Cobblers and key cutters

[sherrardk]

Why do most of today's cobblers also cut keys?

[dotjhawkes]

Is it because the equipment needed to do both heeling shoes and making keys is usually hired from the same company?

[snook]

Probably because there simply isn't much call anymore for repairing footwear. We live in a throwaway age and shoes are a perfect example - it's cheaper in most cases to buy a new pair than to repair an old one. And the kind of machinery used for key cutting fits in well with the shoe-repairing equipment already in the shops.

What I mean is, I can't really imagine someone who runs a sweet shop, or a dress shop, or a second hand book shop, or a cinema, thinking, "mm, I think I'll get one of those key cutters and start doing keys as well..." It just sort of 'fits in' somehow with shoe repairs, don't you think? In exactly the kind of way it wouldn't fit in with most other businesses.

[dotjhawkes]

Snook you would be surprised just how busy a shoe repair shop is, there are 4 within walking distance of my shoe store, and when I need to take a pair of shoes or boots for repair, it is amazing how long i have to wait to be seen, i usually have to queue to even put them in for repair, and very often I have to leave them a day. We sell mid-priced footwear and at point of sale, we remind customers about replacing the heel tips on stilletoes, this is a thriving small business, and the largest cobbler in Wigan has infact been there since the 1930s and he has never been as busy. He also repairs bags, belts and anything else leather.

[snook]

Dot, I stand corrected. Forgive me, I really had no idea there was so much work for shoe repairers these days. Excuse me while I go and stand in the corner for a bit with my head in my hands, in a posture of abject shame. {:-(

Reminds me of the bloke who'd been in nick for 18 months and found a shoe repair ticket in his wallet when he was being released. He popped into the cobblers soon as he got home, on the off chance that they hadn't been thrown away long ago. When he gave his ticket in he explained why he hadn't been able to pick his shoes up on the day marked on the ticket (actually, all he said was, "I've, er... been away for awhile").

The old repairman took a good, long look at the faded ticket and rubbed his stubbly chin thoughtfully. "Mmm..." he says, "are these that black pair, size 8�, with the scuff marks on the toes and the little grey triangular inserts just below the ankle... Italian styling, narrow fit, yeah? A very, very nice shoe, that! And you wanted them soled and heeled, am I right?" The bloke was amazed at the old man's memory for detail. He was absolutely spot on! "Yeah, that's them," he says, gobsmacked.

The cobbler abruptly hands him back his ticket and says, "They'll be ready Thursday!"

[gary baldy]

Its all to do with things spinning round very fast. The machine that spins round really fast to polish shoes is also very handy for spinning a lathe around really fast for cutting keys. I think the word is 'synchronicity'.

[VINNY100_2]

Years ago,it is said that the queen was passing a cobbler's(is name was john cobbley) and needed her shoe's mending.she popped into the cobblers,and he done such a good job,he was able to put above his shop, By appointment to Her Majesty the queen.But instead he put"cobblers to the queen"...she didnt see the funny side,so he got ten years imprisonment.Inside he met a key cutter,and when he came out,he carried on making key's.the rest's history.(:)if you believe that load of old cobblers..your believe anything...(:)He...He.!

[mimififi]

I love getting my shoes reheeled. It makes them feel like brand new at a fraction of the price and he always polishes them up for me too.

Lovely!

Don't know why they cut keys too though, I'll ask him next time I go in!