I think the wood pegged waist is the most unique thing about this shoe maker. Not sure anyone else does this.

 

That was really interesting to watch! I really want to have a pair of the "Devil Chukkas" that Skoak has, but made in my size. Watching that video is pushing me closer to doing just that!

 

I enjoyed seeing that and learning about how its done. Just curious on people's opinions...do we think a manual process like this results in a superior product than one that is from a more automated process with more machining? Or is it the idea of a master craftsman that sways our perception?

 

Most enjoyable!

 

I enjoyed seeing that and learning about how its done. Just curious on people's opinions...do we think a manual process like this results in a superior product than one that is from a more automated process with more machining? Or is it the idea of a master craftsman that sways our perception?

I think you're right in the general premise of your question, I.e., that a machine process often yields a more perfect product than one that is made entirely by hand. But in the case of making shoes, (Real ones that is.) there is no such thing as an entirely machine made shoe anymore than there is an entirely hand made shoe. Characterize the process as one or the other, and there will always still be some hand work and machine work in both.

And in the case of a product like St. C's, a great deal more time is spent by much more highly skilled, and usually, much more experienced cordwainers taking great care to make a pinnacle product that's sells at price that can pay for all that skill and still allow a good profit. This is contrasted to cheap shoes where the main consideration is only the cost of the process and materials, and which consequently employs lower skilled workers using methods that are intended primarily to be expeditious.

 

^^^ Very well said, sir.

 

^^^ Very well said, sir.

Thanks, Roger.

 

Great video. Exquisite work, and beautiful shoes. Thank you for posting this.

Interesting to note the manicures on the female workers. My initial thought was that they must have employed models to make the video, however the skill evident belies that. One might presume the clicker, for instance, had her nails done, knowing the video was going to be shot, however I see no evidence of the nails encumbering the finesse of her work. It would appear that perhaps she is used to working with long nails.

Also interesting to see that all the freehand trimming, dyeing, gluing, grinding and buffing is done with no protection applied to the uppers. Skilled hands, indeed!

 

Great video. Exquisite work, and beautiful shoes. Thank you for posting this.

Interesting to note the manicures on the female workers. My initial thought was that they must have employed models to make the video, however the skill evident belies that. One might presume the clicker, for instance, had her nails done, knowing the video was going to be shot, however I see no evidence of the nails encumbering the finesse of her work. It would appear that perhaps she is used to working with long nails.

Also interesting to see that all the freehand trimming, dyeing, gluing, grinding and buffing is done with no protection applied to the uppers. Skilled hands, indeed!

Now I will be blatantly sexist; no female I've known in my life (Wives, daughters, girlfriends.) would ever consider having any part of their anatomy appear on camera unless they thought they looked their best. And bless them all for it! But I suspect these canny Romanian ladies take pride in their appearance even during a normal working day.

Many years ago I worked with a woman who wore her nails so long that they actually curved, long before such ever became popular. She was one of the best and fastest typists I've ever seen. Never encumbered her at all.

 

Great video, thank you for sharing. Very nice pair of shoes they worked on.

 

... and now I want a pair of St Crispins.

 

... and now I want a pair of St Crispins.

And don't we all . . . .