Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Cambertree]

The industrial hamlet sounds great. Do they produce demonstration pieces on a daily basis?

Greg, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet was absolutely fascinating to wander around.

As far as I could see, there was no current production or demonstration forging of scythes or sickle blades there. There was a blacksmith working in one of the forges, but he seemed to be producing the standard sort of demonstration fare, forged from mild steel: bottle openers, metal tree leaves, and decorations and the like.

Here's Our Man in Yorkshire, and Master Guardian of the Lambsfoot, examining the blacksmiths forge.



The blacksmith's forge was to the middle right in the photo below.



One thing that was especially interesting to me was how many specialist tools and scythe blades in different states of manufacture were still scattered throughout the buildings from the old Tyzack works days. This photo was taken where the grinders horsings and trows were. The stones were of varying sizes, but all much larger than penknife grinders trows.



I posted this pic in the Beverages and Blades thread, but I'll put it in here too, as I'm excited to finally qualify to apply for membership of the Guardians.

Jack very kindly gifted me my first Real Lambsfoot - this lovely example made by the Unity Co-op.



This photo was taken in the Old Queens Head in Sheffield, the 'Old Queen' in question being Mary, Queen of Scots.



Yesterday I visited the Famous Sheffield Shop and hand picked a couple of nice new A Wright Lambsfoots too - a fine translucent streaked, blond buffalo horn example, and one with ebony covers.

Unfortunately, I put them in the post back to Oz, just around the corner from the shop, without taking any photos.

My gift knives from Jack also went in the post this morning in Horsforth, so I'll put up pics and a review of them all here, when I get back to Australia in mid February.

I did smile when, in chatting to the nice lady in the Famous Sheffield Shop I asked who their customers for Lambsfoots tend to be.

She confirmed what Jack has said before here about many of them being bought by farmers, and rural workers.

But she also added that they have seen quite a spike in sales over the last year in Lambsfoots going over to the US and Canada.

I think Jack's advocacy and this thread have no doubt had quite a bit to do with that!

My mate, Jono, who put me up at his place in Horsforth last night, was born and raised on a farm in Northallerton, Yorkshire. I was showing him the hoard of knives Jack gave me - immediately on seeing the Unity Lambsfoot his face lit up with recognition. He said his dad always had a similar Lambsfoot on him, as did his uncles and many of the farmworkers he knew. In comparison to some of the fine small penknives and a Wostenholm equal end Jack which were laid out and carefully examined, each in turn, he nodded at the Lambsfoot and remarked 'That's a real workin' man's knife, that is'.

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, your A Wright is looking mighty fine as always.

Thank you my friend

Charlie- the Stamping on your absolutely STUNNING JR is not as deep as the early models.

Jack and Charlie please don't get me wrong- I "speak" only in the interest of talking knives. I totally agree with what you say in Quoting Bernard - but we can also look at the Font of the stamping- compare the Stamping of that lovely JR to the Earlier examples and there is a massive difference. The Cleanliness of the Blade and Maltese crosses hints a later manufacture ( IMO), in comparison to the very deeply struck stampings - or...am I going down the wrong road? ( because theres lots of them ).

Jack- beautiful Horn example my friend.

I agree Duncan, all part of reading the knife Thanks a lot pal

Great to have you officially in the Guardians Cambertree, and nice to see you post my friend

'That's a real workin' man's knife, that is'.

What a great line!

Just to add some knife content to my post, here's what's in my pocket today, the William Rodgers Charlie kindly sent me a while back

 

[btb01]

Chin, thank your for sharing all those great photos! Looks like a interesting place to visit!

But she also added that they have seen quite a spike in sales over the last year in Lambsfoots going over to the US and Canada.

I think Jack's advocacy and this thread have no doubt had quite a bit to do with that!

I can assure you Jack's Lambsfoot advocacy had something to do with quite a few of those heading across the pond, mine included.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Thank you Jack - that's a real nice William Rodgers you gave there my friend.

