear geometry and internal blade structure.

Instructor Bio:

Ramon Eickert is the owner of Select Beauty Products and Catawba Cutlery in Fremont, Ohio. Having grown up in the industry, he brings a rare combination of hands-on sharpening skill and deep knowledge of shear manufacturing. Ramon worked with Arius, producing high-end beauty shears made in the USA. Today, he continues to sharpen shears directly in salons, bridging the gap between shear design and real-world performance.

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What happens after the sharpening wheel stops? That’s where the real finesse begins.

Join sharpening expert Jim O'Donnell as he guides you through the critical final steps that make or break a successful clipper blade sharpening job. In this practical, fast-paced class, you'll dive into blade assembly, proper tensioning, socket adjustments, setback, and thorough testing for all types of clipper blades.

Whether you're working with detachable blades, adjustable blades, or 5 n1’s, specialty grooming wide blades, Jim will show you how to ensure they perform like new—or better. If you’ve ever struggled with blades that were sharp but didn’t cut right, this class is your missing link.

Instructor Bio:

Jim O'Donnell is the editor of the respected On the Edge Newsletter and brings decades of experience to the sharpening industry. A former educator and sharpener with Wolff Industries, Jim now teaches independently, sharing his deep knowledge of sharpening and finishing techniques with the next generation of professionals.

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Some shears aren’t ready to be sharpened—some shouldn’t be touched at all. Do you know the difference?

In this professional, hands-on class, Bonnie Megowan will guide you through how to properly inspect and test shears before ever taking them apart or touching a machine. You’ll learn how to evaluate tension, check alignment, inspect the ride line, assess the screw system, and recognize red flags that signal potential problems—like bent blades, stripped screws, poor manufacturing, or excessive previous grinding.

More importantly, you’ll learn when to walk away—and how to explain your decision to stylists in a way that builds your credibility, not doubt. Bonnie will also cover how to handle customer expectations and offer safe, professional alternatives when sharpening isn’t the right option.

This class is perfect for both new and experienced sharpeners who want to protect their reputation, avoid liability, and elevate their sharpening practice with confidence and discernment.

Instructor Bio:

Bonnie Megowan is the founder of Bonika Shears and a master educator in the sharpening industry. With over 30 years of experience sharpening and training sharpeners across the globe, she’s known for her innovative techniques, clear instruction, and integrity in the trade. Bonnie has taught at countless sharpening events and continues to lead the industry with practical tools, honest insight, and a deep love for helping others succeed.