Story inspired by Mr Jerry Hobbs from the USA.
Earlier this month another great product story was shared, coming from the US and focused on an everyday household product that has now become a part of the family history and tradition.
(Tailors shears, model 208-10)
Taking you back… At the end of February, Linda Baritski contacted Betakut about a very old pair of Betakut Dressmaker (Kingshead), steel scissors. Linda shared the story with us, commenting that the scissors were originally purchased by her mother in the ’80s in Japan.
The scissors then went on to Atlanta USA which saw Linda through her 4 year Art and Design school and then onto London where Linda works as a Designer and Illustrator. These scissors have lasted for over 40 years, which is remarkable length of time for a single pair, and still being used today. Linda has now semi-retired these Kingshead scissors and is also using the new Betakut tailor shear, a signature product made with forged hardened steel and ideal for fabric cutting.
70 years of sentimental value
Then… some eight months later after Linda’s contact, we had another enquiry from the US regarding a similar pair of household, fabric cutting Betakut scissors. This was from Mr Jerry Hobbs of the USA, who enquired about a refurbishment of his family scissors which were of great sentimental value and in circulation for a truly remarkable length of time since circa late 1950’s.
Old scissors can of course be sharpened and the central screw/bolt can in some cases be tightened but otherwise it is better to celebrate the success of very old and cherished products and replace for new. Bear in mind that ‘new’ offers the latest designs and materials, for example like the multi-purpose scissors which are now available in titanium and like the ‘Titanium extra scissors‘ is able to cut thin sheet metal – see the video clip!
These scissors would have seen cutting service for over 70 years, which we thought might well be a record… the story is definitely a record for us!
Jerry wrote…
“My mother and her family are from Whiteville, North Carolina, a very small town near the coast. My parents later lived in Winston-Salem, NC from about 1956 until their passing so I’m assuming the scissors were purchased in the Winston-Salem area. I remember the scissors even from back then because they were so large, especially to a kid like me…”
We were touched by this story.
It is remarkable how an everyday household item, that has been in the family for so long, can hold such memories and offer great sentimental value. We believe this is a sign of quality, tradition and true craftsmanship of a product.
Thanks Jerry for sharing your marvellous story with us.
Back in the 50’s the Betakut scissors and cutting products were widely available within the US, but over the years with changes in the market the products moved to be sold-distributed from Italy. In 2021 this is expected to change with products once again becoming more readily available for US customers.
If you are interested in these particular replacement scissors (Dressmaker scissors, model 209 or Tailors shear, model 208-10) or others, like garden gift products then please do visit the UK online shop.
