Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[tmd_87]

Enjoying those wonderful photo's of the Winter Shots.
Its very warm here in New Zealand at this time of Year.

a very sad time for our Family, we had to make the hardest decision and say goodbye to our Sweet wee Izzy - who you see on my Avatar - she was 16 years old, and we were gauging her quality of life very carefully- she did extremely well and was still a happy girl- just her old Bones failed her in the last 48 hours so I promised her never to let her suffer.

I have always loved my beautiful furry friends like they are my Children, my first dog was a Beautiful Rotti- Luke, he got to 14 & 1/2- it was the same for him too- his bones and joints just got too weak, then we ha little Murphy who was a rescue pup, it was devastating that we had to say goodbye at 2 & 1/2 because of a Terminal Tumour in his wee Head.

And now we are left so incredibly lonely with our gorgeous Girl Izzy - just so so devastated just getting through the day is very hard, but we will get there as we do, I am so glad we were with her all this time over Christmas, it was amazing just how in the last 48 hours she advanced so much towards that horrible time. I was praying that she just wouldnt wake up from her sleep - but we had to make that horrible call.
Death would not be Death for me if I knew my great mates and I were to join up again.

Back to knives..
I changed my EDC the other day, and my lovely Horn Lambsfoot awaits a final touch up to be ready for my pocket- I will do that soon.
Heres an older Photo of the Beauty Knife!

Go Gaurdians

Sorry for your families loss! Dogs ARE family! I have a pup getting up there in age and I am really dreading the day.

 

[Jack Black]

I should think Wrights would be forever indebted to your efforts, and the recognition and business you brought them. The Sheffield Lambsfoot has become a treasured part of many collections, when it wasn’t so long ago that they would sit around for extended periods on the exchange or on the auction site.
Hopefully the history books will get it right, at least.

Shameful indeed.

So sorry to hear about Izzy, Duncan.



I’m trying to think of Porch-appropriate words…

I remember that in the not too distant past that Wright made me this knife . It has RoseWood covers. I no longer own the knife as it was too similar to one of your SFO's (and it was upsetting to you). I actually had to send it off to be "fixed" due to its poor fit and finish. Once I got it "fixed" it was a decent Lambfoot knife but I just couldn't have it around knowing the history you had with Wright so it's now with someone else. Unfortunately, it's likely legal for Wright's to do it but in my opinion not honorable.
View attachment 1486554

Thanks guys, I'm disgusted

Five years ago, very few knife collectors had even heard of Wright’s, and they had a poor reputation among those that had. I think this thread, and the Guardians SFOs, have been fundamental in altering that. I don't think I could have been a better customer to Wright's, and it appalls me that they now, so casually, break the promises and assurances made to me. This doesn't just affect me, but every one who has one of those SFOs, which are now being de-valued by the company I trusted to make them

Wright's 'Barlow' bolster compared to a Hartshead Barlow bolster​

A lot of Wright's customers choose not to have the A.Wright stamp on their knives. Whereas, in some cases, I actually paid extra to have it added. The previous owner of the firm, John Maleham, offered me a Jack Black Knives tang-stamp, but I didn't think there was any reason to use that device. I certainly now regret having the Wright's name on them

As I said, in relation to something else, the other day: "You have one name, and one reputation." Short-term avarice ruins many, and it has certainly ruined Wright's

Good morning Guardians, gloomy start to the day, in many respects. Take care, and stay safe out there

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Jack Black]

I was very sad to see that one of Sheffield's best known city centre shops, and about the last to sell pocket knives, has just closed it's doors for the final time, another victim of the Coronavirus pandemic. Sheffield Scene opened in 1974, selling table cutlery, pocket knives, local history books, pewterware, paintings by local artists, Henderson's Relish, and indeed, all things Sheffield. Situated opposite Sheffield Town Hall, it was as much as a tourist information office as Sheffield as ever had. If you have ever had a Sheffield key-ring, button, or postcard, from me, Sheffield Scene is where I bought it.

