Paul Rafferty was already sharpening professional scissors- big time ! Just by observing him it was apparent he is a talented and skilful man. He arrived here on Monday 7 November to learn how to sharpen/service all types of clipper blades-combs and cutters. I had a selection of many types of Dog Clippers(Andis, Oster, Wahl and Aesculaps) plus Horse and Sheep Clippers. I am compelled to say Mr Rafferty was a quick learner- which made my job as teacher much easier. Paul and Kerry his wife run a successful business in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Paul bought the Model AF/CAN CLIPPER HONING MACHINE from my company. This machine is now sharpening all types of clippers with Clients all over the world. Many years ago Paul bought the Wolff Industries (USA) machine model OGS TAS from Frankland Grinding. We are the Exclusive European Distributors for Wolff . His Model AF/CAN will be delivered by Parcel Force on Thursday. Enjoyable day !
Croft End Equestrian Centre, Bardsley, Oldham.Horse Clippers.
This pleasurable visit was arranged with Pat Shepherd who was otherwise engaged when I arrived. However, I met Chris Murphy and Hayley Postill-two lovely, hospitable people . As this was my first visit they gave me four complete sets of Horse Clipper blades and one large “comb” blade. These were effectively sharpened and honed and subsequently cleaned. I drank their cappucino and had some hot toast. They indicated they would use my services on a regular basis during horse cleaning season.
I was just about to drive away when Hayley called me back to take another hot drink with me. Such kindness !
I hope to meet Pat Shepherd on my next visit. My regards to Pat.
NEW HAPPY CUSTOMER-Daisy’s Dog Groomers- Darwen Lancs
Sharpening Scissors and Clippers.
I was called to Kelly’s Salon by her mother Debbie . I also met Marie and Fred the dog and others. Kelly can be reached on 01254 775505 and 07914 078032. I sharpened all of their clipper blade sets and as it was my first visit I asked them to test each one, the same applied to their many scissors. They were delighted and said they were so happy to have met me.
They promised to contact me again when they next need sharpening up- ………..that’s what I do……. Keep people sharp !
Training visit by Mr Stuart Davies 24/25 Oct.2016 AF/CAN OGS-TAS
DAY ONE : My first impression of this tall man was his in depth knowledge of engineering. Not too surprising as he was an Ex R.A.F. Engineer of some years. He is now working with Mercedes Benz testing Formula One engines! He & I were discussing tolerances with regards to animal clippers – the pressure of the cutter on the comb and the amount of clearance vis a vis height of the teeth of the comb blade over the cutter blade and Stuart casually said he was used to working with tolerances down to 1 or 2 microns ! His first attempt to sharpen clippers was magnificent ! The mirror finish that he achieved was no less than perfect. I trained Stuart how to sharpen dog, horse, sheep, vets and hairdressers clippers. He purchased our AF/Can clipper Honer. Incidentally Stuart’s wife Caroline is a Dog Groomer. My impression of them both, even though I did not meet Caroline is that they are a “team” of Perfectionists Her business in Kettering is called: The Happy Muts Spar . A dog friendly groomer as opposed to a grooming business. The dog’s welfare co
Day two:Training Stuart how to service ALL types of scissors. He is a natural- what more can I say ? Good luck Stuart-come up and see us again – our pleasure.
Horse Clipping Season has well & truly started.
This past week has been busy: temperatures have dropped, much dampness in the air, therefore clipping horses has started in earnest. Individuals who own one or more horses to the bigger enterprises , such as the Royle Equestrian Centre, Crowpark in Burnley, Lancs have needed several “combs and cutters” sharpening- this is owned, I believe by David Heap – a real Gentleman. Maggie works with him, again a Horse lover and I did several for her. Equestrian people often arrive at my door needing their clippers sharpening. Amongst these were Beverly who comes every year and Julie – her horse of 13.3 hands is an 8 year old called “Cherry Pie ” ! A “rescue” horse.
I suspect I will be making many return trips to Crowpark over the next few weeks as well as Green Garth Saddlery in Dalton-in-Furness to see Tamara. Keeps me business-and I love to be around horses!
New Customer : Clever clips dog grooming. Amanda & Jamie. Knotty Ash Liverpool 19. October 2016
This was my first visit to these Professional groomers. Parked my car (legally, I believe) on the pavement next to their business. Machines are Heavy !
