Your Questions Answered

Yes! Whiteley incorporated another Sheffield scissor manufacturer, Thomas Wilkinson, in 1879. As a reference to the Wilkinson heritage, we decided to use the Wilkinson brand name on many of our scissors that we manufacture today.

The length of all scissors except sidebent scissors are measured from the very tip of the blade to the very end of the finger bow (handle). Sidebent scissors are measured differently and are measured from the tip of the blade to end of the thumb bow.

Scissor size is ultimately a personal preference. However, to try and help you, we have written a blog called ‘Scissors by Hand Size’, which can be used as a guide. Please click here to read the blog. In addition, we have included all measurements and weights of all of our products on each of the product pages to help you make an informed decision.

We manufacture a wide range of scissors for different uses, such as kitchen, tailoring and upholstery. We have categorised these on our website to make them easy to find what you’re looking for with further details listed in each of the product descriptions. If you’re still unsure, we have written a blog named ‘The Best Scissors for the Job’.

Some smaller items, such as threadclips, can be engraved with up to 4 characters. Other items, such as embroidery scissors are unfortunately just too small to add bespoke laser engraving. If an item is able to be engraved, you will have this option to add your message on the product page.

Left-handed scissors can take some getting used to if you have taught yourself how to use right-handed scissors. Some people find that when they cut with left-handed scissors for the first time, they can often fold the fabric rather than cut through it. This is because the scissors are being used incorrectly. Left-handed people using left-handed scissors have to ‘relearn’ how to use the scissors; the left thumb must push against the small bow of the left –handed scissor and with practice and perseverance, most people don’t tend to look back.

As only 5% of the population is left-handed. There is a high cost associated with manufactured a new variation of scissor and would be cost inefficient for us to offer a left-handed scissor for all patterns of scissors.

Unlike our other sewing and tailoring scissors, our Xtra Sharp sidebents feature one serrated blade and one knife edge blade instead of two knife edge blades. Having one serrated blade allows the scissors to grip onto thicker fabrics and therefore cut through them easier. Be careful when using Xtra Sharp sidebents on fabrics with fibres, such as wool and silk however, as the serrated blade could tug on one of the fibres and damage the fabric.

We would strongly advise against using your sewing scissors for anything other than what they are intended to be used for. Using scissors for different uses and across different types of materials will mean they blunt quicker than just being used for fabric. We would always suggest having a separate pair of scissors for every job you need and this will help ensure your scissors always remain in the best condition and have the longest lifespan.

Manufacturing scissors can include up to 36 processes that take up to 8 weeks, due to this, sometimes you will see some items out of stock. Items that are ‘returning soon’ can be available to purchase on back order. If you see this, you’ll be one of the first to receive the item when it comes back into stock so we strongly recommend doing so if the item is popular. If an item is on back order, we will advise in the product description an approximate date for despatch but this could sometimes change due to factors out of our control.

If you have seen an item which is currently out of stock but not available on back order, please email sales@whiteley.co.uk and we will email letting you know when the item becomes available for purchase again.

For some items which are close to coming back into stock, they will be available to pre-order on the product page.

Yes! On the checkout page, you’re able to tick a box to the right-hand side that allows you to input a different address to the billing address. Our items arrive without pricing details and gift boxed so if it’s for a present, they won’t be aware how much you paid for the item and will be nicely packaged.

We work through orders chronologically. If you would like to receive your order by a specific date, you are more than welcome to email sales@whiteley.co.uk and we will try our very best to get this to you but unfortunately we cannot make any guarantees.

We would advise checking your spam box for any missed order confirmation emails. If you’re still unsure whether your order has gone through, you can email sales@whiteley.co.uk with the name the order would have been made under and we can quickly confirm whether we have received your order.

Yes. If your order includes some items on back order and some items that are in stock, the entire order will be despatched when all items are in stock and available to be shipped.

If you require some items to be delivered sooner, we would advise placing separate orders for the in stock items.

Some items, like knives, are legally age-restricted in the UK. To comply with government regulations and protect young people, we’re required to confirm that customers are over 18 before completing the sale.

We use OneID, a secure and privacy-focused service that verifies your age using your bank account details without ever sharing your financial information with us. It’s fast, safe, and there’s no need to upload documents or take selfies.

Want to understand more about how OneID age verification works?

Read our full blog here.

Unfortunately we cannot cancel orders once they have been placed as they are sent straight to our warehouse for processing.

If you are struggling to order online, then please feel free to email sales@whiteley.co.uk with what it is you would like to order (plus any engraving if applicable) and your delivery address and somebody will be back in touch to help process this order for you.

Once you have received your order, please email sales@whiteley.co.uk quoting your order number and we will be able to email a VAT receipt to you.

