Timeless Icons – Visiting the Ernest Wright Scissors Factory in Sheffield, England

Join us, the team at Iconic Tools, on our journey to one of the last traditional manufacturers of handmade scissors, a company that has stood for the highest quality and craftsmanship since 1902: Ernest Wright. Learn about Sheffield's rich history as a steelworking center and discover how passion and craftsmanship come alive in every single Ernest Wright product.

“We are but the two halves of a pair of scissors, when apart… but together we are something”. (Charles Dickens)

We are but two halves of a pair of scissors when we are apart. But together we are one and strong. This quote from Charles Dickens adorns, in large, gilded letters, the back of one of the last great, genuine scissors manufacturers in the world: the Ernest Wright Company in Sheffield, England.

Sheffield – A city with a centuries-old steel tradition

The journey takes us to the heart of Sheffield, a city that looks back on a centuries-old tradition of metalworking and has made industrial history. The region has been home to a tradition of cutlery since the 13th century. The invention of stainless steel, the first non-rusting steel, is also attributed to this region. From the late 18th century onwards, Sheffield developed into a major industrial city and a center of steel processing. And we realize that hardly any other industry in human history can look back on a tradition as ancient as the European cutlery industry.

We begin our journey in our hometown of East Westphalia. Arriving in Manchester, we soon pass the so-called "Snake Pass" towards Sheffield. This pass winds through the rolling countryside and offers us breathtaking views of the hills and valleys of the Peak District, especially the moorland and valleys like the Upper Derwent Valley. It's a breathtaking sight.

Ernest Wright: A family business with history

After two hours, we reach Sheffield City. Specifically, 58 Broad Lane and enter the red brick building.

With "Hello Father and Son," Paul Jacobs, owner and managing director of Ernest Wright, welcomes us to his factory. This traditional scissors manufacturer has stood for precise craftsmanship and the highest quality since 1902. Paul Jacobs took over the factory in 2015, reviving this almost lost tradition. This is remarkable, because in the 1970s, there were still 150 small scissor workshops in Sheffield. Now there are only two. Ernest Wright is one of the few remaining manufacturers of handmade scissors in the world.

Paul Jacobs is a very friendly host. He welcomes us into his office, which serves as a creative workshop, break room, accounting office, and shipping station. Wearing a gray smock made of heavy yet elegant cloth, featuring the embroidered Ernest Wright logo and a small pin of miniature scissors, Paul warmly welcomes us, the Iconic Tools team, to his scissors factory.

A company site full of stories

The first thing we notice in common is Paul's red 1974 BMW 2002, parked at the entrance to his factory, which shares not only his passion for hand tools but also his love of vintage cars.

We traveled there not only to witness the uniqueness of the scissors and their manufacturing process for ourselves; it's also important to us to cultivate personal relationships with our partners. True to the Iconic Tools motto "People buy from people," authenticity, empathy, and personal interaction are our top priorities in our business operations.

We'll get started right away. Paul and his team will give us a deep insight into the history and manufacturing process of the scissors.

Paul Jacobs' connection to Ernest Wright's history is palpable. He speaks with pride about the company's roots, which began manufacturing scissors for a variety of applications—from fabric scissors, paper scissors, and household scissors to special models for medical use. The craftsmanship, cultivated here for over a century, is passed on to the next generation of scissor makers by passionate employees. This passion is enshrined in a pursuit of perfection.

Three hours of fascination: The production of scissors up close

A visit to Ernest Wright's workshop is impressive. Upon entering the factory, the calm and focused work is immediately noticeable. The atmosphere is almost meditative. The steady, rhythmic whir of the grinding machines echoes through the workshop like a tranquil heartbeat. Around half a dozen craftsmen work simultaneously at various workbenches, grinding machines, and scissors models – it's immediately apparent that each individual pair of scissors is crafted and assembled 100% by hand with patience, precision, and pride.

From blank to masterpiece

The manufacturing process begins with the steel blanks, which are prepared for further processing in a drop forging process. Here, the steel is heated and pressed into a special mold, creating the rough shape of a scissor blade.