Chin- awesome posting of your visit- bringing back memories in a huge way- I'm so glad you got to meet Jack - and a few other very well knowns.
Thank you very much for sharing.

 

[WhittlinAway]

Chin, thanks for the extra photos and information. Seems like a great place to visit!

I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your A. Wrights. I also enjoyed your story about the uptick in sales to the US and Canada and don't doubt it is the result of Jack's influence. :thumbup:

 

[herder]

Greg, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet was absolutely fascinating to wander around.

As far as I could see, there was no current production or demonstration forging of scythes or sickle blades there. There was a blacksmith working in one of the forges, but he seemed to be producing the standard sort of demonstration fare, forged from mild steel: bottle openers, metal tree leaves, and decorations and the like.

Here's Our Man in Yorkshire, and Master Guardian of the Lambsfoot, examining the blacksmiths forge.



The blacksmith's forge was to the middle right in the photo below.



One thing that was especially interesting to me was how many specialist tools and scythe blades in different states of manufacture were still scattered throughout the buildings from the old Tyzack works days. This photo was taken where the grinders horsings and trows were. The stones were of varying sizes, but all much larger than penknife grinders trows.



I posted this pic in the Beverages and Blades thread, but I'll put it in here too, as I'm excited to finally qualify to apply for membership of the Guardians.

Jack very kindly gifted me my first Real Lambsfoot - this lovely example made by the Unity Co-op.



This photo was taken in the Old Queens Head in Sheffield, the 'Old Queen' in question being Mary, Queen of Scots.



Yesterday I visited the Famous Sheffield Shop and hand picked a couple of nice new A Wright Lambsfoots too - a fine translucent streaked, blond buffalo horn example, and one with ebony covers.

Unfortunately, I put them in the post back to Oz, just around the corner from the shop, without taking any photos.

My gift knives from Jack also went in the post this morning in Horsforth, so I'll put up pics and a review of them all here, when I get back to Australia in mid February.

I did smile when, in chatting to the nice lady in the Famous Sheffield Shop I asked who their customers for Lambsfoots tend to be.

She confirmed what Jack has said before here about many of them being bought by farmers, and rural workers.

But she also added that they have seen quite a spike in sales over the last year in Lambsfoots going over to the US and Canada.

I think Jack's advocacy and this thread have no doubt had quite a bit to do with that!

My mate, Jono, who put me up at his place in Horsforth last night, was born and raised on a farm in Northallerton, Yorkshire. I was showing him the hoard of knives Jack gave me - immediately on seeing the Unity Lambsfoot his face lit up with recognition. He said his dad always had a similar Lambsfoot on him, as did his uncles and many of the farmworkers he knew. In comparison to some of the fine small penknives and a Wostenholm equal end Jack which were laid out and carefully examined, each in turn, he nodded at the Lambsfoot and remarked 'That's a real workin' man's knife, that is'.

Fantastic Pictures!!!
From the buildings to the food, everything looks so wonderful. Also a treat to see the old equipment and grinding wheels.
Glad you were able to visit a most important place, and with the best possible host.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks for the kind words gents

Great pic Barrett

 

[Jolipapa]

 

[Jack Black]

Brilliant JP!

 

[Jack Black]

 

[Jack Black]

In case any of you Lambsfoot fans have missed it, there's an A.Wright & Sons Lambsfoot in golden Oxhorn up for grabs here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1467271-Take-the-Gold-or-Open-The-Box

 

[Cambertree]

The last photo I posted didn't really do justice to this great Lambsfoot which I was very generously gifted by Jack, himself.



It's made by the Unity Co-op. Age can be difficult to determine, but Jack thought it was perhaps pre-WW1 from what he knows of the Co-op's history. For a hundred year old knife, it's still very tight, and took a razor edge with very little sharpening. Thanks Jack, this is now one of the treasures of my collection.

And now, a couple of new A. Wrights.