I have been a regular visitor to the shop since 1974, and never visited Sheffield without calling in to spend some 'brass', and to have a chat with the manager and staff, all of whom I got to know well.

The manager of 20-odd years, Fay Jones, was a lovely, friendly woman, and knew many Sheffield cutlers. It was Fay who encouraged Trevor Ablett to start putting his own name on his knives, and Stan Shaw had a special relationship with the shop, as they were among the first to stock his knives when he set up on his own.

A few years ago, I asked Fay why they did not stock A. Wright & Son knives. Even though the factory is only a couple of hundred yards away, like many Sheffield people, she had never heard of the firm. Over the course of several conversations, I vouched for Wright's, and encouraged John Maleham to go and introduce himself at the shop. This paid dividends, and Wright's finally had a stockist in Sheffield city centre.

I'm sad that, because of the lockdown, I'm not able to get over to Sheffield to say goodbye to everyone, and nobody is answering the telephone anymore, but even more sad that this iconic Sheffield shop is no more.

 

[donn]

Having only been founded in 1947, Wright's may never have been one of the great Sheffield cutlery firms, but they have certainly never sunk to a lower ebb. Is there anyone who DOESN'T think this is blatant theft?!

Not a Lambsfoot, but Wright's have never, ever used that stamp on a folding knife, and never made a bolster even remotely like that, before I commissioned them (under the previous management) to make the Hartshead Barlows. Shameful

Thanks guys, I'm disgusted

Five years ago, very few knife collectors had even heard of Wright’s, and they had a poor reputation among those that had. I think this thread and the Guardians SFOs have been fundamental to that. I don't think I could have been a better customer to Wright's, and it appalls me that they now, so casually, break the promises and assurances made to me. This doesn't just affect me, but every one who has one of those SFOs, which are now being de-valued by the company I trusted to make them

A lot of Wright's customers choose not to have the A.Wright stamp on their knives. Whereas, in some cases, I actually paid extra to have it added. The previous owner of the firm, John Maleham, offered me a Jack Black Knives tang-stamp, but I didn't think there was any reason to use that device. I certainly now regret having the Wright's name on them

As I said, in relation to something else, the other day: "You have one name, and one reputation." Short-term avarice ruins many, and it has certainly ruined Wright's

Crikey Jack, that's shocking. Unfortunately honesty and integrity are in short supply in the UK these days, and verbal reassurances are often worthless.
You most certainly have been a fantastic customer to them, and we've all been recipients of your hard work. You'd hope people would have the common decency to respect your ideas and designs and not to rip them off. Even worse considering there being used on sub-standard products.

I was very sad to see that one of Sheffield's best known city centre shops, and about the last to sell pocket knives, has just closed it's doors for the final time, another victim of the Coronavirus pandemic. Sheffield Scene opened in 1974, selling table cutlery, pocket knives, local history books, pewterware, paintings by local artists, Henderson's Relish, and indeed, all things Sheffield. Situated opposite Sheffield Town Hall, it was as much as a tourist information office as Sheffield as ever had. If you have ever had a Sheffield key-ring, button, or postcard, from me, Sheffield Scene is where I bought it.

I have been a regular visitor to the shop since 1974, and never visited Sheffield without calling in to spend some 'brass', and to have a chat with the manager and staff, all of whom I got to know well.

The manager of 20-odd years, Fay Jones, was a lovely, friendly woman, and knew many Sheffield cutlers. It was Fay who encouraged Trevor Ablett to start putting his own name on his knives, and Stan Shaw had a special relationship with the shop, as they were among the first to stock his knives when he set up on his own.

A few years ago, I asked Fay why they did not stock A. Wright & Son knives. Even though the factory is only a couple of hundred yards away, like many Sheffield people, she had never heard of the firm. Over the course of several conversations, I vouched for Wright's, and encouraged John Maleham to go and introduce himself at the shop. This paid dividends, and Wright's finally had a stockist in Sheffield city centre.

