MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

Carbon and stainless steel
How they differ in care

Most of our scissors are made from carbon steel. It allows a fine, clean cutting edge and can be re-sharpened more easily over time. This is why it is often preferred for dressmaking and fabric scissors.

Carbon steel does require care, as it will mark if left in damp conditions.

Some of our scissors are made from stainless steel, including our kitchen, general purpose, household, and nurseryman patterns. These are more resistant to water and better suited to wet use, but still benefit from being dried after use.

Keep them dry
Can scissors get wet?
Carbon steel scissors should be kept away from water, salt, and damp air. Moisture in the air, and even from your hands, can mark the steel over time.
After use, wipe them clean and dry. Store them somewhere dry, a cloth, leather pouch, or even a simple cardboard box will do. Anything that keeps moisture off.
They can be kept in the presentation box, as long as they are fully dry before being put away.

Kitchen scissors
Can kitchen scissors be used around water?
Our stainless steel kitchen scissors are more at home around water. We recommend washing them by hand and drying them thoroughly afterwards.
They are not suitable for the dishwasher. The combination of heat, moisture, and detergents can cause staining or corrosion over time.

Cleaning
How to clean your scissors and shears
To clean your scissors and shears, use a soft, dry cloth.
Open them fully and wipe into the insides, especially around the screw, along the backs, and both sides of the blades. Close them, open them again, and repeat.
This removes dust, fibres, and residue that can affect how they cut.
Finish with a clean, dry wipe all over.

Oiling
How to oil your scissors
From time to time, a small drop of oil in the screw area will help.
Work it in by opening and closing the scissors a few times. Then wipe away any excess.
For the first few cuts, take care, as a small amount of oil may come through.

The screw
Should you adjust the screw?
The scissors are set with a specific tension between the blades. This comes from the geometry of the pair and how they are put together.
Changing the position of the screw will alter that tension and can affect how they cut.
For this reason, please do not adjust the screw.

Repairs
Can scissors be repaired?
If something does not feel right, whether through use, accident, or time, you can return your scissors to us.

We can inspect, re-sharpen, and re-set them where needed.
Manufacturing faults are covered under our warranty. We also offer a repair service for Ernest Wright and Kutrite scissors.