Went in and introduced myself to Amanda and to Jamie. Amanda with her Liverpool accent, Jamie with her Canadian accent and me with my East Lancs accent – was a bit like the United Nations !
Then I set to work, as usual, according to my philosophy – to prove my skills. I did some three professional quality scissors and then Oster clippers. I “insisted” the girls try them whilst I was there.
They were “over the moon” ! Happy. Then Jamie asked to see my Presentation case of grooming scissors. She could not resist buying a Japanese Titanium Scissors 6″
Had a coffee and a chat- girls said they’ll use me in future . Everybody happy !
Visit to POSH DOGS Tyldesley, near Manchester -Sharpening Aesculaps Clippers & Scissors
An old customer “back in the fold” a great feeling. Posh Dogs are City and Guilds qualified dog beauticians. Two lovely girls who seemed to be non stop busy. They needed most of their Aesculaps blades sharpening plus some five professional shears.
Aesculaps combs and cutters are possibly the most expensive clippers but the resulting grooming is fantastic. The scissors were ergonomic and one pair had the oscillating thumb ring which helps to prevent repetitive strain . This is a modern grooming salon run by two truly dedicated groomers and dog lovers. Groomers happy- Arthur happy !
Servicing Scissors & Clippers at Walk-In Barbers & Euphoria
Today Tuesday October 4th I was requested to visit Walk-In Barbers in Tonge Moor, Bolton. Mr Joe Dale- a long established loyal customer and friend. I serviced four Wahl clipper blade sets and one scissor. Joe also decided to invest in my new scissors that I have designed- a Six inch scissors with three and a half inch blades- longer blades generally means less work for the barber/hairdresser. We had coffee together and Joe was completely satisfied with my visit and very competitively priced scissors.
As I was only a mile from Harwood I decided to visit Euphoria another long established client. This is Emma’s business. Emma was delighted to see me as she was struggling with her high quality, but nevertheless blunt scissors. All the girls welcomed me. I thoroughly serviced Emma’s scissors. But she also needed a new pair. Then I sharpened one of the girls scissors and was requested to return to Euphoria as soon as possible to do another scissor that she would have to bring in from home. All in all two very contented customers !
First visit to Clipper Sisters- Prestatyn, North Wales
Yesterday 13th September I made a courtesy introductory call here in Prestatyn. Met the lovely “Clipper Sisters” who share premises with a pet shop.
could not have called at a better time as they had some blunt clipper blade sets and others that were simply over-tightened. The lady in the pet shop made me an excellent cup of tea. In fact the sisters and the lady in the pet shop were a happy smiling group of people and welcoming. I wish to say Thank You to them. Diolch !
After I had completed the necessary work I showed them my range of Dog Scissors and Dog clippers. They asked me how often do I call to which I replied that I am in North Wales every 6 to 8 weeks, or if they needed me I asked them to send me a text. Obviously I left a Business card.
Another busy dog groomer that I can keep sharp.
My visit to Beaumarchés,department 32 of la Belle France
Monsieur LEPOUTRE, Bernard and his son Reunan had placed another good order with my company for some twelve machines-a mixture of Clipper Honing machines and Professional Scissor sharpeners + accessories. Bernard’s company: F.C.T.V. is a school where one goes to learn the many skills of sharpening and there are, of course many different types of tools. Bernard had already paid the invoice even before I had left the U.K. As usual I was invited to stay in his house and we dined Al Fresco in the town of Marciac. It was like how I consider heaven to be like. 38 degrees in the afternoon. We had six “Stagiares” (loosely translated-apprentices) which included one lady. For their next requirements Reunan hopes to visit the U.K. before Christmas. Both the French company and Frankland Grinding Products U.K. have earned a reputation for top Professionalism. Our “job” is to pass on our skills so that the learner can start his/her own Sharpening business. Please continue to read “Latest News” on www.franklandgrinding.co.uk
We have several individuals waiting in the queue to come to Accrington for training. Although in France people are very ready to pay for several days- even one week, so they have a good grasp of the necessary skills . Here people seem to think they can cram all the training into two or three days. Having said that I have never had any complaints. I am truly dedicated as a Christ Ian businessman.
FGP have now set up Frankland Grinding Polska where I train Polish apprentices in their beautiful country in Polkowice (contact in Poland: Emilia or Izabela on 0048 76 845 67 21). e-mail : biuro@icetech.pl