I'm sad that, because of the lockdown, I'm not able to get over to Sheffield to say goodbye to everyone, and nobody is answering the telephone anymore, but even more sad that this iconic Sheffield shop is no more.

I am so sorry to see that. It was a fantastic shop and I've visited it often. All completely unnecessary as well.

Is the Famous Sheffield Shop still there Jack? I recall you telling me it was his ?daughter who was running it now?

Well in honour of the Sheffield Shop I'm posting an old photo. My HHB has actually been AWOL for nearly two weeks now I think, but the Henderson's mug came from the Sheffield Shop back in October.

 

[Jack Black]

Crikey Jack, that's shocking. Unfortunately honesty and integrity are in short supply in the UK these days, and verbal reassurances are often worthless.
You most certainly have been a fantastic customer to them, and we've all been recipients of your hard work. You'd hope people would have the common decency to respect your ideas and designs and not to rip them off. Even worse considering there being used on sub-standard products.




I am so sorry to see that. It was a fantastic shop and I've visited it often. All completely unnecessary as well.

Is the Famous Sheffield Shop still there Jack? I recall you telling me it was his ?daughter who was running it now?

Well in honour of the Sheffield Shop I'm posting an old photo. My HHB has actually been AWOL for nearly two weeks now I think, but the Henderson's mug came from the Sheffield Shop back in October.

Thanks David, do you think they'll ever come up with anything original?

I don't know if the other place is still open or not mate, certainly not at the moment I wouldn't have thought, but I don't deal with them anymore.

We had a heavy frost this morning, and it's cold outside, but no more snow yet. Couple of nice photos there my friend

 

[Onebigbill]

I was very sad to see that one of Sheffield's best known city centre shops, and about the last to sell pocket knives, has just closed it's doors for the final time, another victim of the Coronavirus pandemic. Sheffield Scene opened in 1974, selling table cutlery, pocket knives, local history books, pewterware, paintings by local artists, Henderson's Relish, and indeed, all things Sheffield. Situated opposite Sheffield Town Hall, it was as much as a tourist information office as Sheffield as ever had. If you have ever had a Sheffield key-ring, button, or postcard, from me, Sheffield Scene is where I bought it.

I have been a regular visitor to the shop since 1974, and never visited Sheffield without calling in to spend some 'brass', and to have a chat with the manager and staff, all of whom I got to know well.

The manager of 20-odd years, Fay Jones, was a lovely, friendly woman, and knew many Sheffield cutlers. It was Fay who encouraged Trevor Ablett to start putting his own name on his knives, and Stan Shaw had a special relationship with the shop, as they were among the first to stock his knives when he set up on his own.

A few years ago, I asked Fay why they did not stock A. Wright & Son knives. Even though the factory is only a couple of hundred yards away, like many Sheffield people, she had never heard of the firm. Over the course of several conversations, I vouched for Wright's, and encouraged John Maleham to go and introduce himself at the shop. This paid dividends, and Wright's finally had a stockist in Sheffield city centre.

I'm sad that, because of the lockdown, I'm not able to get over to Sheffield to say goodbye to everyone, and nobody is answering the telephone anymore, but even more sad that this iconic Sheffield shop is no more.

Very sad thing to see local establishments have to shut down to this ugly disease. I have my suspicions about the COVID-19 but for now I keep those suspicions to myself.
I always try to give my business to the locals when ever possible. Truth is that they are often more expensive than the "Bigs" but that doesn't matter to me. I've seen many close due to COVID and I suppose many more will based on conversations that I've had with the owners.

Good morning Guardians and all. On my way to play some golf today - nice sunny one to start things off but chilly - 30 degrees F right now but it should get into the 50's. Hopefully we get 18 in before it rains. Leaving my HHB at home until I get back so it doesn't get wet.