The blank of each scissor half is then carefully drilled under cooling and carefully threaded. Immediately following this, a rough grinding process takes place. In this first grinding step, excess forging residue is removed from the blades, rough edges are removed from the drill holes, and the shafts are smoothed. Now the blade is also ground, as this is not yet present on the scissors.

Next, they undergo a final hand-grinding, giving the blades their initial shape toward the cutting edge. Grinding this inner surface creates the necessary curve of the scissors all the way to the tip. When we place the blades together in this state, we can see a fine gap, a kind of arch, which will later give the blades their important tension.

Now it's time for further fine-tuning. A narrow belt sander is passed through the handle of the blade to sand the inside and bring it to a shine.

Hardening: The key to longevity

After the grinding process is complete, the scissors are hardened. Hardening is an essential step in the production of high-quality scissors. Hardening makes the steel more resistant to abrasion, makes it robust against deformation, and preserves the service life, precise cutting performance, functionality, and sharpness of the scissors.

The next important step in the finishing process is polishing. For this, the scissors are placed in a drum polishing machine, known as a rumbler. Small ceramic pebbles and polishing paste refine the surfaces of the scissors by removing burrs and final sanding marks, thus carefully smoothing everything.

The Wedding of the Scissors

Next, the two halves of the blades are assembled, which must later be precisely aligned to ensure the perfect cut. This is also called the marriage.

At Ernest Wright, this task is performed by the so-called "putter" or "joiner." The screw is inserted to connect the scissors halves. Now the correct tension between the two halves must be adjusted. The scissors should cut smoothly, but also exert sufficient and even pressure on the edges to enable precise and clean cuts. In other words, shearing the material.

We learn that assembling and adjusting a handcrafted pair of scissors is one of the most demanding phases of the manufacturing process. Precise hammer blows are used to achieve the optimal position of the blades relative to each other, and further fine hammer blows form a perfect curve on each side of the blade.

This process requires exceptional craftsmanship and experience, as even the smallest mistakes can render the entire workpiece unusable. One wrong strike—whether at the wrong angle or in the wrong place—can irreparably ruin the scissors.

Furthermore, passing on this knowledge is a challenge. It takes time and patience to learn and master this craftsmanship to ensure the precision and quality essential for perfectly functioning scissors.

Before the scissors complete the manufacturing process, the putter performs a function test. This includes cutting materials such as fabric, paper, or leather to ensure the scissors work smoothly and precisely.

Finally, the scissors are polished by hand to a high shine.

Paul Jacobs explains to us that it's not just about functionality, but also about the longevity of the products. "A good pair of scissors should last a lifetime," he says, adding that many customers use their Ernest Wright scissors for decades, even a lifetime. It's impressive to see the care and dedication that goes into every step of the process—and why a pair of handmade scissors from Sheffield is something truly special.

Scissors that connect history and future

Ernest Wright's scissors are not just tools, but small works of art, created by the dedication and unbridled passion of people who, with their bare hands, create tools that last for generations.

They also reflect the craftsmanship of a region once famous for its steel and knife industries. Today, in a world of mass production, it's all the more remarkable that companies like Ernest Wright continue to rely on traditional manufacturing methods and combine them with modern standards.

After the tour of the workshop, we sit down with Paul Jacobs for a while, discussing the challenges and future plans of the manufactory and the importance of high-quality craftsmanship. "Craftsmanship never dies," Paul says with conviction, "it will always be appreciated as long as people recognize true quality."

Our trip to Sheffield was not only a fascinating insight into an ancient craft, but also an inspiring encounter with people who love their work and are proud of their traditions. We are convinced that companies like Ernest Wright continue to have a bright future – thanks to their dedication to perfection and unwavering belief in the power of craftsmanship.

Conclusion: An unforgettable trip to Ernest Wright

Our visit to Ernest Wright once again demonstrated how important it is to preserve craftsmanship and tradition. The passion that goes into every detail is impressive. The scissors handcrafted here are not just tools, but testaments to a centuries-old art.

We've brought you numerous photos that show the creation process of a pair of scissors – from the initial shaping of the blades to the final, meticulous inspection. Anyone who holds a pair of handcrafted Ernest Wright scissors will immediately feel the difference. They combine precision, durability, and a timeless elegance that is second to none.

You can find all further information about Ernest Wright and her unique scissors on our website.