A Heritage Forged in Sheffield
The story of Henry Taylor Tools began in 1834, when Taylor & Howarth was established as an edge tool manufacturer by Henry Taylor and James Howarth. Following the end of their partnership in 1842, the business continued under the name Henry Taylor, laying the foundations for one of Sheffield's longest-standing edge tool manufacturers.
From the very beginning, the company's reputation was built on producing tools of exceptional quality. That reputation was recognised internationally when Henry Taylor received a Prize Medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851 for the superior quality of its manufactured tools. Further honours followed at the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1855) and the International Exhibition in London (1862), cementing the company's place among Britain's leading toolmakers.
As the business grew, so did its manufacturing capabilities. In 1892, Henry Taylor relocated from its original factory on Fitzwilliam Street to the renowned Acorn Works on Arundel Street, where it remained for the next fifty years. Just a few years later, in 1898, the company became a limited business, marking another important milestone in its development.
The twentieth century saw continued evolution while maintaining the company's commitment to craftsmanship. In 1948, Henry Taylor Ltd became part of Aaron Hildick, a respected fourth-generation family-owned edge tool manufacturer. Nearly thirty years later, in 1977, the company adopted the name it proudly carries today: Henry Taylor (Tools) Ltd.
Recognition for British manufacturing excellence continued when the company received The Queen's Award for Industry in 1981, one of the UK's highest business honours. This achievement was followed by a visit from His Royal Highness Prince Charles in 1984, celebrating the company's contribution to British manufacturing. A decade later, Henry Taylor moved to its current home on Livesey Street, Sheffield, where our tools continue to be manufactured today.
Growing Our Family of Brands
Our history is not only about preserving tradition—it's also about investing in the future of British toolmaking.
In 1992, T. Cooper Tools established itself as an edge tool manufacturer, initially operating from the historic Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet in Sheffield before relocating two years later. In 1999, the company launched the Hamlet Craft Tools brand, named in tribute to its original home and quickly becoming respected among woodturners for its quality and performance.
In 2006, Henry Taylor (Tools) Ltd proudly welcomed Hamlet Craft Tools into the business. Together with our established Diamic and Acorn brands, this expanded our range while bringing together some of Sheffield's finest edge tool manufacturing expertise under one roof at Livesey Street.
Continuing the Tradition
A new chapter began in 2017, when our current Managing Director, Paul Wragg, acquired Henry Taylor (Tools) Ltd. Under family ownership once again, the company has focused on returning to the traditional values that have defined Henry Taylor since 1834—quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and continuous investment in British manufacturing.
Supporting Today's Makers
While our history stretches back almost 200 years, our focus is firmly on today's woodworking community.
We're proud to support woodturning clubs, demonstrators, professional makers and beginners alike through our products, educational content and commitment to helping people develop their skills.
Whether you're turning your very first pen or creating exhibition-quality work, we're honoured to be part of your woodworking journey.
Looking to the Future
As woodworking continues to evolve, so do we.
We're continually refining our products and investing in manufacturing so that future generations of makers can enjoy the same quality and reliability that customers have expected from Henry Taylor Tools since 1834.
Our heritage provides the foundation, but it's our customers who shape our future.
Thank you for being part of our story.
We look forward to helping you create your next masterpiece
Explore Our Range
Whether you're looking for woodturning tools, woodcarving tools, sharpening equipment or accessories, you'll find products manufactured with the same dedication to quality that has defined Henry Taylor Tools for almost two centuries.
Browse our collection and discover why makers around the world continue to choose tools proudly made in Sheffield since 1834.