Wednesday 19 January 2011

Master Scissors



     Satwant Singh, Owner, Master Scissors

Down an unassuming by-lane in Deep Nagar (Ludhiana), Satwant Singh's family has been running the 'master scissor' business for 56 years. The business was started by Satwant's father in 1955 and is now run by him, his sons and his grandsons. They are the only family that custom make these scissors for the use of both local tailors and big hoisery mills. 

  

The workshop is hidden away in his backyard and unless specifically looked for, it is impossible to come across by chance.



Shyam Narayan has been working for the family for the past 20 years and has perfected the skill of scissor making. Each scissor is custom made and takes between 2-3 days to make. They are not readily available to buy off the shelf, but can be ordered to suit your requirements. The sizes range from no.9 to no.12 (I ordered a no.10, not too big and not too heavy) The higher the number, the heavier the scissors; these are generally used in factories by pattern cutters who need to cut several layers of fabric, or heavier materials.


The scissors come packed in their own red box, with an assurance that 
'skilled workmen have put their best in it' 
At Indian Rupee ₹360, these do not come cheap but are meant to last a lifetime. They are the preferred choice of most 'masterjis' (tailor-cum-pattern cutters) around the city.

 


Each scissor is also embossed with the trademark and the company registration number. These scissors are solid and beautifully made. The box is the latest addition to my ever-growing collection of boxes


They are often hand-delivered to individuals and factories across Ludhiana.


To order your own pair of Master Scissors, call 0161-2442823

4 comments:

Unknown said...

love it love it love it

fred said...

My grandfather died in 1958 and he left behind a pair of Master scissors made in Germany. He had them for over 30 years ; may be longer. The look very similar to the ones made in India. Does anybody know anything of the history of this company? I would love to know.

fred said...

My grandfather died in 1958 and he left behind some Master scissors made in Germany. He had them for over 30 years so they are quite old. Does anyone know of this company? I would LOVE to know

Kangan Arora Design said...

Hi Fred, I'm unsure of the exact history but can find out when I go back home next!