Ernest Wright: "Sui Generis" in the craft of fine scissor-making
In the beating heart of Sheffield, within one of the most charming workshops imaginable, you will find the home of Ernest Wright. Splintering off from the time-honoured attractiveness of quality scissor-making in the rich industrial heritage of this great city, Ernest Wright actively invests in passing the torch in scissor-making to the new generation.
Bespoke details
The current steward, Paul Jacobs, loves his endeavour, explaining with the same wording how each pair of scissors has been custom-made for the craft of its particular user. "It's not just about making scissors; it's about crafting a tool that fits the craftsman's needs perfectly," he says. From adjusting the tension in the pivot to perfecting the blade angle, intention goes into every detail. Their bespoke services, for example, the 'knife edge' for leather workers, show insight into the details of their clients' needs. They don’t cut corners.
Materialising perfection
Quality is underlined by material selection; this is in consideration of the quality they bring forth in making decisions on the materials they use. The carbon steel used in making small fabric scissors assures sharpness and strength, while the tailor/cutter shears are made with C60 steel ensuring the user is confident in getting a seamless perfect cut, with each stroke, even on the toughest of fabrics like Kevlar or more appropriately heavy duty tweeds, with ease. Stainless steel variants range across various client needs and can make a huge difference in the end result. They use two kinds of carbon steel, The C means Carbon followed by the quantity, either 0.50% or 0.60%.
Heritage rebirth
Their growth as a business moves hand in hand with the industrial fluctuation of Sheffield. Agglutinate: It hit the peak of its popularity in the 1960s, plunged into its decline, and has since revived itself through a loyal client base where ‘’only the best will do’’ and a viral video on YouTube in 2012. Supported by a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. Not without its challenges. In 2018 the company lost its fifth-generation leader. Even with the new pressures presented by Brexit and the pandemic; Ernest Wright continued to thrive, through hard work, passion for craftsmanship and doing things properly. Now being recognised by no less than Royalty and the Heritage Craft Association for the impact they make on tradition.
Not owned, but inherited.
Buying the building of their workshop was a key moment. "Owning our space allowed us to fully invest in our craft," Jacobs pointed out. That level of stability was key to retaining high-quality work.
Making scissors & shears is not only manufacturing but a craft; it’s an effort of humankind towards nurturing the legacy of excellence and passion. It is the epitome of the industrial art of Sheffield and inspiration for the forthcoming generation of craftspeople.