Yes! We offer full worldwide tracked and signed shipping and the cost of this will be calculated at checkout depending on package weight, size and your address.

We endeavour to despatch all orders within 2-3 working days, however during unprecedented busy periods, this lead time can sometimes be extended.

Once your order has been despatched (withing 2-3 working days), UK orders typically take 2-3 working days for free shipping and 1-2 days for Royal Mail 24 and DPD. European orders typically take 3-8 working days to arrive, U.S. orders typically take 7-15 working days and rest of world orders typically take 5-7 working days to arrive.

You will receive an email letting you know when your order has been despatched.

If you are an international customer using tracked delivery, you will also receive notification from the courier with tracking details.

If you live overseas, customs duties will vary between countries with some countries applying no duty at all. We would advise to follow advice given by your national postal service for further information about customs duties relevant to your country. For U.S. and EU customers please see the dedicated FAQ’s for more information on our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping option.

Unfortunately, we do not have a physical shop and therefore cannot provide a click and collect service or accommodate in person purchases at our factory.

Please email sales@whiteley.co.uk requesting a returns form. We will then send you a returns form for you to include with your item(s). Please note, our returns policy is 30 days from receipt of the product and the item must be unused.

We would advise using a signed for service with sufficient postage insurance to cover the value of the goods should the package go missing in transit.

Engraved/ personalised products are not able to be returned unless they are faulty and products that have been used are also not eligible.

Please send your item back in its original packaging in a securely sealed box or outer shipping bag. Please ensure the product cannot move around freely during transit as this can damage the item and render it useless.

Yes! There is an option on the returns form to choose an item for exchange. If the item you are exchanging for is cheaper than the item you are returning, then we will refund the difference. If the item you are exchanging for is more expensive, then we will email you with instructions on how to pay the difference.

Once we receive your product back, expect to receive a refund in 3-5 working days. If you have any queries, please email sales@whiteley.co.uk.

Our extensive guarantee covers all manufacturing faults but does not cover general wear, damage or corrosion caused by misuse.

All scissors purchased from us come with a care guide. As a general rule of thumb, do not get scissors wet. There are some exceptions to this rule; Classic Kitchen Scissors and Lightweight Kitchen Scissors which are fully dishwasher safe. The rest of our scissors, although the majority are chrome-plated and resist corrosion, can still be damaged by rusting if they get wet or are stored in a damp environment. In addition, there is no plating on the cutting edges, as it would interfere with the cut so these areas in particular will need to be treated with care.

For fabric scissors which can experience a build-up of fibres in between the blades and near the screw, we advise these are wiped after every use and regularly serviced with a small amount of machine oil near the screw and nut area to keep them in their best condition.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer a refurbishment service due to the time intensive nature of scissor refurbishment. It is also difficult for us to accurately assess the time required without us having the scissors or shears physically here in our factory.

In regards to resharpening, we have currently had to suspend this service due to being inundated with demand causing all our production efforts to be focused on the manufacture of stock. At present, we cannot advise exactly when resharpening may resume. If you would like to email sales@whiteley.co.uk if you are interested in the service in future, then we will email you when we can accept scissors and shears for resharpening again.

As we do not outsource any resharpening, we are unable to personally recommend any scissor and shear resharpening companies.

Our best advice would be to ensure anybody you do approach has experience in resharpening tailoring and dressmaking shears as some scissor resharpening companies may only have experience resharpening hairdressing scissors which need to be treated differently.

The U.S. de minimis rule is changing, which means more orders will face duties and tariffs. By offering DDP shipping only, we handle this in advance so you never face hidden costs or delivery delays.

Prices now include duties and tariffs. You may notice a small increase, but it ensures no surprise bills or clearance fees later.

We do, on your behalf. All costs are included in your checkout price.

No. In fact, DDP shipments often clear customs faster because everything is pre-paid.

No. All import formalities are handled before dispatch.

Yes, all our scissors and shears shipped to the U.S. are delivered DDP.

Our prices now include all duties, VAT, and fees. You may notice a small increase, but this ensures no unexpected bills or clearance charges when your order arrives.

We do, on your behalf. Everything is included in the checkout price.

No. In many cases, DDP shipments clear customs faster because all charges and paperwork are settled before dispatch, we estimate your delivery time at checkout.

No. All import formalities are handled by us in advance.

Yes, all our scissors and shears shipped to EU countries are delivered DDP.

Some of the regulatory changes under the EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR 2023/988) require us (as a non-EU manufacturer) to have an EU-based Authorised Representative, register certain products properly, ensure specific labelling & safety documentation. Until those are in place for certain lines, we’re unable to legally sell those products in EU markets. We are working on compliance and expanding the range as soon as possible.