The Lochgelly Tawse: Our Signature Product
The Lochgelly Tawse is currently made by Margret Dick and has been created by members of the family spanning three generations. Starting with John J Dick, the namesake of the site and stamps we still use on the tawse to this day.
How The Tawse Is Made:
The Lochgelly Tawse has been made with the same technique for over 100 years.
Step 1: Gather The Materials
It all starts with a buffalo butt!
Step 2: Squaring of the Leather
Getting the leather, to the size we need.
Step 3: Cutting a Strip on the ranger
The ranger helps make a straight and clean cut
Step 4: Lining the leather up to the template
This template has been in use since the 50s
Step 5: Marking the leather
Using a draw point to mark the edges for cutting
Step 6: Cutting with the half moon knife
The moon shaped knife is my weapon of choice
Step 7: Seperating the tails and punching a hole
It is not the tawse if it doesnt have tails
Step 8: Using the edging tool to remove sharp edges
Can’t have the children bleeding on their jotters
Step 9: Staining the leather
Helps preseve the leather and keeps it smooth
Step 10: Polishing the leather with brown paper
Nearly done
Step 11: Creasing a traditional tool line
Even impliments of torture need to be beautiful
Step 12: Apply the makers stamp
We have stamps dating back to the late 1800s
Step 13: And we’re done
Another complete tawse to add to the pile