 

[donn]

Thanks David, do you think they'll ever come up with anything original?

I don't know if the other place is still open or not mate, certainly not at the moment I wouldn't have thought, but I don't deal with them anymore.

We had a heavy frost this morning, and it's cold outside, but no more snow yet. Couple of nice photos there my friend

Obviously not Jack. They've had the same designs for years; ok there decent and more than serviceable, especially for what I need, but very traditional. It's taken you to come along to give them "ideas and inspiration for new designs".

Yeah sorry Jack, I was just wondering if the Famous Sheffield Shop was open in general. I've not looked on their website for ages and the last two things I got from Sheffield; a tankard and my Henderson's mug, both came from the Sheffield Shop.

 

[Jack Black]

Very sad thing to see local establishments have to shut down to this ugly disease. I have my suspicions about the COVID-19 but for now I keep those suspicions to myself.
I always try to give my business to the locals when ever possible. Truth is that they are often more expensive than the "Bigs" but that doesn't matter to me. I've seen many close due to COVID and I suppose many more will based on conversations that I've had with the owners.

Good morning Guardians and all. On my way to play some golf today - nice sunny one to start things off but chilly - 30 degrees F right now but it should get into the 50's. Hopefully we get 18 in before it rains. Leaving my HHB at home until I get back so it doesn't get wet.
View attachment 1486729

I always try to shop from small shops and markets if I can Bill, but indeed many will not outlast this virus. Hope you have a nice day there, and that the rain holds off

 

[rockman0]

Jack, sorry to hear A Wright is reproducing your bolster stamp.

Please add John McClory to this list. Thanks

I had an idea last night Guardians!

How about we complete a list of makers of the Lambsfoot pattern? It's unlikely to ever be exhaustive, but might be both interesting and helpful. Here's a few to start with. I'm looking for factory-made knives, since custom makers may only make one or two (I've included Trevor Ablett because he was a jobbing cutler who made a lot of Lambsfoot knives). If you can give me some more names, based on knives that you have (feel free to show them), I'll edit the names in


Trevor Ablett

Alfred Blackwell

Abram Brooksbank

George Butler

John Clarke & Sons (William Rodgers)

Thomas Ellin

Joseph Elliot & Sons

Harrison Brothers & Howson

William Hawcroft & Sons

James Howarth

W.R. Humphreys (Humphreys Radiant)

Christopher Johnson

Lockwood Brothers

Thomas Makin & Son

John Milner

Needham Brothers

Albert Oates

Herbert Robinson

Joseph Rodgers & Sons

William Saynor

Sheffield Cutlery Co-operative Society (Unity)

Taylor's Eye Witness

Thomas Turner

Thomas Ward

E. Watts

Waynorth Cutlery

George Wostenholm & Sons

Arnold Wragg

Arthur Wright & Son

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, sorry to hear A Wright is reproducing your bolster stamp.

Please add John McClory to this list. Thanks

Thanks Rob, I'm sure the former owner, John Maleham, would be as appalled as we are

Thanks for that buddy, I'll add John McClory Fine-looking Lambsfoot

 

[Jack Black]

Blimey, the bad news just seems to keep coming! I just heard from one of my best pals. His elderly sister collapsed on Boxing Day, and had to go into hospital - where she has Coronavirus, and because of her age and underlying health conditions, is not expected to survive. Not only can he not see her now, but he thinks both he and his nephew may have also contracted the virus

 

[akaMatt]

Blimey, the bad news just seems to keep coming! I just heard from one of my best pals. His elderly sister collapsed on Boxing Day, and had to go into hospital - where she has Coronavirus, and because of her age and underlying health conditions, is not expected to survive. Not only can he not see her now, but he thinks both he and his nephew may have also contracted the virus

Sorry to hear about all the bad news from over there lately, Jack. Hope your buddy, his sister, and his nephew all pull through. And hopefully there are brighter days just ahead!

