ROBERT SORBY – Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
The Heritage: In 1828, Robert Sorby & Sons was officially registered as an edge-tool manufacturer however their Sheffield lineage is quite literally foundational to the city's history and their roots can be traced directly all the way back to 1624, when an ancestor, Robert Soreby, became the very first 'Master Cutler' of the newly formed Company of Cutlers. Today, still operating from a facility in Sheffield, they’ve maintained continuous domestic manufacturing for nearly two centuries, proudly surviving as one of the oldest operational toolmakers in the world.
The Verdict: Robert Sorby represents the absolute gold standard in specialist woodworking and woodturning tools. They survived the decline of UK heavy industry by focusing entirely on uncompromising quality; seamlessly blending their traditional hand-crafting techniques with modern metallurgical advancements. Proudly bearing the heavily protected "Made in Sheffield" mark, their HSS (High-Speed Steel) blades are globally renowned for their exceptional edge retention and perfect balance. From traditional bench chisels to their highly innovative sharpening systems, an investment in a Robert Sorby tool is an investment in a lifetime of use. Watch the video below for more information.
Core Products: Premium HSS woodturning tools, traditional woodcarving chisels, precision chucks and the ProEdge sharpening system.
