The fanciest scissors in Britain (plus 3 more gems) #88

Welcome back to this week’s latest installment of what’s hot in brands and products.

Last week I mentioned the “buy it for life” rabbit hole. This week’s niche stop: the world of heritage scissors.

Not the plastic ones that disappear into a kitchen drawer.

I mean the Sheffield scissor saga.

I spent way too long watching the story of William Whiteley & Sons and Ernest Wright—the last two traditional makers still doing it the old way. It’s got everything: an old-school rivalry, “endangered craft” drama, and craftsmen who treat a blade like a Stradivarius.

The problem?
I don’t sew. I don’t make clothes. I don’t even own a hobby that requires “precision cutting.” But now I want scissors I don’t remotely need.

If you’re new around here: Every week, I share 5 of the coolest products from Europe I’ve discovered in the past 7 days.

I scout, you explore. Let’s get to it!

With love 🌞
Jakob

P.S.: Missed the last edition? The Hydrone Blue Notebook by PREST was the most-clicked product.

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These are made by one of the two makers from the intro: Ernest Wright. Kitchen scissors ready for herbs, hang tags, and that USB-stick plastic packaging that usually draws first blood. Serrated blades for extra grip, plus a built-in twist-cap opener and nut cracker—basically a tiny Swiss Army knife. Handmade in Sheffield, and currently available on back-order (patience is part of the craft, apparently).

Sharpen your domestic life

A peanut… as a serious object. Made in Berlin by studio Sarah Illenberger, and limited to 100 (plus a few artist proofs). Could be a nice present for peanut lovers. Also safe for the peanut-avoidant crowd: it’s porcelain (finished in sterling silver), not protein.

Go nuts

This is the second Sheffield maker from the intro: Whiteley. The iconic stork scissors, done properly—carbon steel, sharp fine points, gold-plated finger bows—made for precise snips and delicate work. And the stork shape isn’t just “cute heritage”; it traces back to midwifery tools—umbilical cord clamps that slowly morphed into embroidery icons over time.

Get the fanciest tiny scissors you’ll own

I know, I know—this newsletter usually swerves the big guys. But these stackable floor cushions from IKEA are too fun to ignore: build a little cushion tower or scatter them for the kids’ room version of “everyone sits wherever.” Removable covers, lots of recycled polyester, and designed by Akanksha Deo. The Grejsimojs collection is rolling out in February 2026. 

Make your floor the best seat

A step stool with actual personality: six legs, chunky “kufen” runners, solid ash wood, made in Germany, and stable enough to feel like a small piece of architecture. Designed by Max Neustadt for Edition33, awarded a German Design Award, and built to live in the room—not hide in the utility closet. 

Step up in style

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