Henry Taylor Tools
Carving chisels and turning tools, Sheffield forge since 1834
Philosophy
Forging a chisel is simple. Forging the same chisel with the same temper for 192 years is Henry Taylor. Consistency is the silent luxury of craft.
History
Sheffield, 1834. Henry Taylor and James Howarth partner as 'Taylor & Howarth' to forge chisels and gouges. Sheffield is then the world capital of steel and cutlery, every alley has its forge, every family its metalworking trade.
In 1842, Howarth leaves to found his own company. Henry Taylor continues alone. In 1851, he wins a Prize Medal at London's Great Exhibition, the global showcase of Victorian industry. Medals follow at the Paris Exposition Universelle (1855) and London's International Exhibition (1862). In less than 30 years, Henry Taylor has international recognition.
In 1892, the company moves to Acorn Works on Arundel Street, the name that would become its flagship brand. It stays 50 years. Incorporation into Aaron Hildick in 1948 brings four more generations of family craft.
The modern turning point comes in 2006 with the acquisition of Hamlet Craft Tools (turning tools), and especially in 2017 when Paul Wragg buys the company with a clear mission: return to traditional values. The workshop is now at The Forge, Peacock Trading Estate, Livesey Street, still Sheffield.
On carving forums, Henry Taylor and Pfeil form an undisputed duo. On enthusiasts: 'I bought some Henry Taylor's new some years ago. Cost a fortune but they are really good.' On Woodcarving Illustrated, a testimony worth its weight in gold: '80 Henry Taylor chisels bought over 30 years, never found inconsistency in heat treatment.' 30 years of consistency, the kind of reliability you can't buy with marketing.
More expensive than Narex (Czech entry-level), above Two Cherries (mid-range). Same tier as Pfeil, the choice between the two is often personal preference rather than objective quality.
Iconic Products
Acorn Carving Chisel
THE benchmark carving chisel. Hand-forged blade in Sheffield, tempered carbon steel, ash or beech handle. The Acorn range covers dozens of profiles, gouges, firmer chisels, veiners, from widest to finest. The chisel you buy piece by piece over 30 years, and it never disappoints. 80 chisels, 30 years, zero consistency issues, the testimony that says it all.
Hamlet Craft Turning Tools
Wood turning tools, acquired in 2006. Turning gouges, parting tools, scrapers, all forged in Sheffield. Hamlet is to turning what Acorn is to carving: the complete range for the serious turner. Less known than the Acorn range, but equally respected by wood turners.
Diamic Tools
The diamond tool range, for sharpening and precision work. The natural complement to Acorn chisels: the tool that maintains the edge. Because the world's best chisel is worthless if it's not sharp. Henry Taylor understood this long ago.