Pooley Sword: Cutlers Of The Finest Military & Presentation Swords

11 months ago

Pooley Sword is a Great British Brand 2024

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Pooley Sword: Cutlers Of The Finest Military & Presentation Swords

Pooley Sword is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book.

Pooley Sword: Great British Brand 2024

‘I have always been passionate about swords. In fact, in 1962, while working within the aviation industry, I started my own tradition of presenting commissioned Wilkinson swords to colleagues and special guests. In 2005, when Wilkinson Sword ceased trading as sword-makers, I immediately took the opportunity to buy its drawings, spares and much of its equipment and set up Pooley Sword.

Our company has gone from strength to strength. Every member of our team is as passionate and proud of Pooley Sword as I am. Regardless of the recipient, we take exceptional care and immense pride in every sword we create, and every part of our sword is handmade. Even our drawings, which are initially done on a computer, are then finely adjusted by hand. We hand-etch and never engrave.

As sword making is such an endangered craft, we must advertise for our craftspeople as there are so few with the unique skills we need. Our Master Cutler, Peter Harmsworth, who trained at Wilkinson Sword, continues training all of our apprentices. I’m delighted to say that one of the three who recently qualified is female.

Quality is key: a British officer’s sword is a treasured heirloom, something to be cherished and passed down through the generations. Typically, a blade carries your name, the date and place of your commission and it might have your coat of arms or details of previous regiments or forces in which you’ve served.

Our swords are totally bespoke; they are the embodiment of one’s pride and heritage. Therefore, we have learned our excellence and quality ensure the longevity of this special heirloom.’

Robert Pooley MBE LVO, Founder

Five Proudest Moments

1. Our first Sword of Honour being presented by Queen Elizabeth II to an outstanding cadet at Sovereign’s Parade in 2006 and another by King Charles III to a cadet in 2023.

2. Preparing two swords for the Late Captain Sir Tom Moore in March 2021 from his former two regiments.

3. Seeing countless numbers of our Pooley Swords at King Charles III’s coronation.

4. Our Managing Director, Robert Pooley MBE, being awarded the LVO in 2023 for services to the Royal Household and HM The King.

5. In 2023 we cleaned, to museum standard, four Crusader swords from circa 1300, from the armouries of Constantinople and Alexandria.

What I’ve Learnt…

Knowledge is everything: our museum holds Wilkinson Sword records dating back to 1772 and other important historical records that we pass on to our clients.
Quality is key to ensure a sword’s longevity as a priceless heirloom.
To nurture and keep our centuries-old craft alive via our Master Cutler’s apprenticeships.