The steel needles are prepared, polished and checked before dispatching to you. I keep a stock in the UK so can deliver them really quickly.. Keep looking for an update in quantities!
If you knit using a knitting-belt then double-pointed needles are essential - the non-working-end is poked into the belt to be held firmly while the finger tips work the stitches, with less strain and effort than previously. Knitting in the round with dpns is a very old skill, predating straight 'knobbed' single-pointed needles, and especially useful for knitting without seams; thereby removing the job which most knitters dislike.
These needles are labelled in mm, US and old UK numbers. If you enjoy knitting up vintage patterns you will appreciate knowing the old UK equivalents. The US and mm sizes are not exact - the conversion between US to mm to UK is not a scentific equivalent! When in the sixties, UK knitting moved to the 'NEW' metric measurement, the needles sizes changed minutely, but really nobody noticed a difference - knitters' variation in tension was more noticeable in reality.
The steel needles (except for the smallest sizes) are formed strong from hollow rods, making them lightweight, with a satin finish. The soft-polished finish helps to prevent stitches falling off especially at the ends of the rows. Do not attempt to bend these needles! These are not the expensive solid steel needles of yesteryear - I regret I am unable to source anything of that vintage quality these days. Take care not to 'kink'.
I arrange for my post to be collected the following morning.
If you change your mind, return promptly in an unopened re-saleable condition, please!
Happy knitting ...