 

[Jack Black]

Sorry to hear about all the bad news from over there lately, Jack. Hope your buddy, his sister, and his nephew all pull through. And hopefully there are brighter days just ahead!

Thanks a lot Matt, I guess a lot of us have had bad news this past year

 

[Ramrodmb]

Terrible news, Jack. So far 2021 has made 2020 look like a pillow fight, in many ways. I hope it can turn around but fear it will get worse before it gets better.

Very unsavory to see Wrights has no character, whatsoever. I won't be supporting them. Hindsight shows the Jack Black tang stamp may have been a good idea.

Things were still "normal" 11 months ago when this pic was taken. What a difference a year can make. As my grandma used to say- Keep your chin up.

 

[Jack Black]

Terrible news, Jack. So far 2021 has made 2020 look like a pillow fight, in many ways. I hope it can turn around but fear it will get worse before it gets better.

Very unsavory to see Wrights has no character, whatsoever. I won't be supporting them. Hindsight shows the Jack Black tang stamp may have been a good idea.

Things were still "normal" 11 months ago when this pic was taken. What a difference a year can make. As my grandma used to say- Keep your chin up.

Thanks Mark, the year isn't getting off to a good start is it?! I share your hopes my friend, but it seems like we've still got a way to go uphill

Foolish of me to have trusted them in retrospect, but who would expect that kind of treachery? John Maleham's retirement came as a complete surprise to me, and I was assured everything would remain the same, and had no reason to doubt that

The thing is, with the Hartshead Barlow bolsters, Wright's didn't want to make them, saying they'd be difficult and time-consuming to do, so they had them made by another firm, who presumably made a few more than were needed, in case any weren't right, or Wright's made a mess of them in some way. So they are literally MY bolsters, I paid for them! I received one knife, which despite the promise that they had been thoroughly checked, had a bad stamp (how could the cutler miss this?):

I returned it to Wright's to put right, together with a lot of other knives which had defective blade etches. Months later, when I went to pick up the knives, I got home to find that, rather than replacing the knife or fitting a new bolster, they'd simply ground down one side of the bolster, so it is plain on that side, with a stamp on the other side. A knife, like many more I picked up at the same time, which is utterly useless to me

What a year it has been! It seems almost strange to think back to the pre-Covid times. There will be children who won't even remember them Nice photo Mark, your grandma gave good advice

Here's one of mine, taken just before everything went crazy

 

[CelloDan]

Hi Jack, I hope better days are ahead for you soon my friend.

Here is my treasured little flock which if it was not for you I would not have the pleasure and satisfaction of owning.

I also took this pic about a year ago, on better days. I keep hoping and praying for a brighter 2021.

 

[Jack Black]

Hi Jack, I hope better days are ahead for you soon my friend.

Here is my treasured little flock which if it was not for you I would not have the pleasure and satisfaction of owning.

I also took this pic about a year ago, on better days. I keep hoping and praying for a brighter 2021.

Thank you Dan, that's a lovely composition

 

[Jack Black]

Here's my old stamp, from the 1990's

 

[Jack Black]

Obviously not Jack. They've had the same designs for years; ok there decent and more than serviceable, especially for what I need, but very traditional. It's taken you to come along to give them "ideas and inspiration for new designs".

Yeah sorry Jack, I was just wondering if the Famous Sheffield Shop was open in general. I've not looked on their website for ages and the last two things I got from Sheffield; a tankard and my Henderson's mug, both came from the Sheffield Shop.

I'm very sorry David, I've just realised I missed your post earlier Yes, they've been unimaginative, even compared to other Sheffield cutlery firms

I don't know David, I'm afraid they're not a business I would have anything to do with anymore. I haven't been over there since Paul Iseard was still manager, and the last time I spoke to him was when he rang me to tell me he was retiring, a couple of years ago. Nice feller