The Manufacture of Scissors and Shears

This is a Sheffield Branch event organised and run by our Sheffield Branch for its members. Other members and non-members are welcome to join us.

Overview: Scissors and shears are often over-looked, yet are a ubiquitous and much needed tool. Their function appears simple, yet unique and nothing as yet replaces a good pair of scissors for those jobs that, well, only a pair of scissors can and will do. However the apparent simplicity in use of scissors and shears belies the complex processes involved in their manufacture. This requires the making of two blades married together to perfectly cut from pinch to point without any hassle, which only occurs as a result of the skills learned by the tradesmen over a number of years.

A brief history will be given of how and why the manufacture of scissors and shears, (which comes under the umbrella title of the “Cutlery Industry”), was established within the town centre area of Sheffield. The Industry was always a very fragmented trade, each company specialising in the manufacture of specific items, usually with some form of cutting edge,  items such as scissors & shears, pen & pocket knives, butchers & boning  knives, catering & cooks knives, secateurs, scythes & sickles, as well of course all the major range of table cutlery.

Virtually all of the 150+ patterns of scissors and shears which are required in a multiplicity of trades will be on display at the talk.

Speaker: Philip Wright

Speaker Biography: Philip Wright was employed in the Sheffield Cutlery Industry for 53 years and joined the family business of Ernest Wright & Son Limited in 1960, which had been established by his Grandfather, as a Little Mester, in the year 1902, manufacturing Scissors & Shears.  Philip commenced by doing a 3 years Cutlery Apprenticeship Course at Granville College of Further Education and worked for 10 years on the shop floor before eventually becoming M.D. & Chairman. By the mid 1970's the company under their trade name of Kutrite of Sheffield and Horse's Head Registered Trade Mark was trading to 45 countries which, in the main, were British Commonwealth countries throughout the World.

A poster for your workplace can be downloaded here

Please note, this event is IN PERSON only.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Attending this event supports your professional development.  You can claim 2 CPD points per hour for this event.  As a member of the Welding Institute you can record your CPD activity online from your membership portal.

Additional Information:

• Sandwich Buffet served from 17:30
• Registration for this event will close 48 hours before the start.
• Live event only
• Registration details maybe shared with our Branch volunteers to help facilitate this event.