Arthur Wright & Son, Sheffield: Quality of six knives received in 2022 - happy customer

[Jack Black]

I have an older A Wright knife which appears to be 1970s or earlier that is a great little knife. I've only had trouble with recent ones (and more than one unfortunately).

There's a couple of nice older Lambsfoot models owned by members here. Before John Maleham owned the firm, it was owned by Jack Howarth, last of the Sheffield cutlers with that name. The two worst periods for quality, in my experience, were 10-15 years ago, and more recently, immediately after John Maleham sold the firm. A lot of it depends on who is in charge, but also which cutlers are employed. Wright's had some pretty hopeless ones not so long ago. It's hard to recruit new ones, as it's not a well-paid job, and holds no prestige locally. Going back to the early 2000's, and the 1990's, Wright's weren't well spoken about in Sheffield, but I only had limited first-hand experience of them. In the 60's and 70's, it was mainly their fixed blades I encountered, of which I have an example. They were simple Sheffield 'Town Pattern Bowies' of various sizes, and while they looked pretty much like those made by other firms, similar examples, with the William Rodgers mark, for example, were considered more prestigious, even by young boys. I can remember talking to the manager of a well-known Sheffield cutlery shop, situated less than half a mile from Wright's, and she wouldn't stock their knives. I showed her some of my SFOs, and eventually managed to get her to see John Maleham. Wright's got some good business from the shop, but then quality nose-dived unfortunately

 

[cudgee]

As to filling chips with epoxy, here's a good example of how it was handled by the manufacturer of our BF Bunny Knives so, A. Wright I'd say isn't the only one that does it.

No mate, they all do it. It was like filling in car panels with bog, rather than panel beat them properly, now cheaper to replace the whole panel.

 

[sf fanatic]

There's a couple of nice older Lambsfoot models owned by members here. Before John Maleham owned the firm, it was owned by Jack Howarth, last of the Sheffield cutlers with that name. The two worst periods for quality, in my experience, were 10-15 years ago, and more recently, immediately after John Maleham sold the firm. A lot of it depends on who is in charge, but also which cutlers are employed. Wright's had some pretty hopeless ones not so long ago. It's hard to recruit new ones, as it's not a well-paid job, and holds no prestige locally. Going back to the early 2000's, and the 1990's, Wright's weren't well spoken about in Sheffield, but I only had limited first-hand experience of them. In the 60's and 70's, it was mainly their fixed blades I encountered, of which I have an example. They were simple Sheffield 'Town Pattern Bowies' of various sizes, and while they looked pretty much like those made by other firms, similar examples, with the William Rodgers mark, for example, were considered more prestigious, even by young boys. I can remember talking to the manager of a well-known Sheffield cutlery shop, situated less than half a mile from Wright's, and she wouldn't stock their knives. I showed her some of my SFOs, and eventually managed to get her to see John Maleham. Wright's got some good business from the shop, but then quality nose-dived unfortunately

Jack, are you familiar with a cutler who works for A. Wright named Ashley Harrison? Apparently he does bespoke knives for them. I’m considering ordering one.

 

[FranklinG]

Last month, I ordered a lambsfoot from a US dealer. It was sold as a factory defect, but other than a couple small chips around the pins, I don't see anything. Then again, I don't always have the greatest eye for these things. The blade is sharp and centered. It works well on apple-slicing duty. I love the color and feel of the ebony. As the OP observed, mine also has a gap at the butt end.

For me, part of the fun of carrying a pocket knife is handing it off to my kids when we're working on something together. They enjoy using Dad's knife, and it gives us something else to talk about. This is a great knife, and quite a deal, but I won't hand it to my kids anytime soon. It's the stiffest pull of all my slippies. The blade is pinchable to open, but then closing it takes a bit of effort. I flushed it out, lubricated it, and have been using it. The knife is definitely easier to open than when it first arrived, but still pretty stiff.

 

[sceva]

A. Wright can make a nice, decently fitted knife. I do not know the vintage of my Senator as I bought it from another forum member. I believe that he purchased it new in the past year or so.
The spring is pretty much flush both open and closed, the blade is centered good enough and other than a slight spring gap at the end (which is the result of blanking them out, quite common and does not bother me) the only other issue with mine was the lackluster Rosewood when new. probably due to polishing compound in the grain and lack of surface oil? Thru use, rubbing etc the rosewood has darkened, the grain darkened and the knife took on an all new, pleasing mellow look to it.

Here is is as received and how it is now after carrying, using and playing with it. I will own up to rounding off the corners of the bolsters to suit me better. I call him Senator Rose

 

[cigarrodog]

A. Wright can make a nice, decently fitted knife. I do not know the vintage of my Senator as I bought it from another forum member. I believe that he purchased it new in the past year or so.
The spring is pretty much flush both open and closed, the blade is centered good enough and other than a slight spring gap at the end (which is the result of blanking them out, quite common and does not bother me) the only other issue with mine was the lackluster Rosewood when new. probably due to polishing compound in the grain and lack of surface oil? Thru use, rubbing etc the rosewood has darkened, the grain darkened and the knife took on an all new, pleasing mellow look to it.

