How to Clean, Maintain & Store Scissors & Shears

Jade Shemwell

Understanding your scissors. What makes them snip!
Daily maintenance. Inspect, take care and keep them well lubricated
Cleaning your scissors. Best practices for keeping scissors clean.
Sharpening scissors. DIY or professional sharpening. Which is best?
Storing scissors. What and where is best?
Luxury scissor maintenance.

Section 1:

Understanding Your Scissors

Before delving into maintenance, it’s essential to understand the anatomy and materials of your scissors. Our scissors are crafted from high-quality carbon steel, chosen for its exceptional durability and ability to hold a sharp edge. Each pair is meticulously crafted, with components designed to work in perfect harmony for precise cutting.

The two main parts of your scissors are the blades and the handles. The blades are care ground to a precise angle to create an edge that slices cleanly through either fabric, paper, composite materials or thread, while the handles are shaped for comfort and control. A pivot screw connects the two halves, allowing the blades to glide open and closed smoothly. Proper care of each component ensures the longevity and performance of your scissors.

You can read more about the processes we go though to craft our scissors here.

Section 2:
Regular Maintenance

1. Regular Inspection: begin each use with a thorough inspection of your scissors. Check for any signs of wear, nicks, or misalignment. Early detection of issues can prevent further damage.

2. Proper Handling: Always handle your scissors with care. Avoid dropping them as this can cause knicks and knock off the set of the scissors, should this occur please reach out to us about repair and reset. Use your scissors only for their intended purpose. For example, fabric scissors should not be used to cut paper or other hard materials, as this can dull the blades and compromise their performance.

3. Lubrication: Apply a drop of light machine oil to the pivot screw the inside of the blades and edge every few months, wipe away any excess oil to prevent it from transferring to your materials. This ensures smooth operation and reduces friction, which can cause wear over time. Should your scissors get wet, dry them immediately and apply a small amount of oil all over the exposed metal of the scissors.

4. Storage: Always store your scissors in their protective packaging or in a dry, safe place to prevent damage. Avoid leaving them in humid environments, as carbon steel can tarnish and rust if exposed to moisture.

5. Sharpening: While our scissors are designed to maintain their sharpness, regular use can dull the blades over time. We recommend having your scissors professionally sharpened to preserve their precision. Avoid using household sharpening tools, as they can damage the edge.

Section 3:
Cleaning Your Scissors

1. Use a clean, soft, and dry absorbent material, such as a microfiber cloth. Open the scissors wide and carefully clean all accessible areas, focusing on the insides near the screw, the back surfaces, and both sides of the blades (look out for any dust or fabric fluff).

2. After working the scissors open and closed a few times, repeat the cleaning process to ensure no debris remains.

3. Buff the exterior of the scissors while closed using the same cloth, then finish with a clean cloth to leave them shining.

Section 4:
Sharpening Your Scissors

1. Professional Sharpening: Our scissors are crafted to retain their sharpness, but with regular use, the blades may naturally dull over time. To maintain their precision and cutting performance, we strongly recommend professional sharpening. This ensures the blades are handled with care and restored to their original condition. Avoid using household sharpening tools unless you are highly experienced, as improper sharpening techniques can cause permanent damage to the cutting edge.
2. DIY Precautions: Never attempt to tamper with, loosen, or adjust the screw. It is expertly fixed to ensure perfect alignment and performance. Altering the screw can compromise the set of the scissors, lead to irreparable damage, and may void your lifetime warranty. Always handle your scissors with care to ensure they remain in peak condition for years to come.

Section 5:
Storing Your Scissors

Proper Storage: Keep your scissors in their original protective packaging or a dry, secure location to avoid accidental damage. Carbon steel scissors are particularly sensitive to moisture, so it’s important to store them away from humid environments. For additional protection, consider wrapping them in a dry cloth, placing them in a leather sheath, or using a sturdy cardboard box to shield them from airborne moisture.
Avoid Damage: Refrain from storing your scissors in cluttered drawers where they may come into contact with other tools or metal objects. Such contact can lead to nicks in the blades and diminish their sharpness over time.
Showcase with Care: If you value the beauty of your tools, a dedicated display case is an excellent option. This not only protects your scissors but also makes them a focal point of your workspace.

Section 6:
Special Considerations for Looking After Premium Scissors & Sheers

Environmental Factors: Be mindful of the environment in which you use and store your scissors. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can affect the metal’s integrity.

Conclusion

With proper care, your scissors can last a lifetime and even become heirloom tools passed down through generations. Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also preserves the craftsmanship and heritage behind every pair of Whiteley’s scissors. Experience the joy of owning scissors that are as enduring as they are elegant. For more information on maintaining your premium scissors and shears click here or contact our customer service team. Your investment in Whiteley scissors is an investment in excellence, and we are here to help you preserve it.