Tools of the trade: Shears
Some time ago, I was lucky enough to be introduced to the only master-blacksmith in Holland. Only twenty-five years old, but a true craftsman and madly passionate about his job, just like me. Needless to say, we had much to talk about, both of us being what I call ‘professional idiots’. But when I found out that he knows how to make shears, I immediately said: Please make me a pair, I don’t care what the price will be. (When the bill came, I was a trifle sorry that I had said the last bit 
But what a priceless tool! It is unbelievable, this man is a genius. So wonderfully light, perfectly balanced, and cuts better than any shears I’ve ever experienced. He made them out of a piece of American armour-steel he had lying around.??
I was, as I said, very lucky to have met him, because no one does this anymore nowadays. All you can find are factory made shears, and while these do the job adequately enough, there is nothing like a tool that was forged to fit snugly around the hand. It makes all the difference, as you can understand. And the thing is that modern shears, no matter how expensive, are all stamped out of the same sheet of iron, without any serious thought to ergonomy. Quite unlike the situation of the past, and there is just something missing.?
Same thing with clothing: Bespoke has something extra, undefinable, but obviously essential. So from now on I cut all bespoke suits with bespoke shears!
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Would you recommend the master blacksmith and give his name?