About Ashley Iles (Edge Tools) Limited

Who we are
Ashley Iles Ltd is a family run UK firm and all of our tools are made in the UK. Its story began in the autumn of 1949 when a pattern maker named Ashley Iles gave up his day job and set out on his own to make and sell woodworking tools.

He began by renting a small workshop in Sheffield for 5 shillings a week and ended up with a factory making carving and woodturning tools with a brand known worldwide. “Memories of a Sheffield Toolmaker” »

Today the company remains proudly independent and is run by Ashley’s son Tony and family members, with a team of dedicated and highly skilled staff.

Where we are
Ashley ran his business in Sheffield until, in 1967, the search for adequate premises led him and his family to Lincolnshire. And this is where the factory is today. As a consequence its location is somewhat unusual; instead of being situated on some grimy industrial estate, it sits alone in the heart of the countryside, on the edge of the Lincolnshire fens, a mile or so from the small village of East Kirkby.

Visits to Ashley Iles factory (updated September 2023)
Ashley Iles Edge Tools are very pleased to be able to welcome woodworking groups around our Lincolnshire toolmaking factory once more. For more details please see our Factory visits page.