Quality kit deserves proper care, which is why we’re proud to introduce our new range of luxury Shoe Horns and Shoe Brushes, handcrafted in Lancashire by the last remaining horn works in Britain. No shortcuts, no imitations, just the real deal.
We’ve partnered with Abbeyhorn, a company that’s been making their unique horn products since 1749, using the same time-honored techniques to cut, shape, and polish horn into something special. Tradition runs deep in their work, and it shows.
No two pieces are the same. Each shoe horn and brush showcases the unique colors, patterns, and natural grain of the horn it’s crafted from, making every item a true one-off. That’s the beauty of working with real, organic materials — no factory-made uniformity, no artificial finishes, just raw, natural character shaped by expert craftsmanship. Every mark and variation tells a story, making these more than just practical tools — they’re pieces of tradition.
UNIQUE HORN MATERIAL
Tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of Carnforth, the team at Abbeyhorn is keeping a 250-year-old craft alive. With a small team, they transform raw horn into a variety of distinctive yet unique pieces by hand.
Horn offers superior advantages as a material compared to conventional alternatives. Its exceptional strength and durability mirror plastic's beneficial qualities while avoiding the environmental drawbacks, as unlike plastic, horn is completely biodegradable.
In addition to its durability and environmental benefits, horn is a natural product that offers a true one-of-a-kind look, with each horn and brush having a completely individual colour and pattern.
ABOUT ABBEYHORN
Founded in 1749 by G J Humpherson in Worcestershire, the horn works began as a family business producing household items and even gunpowder horns for 18th-century wars. The company's early history includes a notable connection to Florence Nightingale, who carried Abbeyhorn beakers to the Crimean War.
The business changed hands several times, moving from Worcestershire to Gloucestershire in 1912 and then to Kendal in 1932. In 1955, John Barnes acquired the company, expanding its export market and earning an MBE for his efforts.
The turning point came in 1991 when Paul Cleasby, who had started as an apprentice at 16 and became a foreman by 21, purchased the company. He moved operations to Holme and renamed it ‘Abbeyhorn of Lakeland’. In 1998, Cleasby merged with ‘Horncraft’ and later simplified the name to ‘Abbeyhorn’.
By 2008, the company became ‘Abbeyhorn Ltd’, with Cleasby designing a new logo during a trip to Tokyo, scribbling the modern logo on a napkin. Today, Abbeyhorn continues its 250-year tradition of horn craftsmanship, remaining the last horn works in Britain.
Their story isn't only about making products, they're ambassadors of British craftsmanship. With overseas markets established in Japan and America, and now branching to Australia and Iceland, Abbeyhorn's creations are traveling the world. Each piece tells a story of tradition, meticulous care, and a craft that refuses to be forgotten.
CARNFORTH AND CLEASBY
We’ve given these new additions names that carry real meaning. The shoe horn is called Carnforth, a nod to the area where Abbeyhorn—our expert collaborators—are based. Each shoe horn is made by hand from natural oxhorn.
The shoe brush is named Cleasby, after Paul Cleasby, the director of Abbeyhorn, whose dedication to craftsmanship has helped bring these products to life. The brush is made of oxhorn and backed onto a beechwood body with soft, dark horse hair bristles.
Both pieces embody the heritage and quality we stand for, making them more than just tools — they’re a piece of tradition. Available now on our website.
SHOP NOW
Shoe horns and brushes are an essential part of taking care of LANX footwear and will help maintain their appearance and comfort over time. Celebrate unique Lancashire-made products with the LANX X Abbeyhorn collaboration.
