HOOKED
When I saw ‘The Putter’, I was hooked. It was mesmerising to watch Cliff carefully prepare the scissors in each stage of assembly. I fell in love with the heritage, the quality and craftsmanship. At that time, there was a pair of cheap, mass-produced scissors in my kitchen drawer. I knew they had to be replaced with a pair from Ernest Wright, so I became a backer on Kickstarter.
By very early into our workshop closure, we had sold out of most of the scissors in the Ernest Wright range. Orders were still coming in thick and fast, so we made the decision to continue accepting backorders, with the proviso that these might take some time to fulfil, taking into account the workshop closure and the production timescale required to make the scissors after lockdown.
THE FACTORY
When we acquired the assets of the company, there had been decades of decline and recent tragedy. The machinery was in neglect and although the workers had done all they could to keep the ship afloat, the heritage was slipping away.
To make sure that Ernest Wright continues to manufacture quality, handmade scissors, we’ve invested heavily in the workshop. By researching how to improve production, new machinery has been introduced that salutes the heritage and skill of our Putters. We’re working hard to keep the craft alive. Cliff Denton and Eric Stones, each with over 60 years worth of experience, are currently passing on their knowledge to new apprentices.
Taking over Ernest Wright is an unusual acquisition. The company has history and a living, breathing name. We’ve shared our plan with the Wright family and it’s been a huge comfort to have their support and to know that we’re doing the right thing.
We continue with the positive direction started by Nick Wright and as handmade scissor enthusiasts, Jan Bart and I are thrilled to be part of the story.
Ernest Wright remains alive in the city of Sheffield. Our goal is to build a brand that stands on its own two feet allowing the craft of handmade scissors to continue into the next century.
Paul Jacobs
Co-owner Ernest Wright