Here is is as received and how it is now after carrying, using and playing with it. I will own up to rounding off the corners of the bolsters to suit me better. I call him Senator Rose

Your effort with the rosewood hafts has certainly paid off. A beautiful Senator Lambfoot.

 

[cudgee]

but still pretty stiff.

It will get better with time.

 

[FranklinG]

It will get better with time.

Yes it has. Just a couple weeks later, and I've noticed that it isn't so stiff to close. I like it more every time I use it, and can't believe how inexpensive this great knife was. Very useful.

 

[TheStreamingEnderman]

Salutations, Gents. I figured I'd pop in to share my thoughts on Wrights as of late. I must admit, I'm quite lucky, as the majority of Wrights I have purchased are of excellent quality. However, back in 2021, I got my first two knives from them. A lovely Ettrick in Ebony (still amazed!) and a left-handed Lambsfoot in Rosewood. Tragically, the spring on the latter snapped in half. I got a replacement, but then that one broke, too! Despite this horrific experience, I was willing to give them another try. I got yet another replacement, this one being a Senator with the Tackler's blade. It was wonderful! No gaps, no offset blades, and a fairly good stamp on the blade. Transitions were good and the spring was a nice 6/10. Soon after, I got a polished Lambsfoot in Spalted Beech. That one was a tad bit disappointing. Gaps, offset blade, and a very uneven grind. Cut to 2023, (Pun intended!) where I see a sale on a bunch of Wrights. I decided to get 4. An Ebony Lambsfoot. A Rosewood Barlow. A Rosewood Ettrick. And a Rosewood Sheepsfoot. (For my Father) I can confidently say, they were (almost) all spectacular! The Ettrick is perfect, no questions, there. 6/10 pull, no offset blades. Good grinds, good transitions and only the slightest bit of gapping. The Lambsfoot, albeit a little on the stiff side (9/10) is very well put together, too. Straight blade, okay grinds, nice stamp, good transitions...the only issue is a little gapping. The Barlow had a 10 pull, shockingly, with a slightly offset blade, however the stamp, grind and overall build is very good. The Sheepsfoot was the best Wright I had ever seen. Perfect 7-8/10 pull, no gaps, good transitions, PERFECT centering, and great grinds. My Dad loved it! The last two Wrights I got were grails. Bog Oak Ettricks. I bought two. (because why not?) One is perfect, while the other is slightly offset. But either way, I am very pleased. I still am quite new to the forum, so I am sorry that I can't post pictures, yet! Either way, thanks to anyone who listened to my passionate ramble. For a Canadian, I sure love my Sheffield knives!

Cheers!

-TSE

 

[Jack Black]

Salutations, Gents. I figured I'd pop in to share my thoughts on Wrights as of late. I must admit, I'm quite lucky, as the majority of Wrights I have purchased are of excellent quality. However, back in 2021, I got my first two knives from them. A lovely Ettrick in Ebony (still amazed!) and a left-handed Lambsfoot in Rosewood. Tragically, the spring on the latter snapped in half. I got a replacement, but then that one broke, too! Despite this horrific experience, I was willing to give them another try. I got yet another replacement, this one being a Senator with the Tackler's blade. It was wonderful! No gaps, no offset blades, and a fairly good stamp on the blade. Transitions were good and the spring was a nice 6/10. Soon after, I got a polished Lambsfoot in Spalted Beech. That one was a tad bit disappointing. Gaps, offset blade, and a very uneven grind. Cut to 2023, (Pun intended!) where I see a sale on a bunch of Wrights. I decided to get 4. An Ebony Lambsfoot. A Rosewood Barlow. A Rosewood Ettrick. And a Rosewood Sheepsfoot. (For my Father) I can confidently say, they were (almost) all spectacular! The Ettrick is perfect, no questions, there. 6/10 pull, no offset blades. Good grinds, good transitions and only the slightest bit of gapping. The Lambsfoot, albeit a little on the stiff side (9/10) is very well put together, too. Straight blade, okay grinds, nice stamp, good transitions...the only issue is a little gapping. The Barlow had a 10 pull, shockingly, with a slightly offset blade, however the stamp, grind and overall build is very good. The Sheepsfoot was the best Wright I had ever seen. Perfect 7-8/10 pull, no gaps, good transitions, PERFECT centering, and great grinds. My Dad loved it! The last two Wrights I got were grails. Bog Oak Ettricks. I bought two. (because why not?) One is perfect, while the other is slightly offset. But either way, I am very pleased. I still am quite new to the forum, so I am sorry that I can't post pictures, yet! Either way, thanks to anyone who listened to my passionate ramble. For a Canadian, I sure love my Sheffield knives!

Cheers!

-TSE

Welcome to BF Traditionals TSE I think you are likely to find a big difference between Wrights' stock knives, and those commissioned by dealers, who may have higher standards than the factory does. The Bog Oak Ettricks, for example, have been commissioned

 

[TheStreamingEnderman]

Thanks, Sir! I appreciate it! Even their latest stock knives, (such as the Sheepsfoot) are really well made. I think A. Wright is making a comeback!

Cheers!

-TSE

 

[dlong]

Welcome to BF Traditionals TSE I think you are likely to find a big difference between Wrights' stock knives, and those commissioned by dealers, who may have higher standards than the factory does. The Bog Oak Ettricks, for example, have been commissioned

Mr. Black...might you suggest such a dealer as you referenced above? After one unhappy experience with an A. Wright, now deployed on permanent letter opening duty (fixed blade, for all practical purposes) I'm reluctant to try again. The Ettrick is calling to me, however.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, Sir! I appreciate it! Even their latest stock knives, (such as the Sheepsfoot) are really well made. I think A. Wright is making a comeback!

Cheers!

-TSE

A pleasure my friend Wright's have the potential to make good knives, but usually choose to make CHEAP knives sadly, in my experience

Mr. Black...might you suggest such a dealer as you referenced above? After one unhappy experience with an A. Wright, now deployed on permanent letter opening duty (fixed blade, for all practical purposes) I'm reluctant to try again. The Ettrick is calling to me, however.

I'm afraid that would be a breach of the forum rules. I can understand your reluctance, their knives are very hit and miss, at best, in my own experience

 

[Primble]

I love my Ettricks that I got from a U.S. dealer. They were a bit stiff at first and the brass liners kept shredding slivers of brass along the springs for the first month. The blades are all near centered. I sanded the back springs and edges of the springs lightly to stop the slivers of brass. The wood on one was a bit bumpy in places and I corrected it with a small sanding block and sandpaper. The redwood (seemed more like Redwood than Rosewood to me) I stained and fooled with it till I got it the way I like it. It may sound like I was disappointed, but no, for the price point paid, I don't see how anyone made much money ....... so a little or even a lot of work to finish them was rewarding to me. The fit was very good, the finish needed work, but, in the end, I was pleased.

View attachment 2077806

View attachment 2077805

I think I am going to go get my Rosewood one now and stick it in my pocket.

 

[Jack Black]

I love my Ettricks that I got from a U.S. dealer. They were a bit stiff at first and the brass liners kept shredding slivers of brass along the springs for the first month. The blades are all near centered. I sanded the back springs and edges of the springs lightly to stop the slivers of brass. The wood on one was a bit bumpy in places and I corrected it with a small sanding block and sandpaper. The redwood (seemed more like Redwood than Rosewood to me) I stained and fooled with it till I got it the way I like it. It may sound like I was disappointed, but no, for the price point paid, I don't see how anyone made much money ....... so a little or even a lot of work to finish them was rewarding to me. The fit was very good, the finish needed work, but, in the end, I was pleased.

View attachment 2077806

View attachment 2077805

I think I going to go get my Rosewood one now and stick in my pocket.

He probably has the good sense to send the worst examples back! Those are beautiful photos Mr P

 

[Primble]

He probably has the good sense to send the worst examples back! Those are beautiful photos Mr P

Thank you Mr. Jack.

Being previously schooled on the hit and miss quality issues , I did put a note with both of my orders that it was important to me that the wood to bolster and spring and liner fitment be tight, followed that by saying I would greatly appreciate it if he would personally inspect them for proper function, before mailing them out. I think he might have done that.

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you Mr. Jack.

Being previously schooled on the hit and miss quality issues , I did put a note with both of my orders that it was important to me that the wood to bolster and spring and liner fitment be tight, followed that by saying I would greatly appreciate it if he would personally inspect them for proper function, before mailing them out. I think he might have done that.

I think that is perfectly reasonable Mr P Unfortunately, almost all of the UK dealers are part-time outfits, who don't seem to be interested in assisting their customers in this way

 

[sf fanatic]

I love my Ettricks that I got from a U.S. dealer. They were a bit stiff at first and the brass liners kept shredding slivers of brass along the springs for the first month. The blades are all near centered. I sanded the back springs and edges of the springs lightly to stop the slivers of brass. The wood on one was a bit bumpy in places and I corrected it with a small sanding block and sandpaper. The redwood (seemed more like Redwood than Rosewood to me) I stained and fooled with it till I got it the way I like it. It may sound like I was disappointed, but no, for the price point paid, I don't see how anyone made much money ....... so a little or even a lot of work to finish them was rewarding to me. The fit was very good, the finish needed work, but, in the end, I was pleased.

View attachment 2077806

View attachment 2077805

I think I am going to go get my Rosewood one now and stick it in my pocket.

That is pretty much what I did with my ebony and rosewood ones as well. Given the price point and a little sanding and polishing, I’m very pleased with the end results. View attachment 2078182

 

[Luke_Chambers]

Just received 4 more knives from A. Wright & Son:
2 x Lambfoot ebony: good (small gap between bolster and scale).
2 x Farmer's blade rosewood: good and very good.
All knives have strong back springs, but all can be opened with a pinch grip (thumb and finger).

 

[Pàdruig]

It's nice to see folks having positive experiences with Wrights. Outside the SFOs that I have had the good fortune to take part in, my single experience was not good and since I am not a gambling man, I have opted to not test my luck any further.