One of my favourites, out of many fine Lambsfoots that have appeared on these pages is Jack's golden Ox-horn example. I can just imagine, that back in the day, when a working man or woman would buy an inexpensive knife, and use it robustly until it was worn out, that sometimes you would just luck on a really fine knife that would give you pleasure and make you feel lucky every time you took it out of your pocket to perform a task.

That knife of Jack's pictured above, I can imagine being just such a tool. The way the translucent horn refracts golden light from the inner brass scales is a thing of beauty.

I was over the moon to find a similar blonde Ox-horn Lambsfoot in the Famous Sheffield Shop.





And, in keeping with the agrarian roots of the Lambsfoot as a durable, working knife, I was also set on finding a nice example in one of my favourite cover materials: Ebony.

Again, I lucked out with a really nice medium Lambsfoot in that timber.



So, I'm very happy to now start a phase of classic Sheffield patterns in my EDC, and will update you all here from time to time on how they fare in daily use.

 

[1500international]

Very nice Chin. That Unity Co-op from Jack is a absolute beauty. The A Wrights are lovely especially that translucent horn that has a real warmth to it.

 

[Jack Black]

The last photo I posted didn't really do justice to this great Lambsfoot which I was very generously gifted by Jack, himself.



It's made by the Unity Co-op. Age can be difficult to determine, but Jack thought it was perhaps pre-WW1 from what he knows of the Co-op's history. For a hundred year old knife, it's still very tight, and took a razor edge with very little sharpening. Thanks Jack, this is now one of the treasures of my collection.

And now, a couple of new A. Wrights.

One of my favourites, out of many fine Lambsfoots that have appeared on these pages is Jack's golden Ox-horn example....

I was over the moon to find a similar blonde Ox-horn Lambsfoot in the Famous Sheffield Shop.





And, in keeping with the agrarian roots of the Lambsfoot as a durable, working knife, I was also set on finding a nice example in one of my favourite cover materials: Ebony.

Again, I lucked out with a really nice medium Lambsfoot in that timber.



So, I'm very happy to now start a phase of classic Sheffield patterns in my EDC, and will update you all here from time to time on how they fare in daily use.

Hey Chin, great to see you here my friend, and it sounds like you had a fantastic time travelling. It was certainly a real pleasure to meet you, and to be able to show you around Sheffield. I haven't been over to see Stan Shaw since, but I must say, he really seemed to like you too

I am glad that you are pleased with the Unity Lambsfoot, I remember you saying how interested you were in that maker

Jack, that Unity 'Real Lamb Foot' is one of those knives that I find just sublime.

...

As a dyed-in-the-wool, ardent trade unionist - the Unity Co-op is one of the companies I have been fascinated to read about in your previous posts, and one of the myriad of Sheffield historical narratives I have determined to unravel further and learn more about when I visit.

I am so glad that you were able to find two outstanding examples of the Lambsfoot pattern while you were in Sheffield, I think that is the best oxhorn Lambsfoot I've seen to date, and the ebony model is beautiful too. Very nice finds my friend

Regular readers of this thread will recall some of the wonderful old Australian catalogue images which Chin has shared with us here in the past. Many are taken from a fascinating book - Australian & New Zealand Cutlers And Cutlery 1788-1988 by Keith M Spencer and Joan Renton-Spencer. The large format book is wonderfully produced and printed on full-weight glossy paper. Chin carried me a copy of this hefty tome all the way from Australia, via Ireland, to generously gift to me in Sheffield Thanks again Chin, it was a wonderful gift, and I'm enjoying reading it immensely

 

[Jack Black]

Had the Needham Brothers, Duncan kindly gifted me, with me on my walk yesterday

 

[Cambertree]

Very nice Chin. That Unity Co-op from Jack is a absolute beauty. The A Wrights are lovely especially that translucent horn that has a real warmth to it.

Thanks mate, good to see you here. :thumbup:

That Unity and the golden Ox-horn Wright are really something special, but I certainly take your comments as high praise, considering some of the breathtaking Lambsfoots you have in your collection!

Hey Chin, great to see you here my friend, and it sounds like you had a fantastic time travelling. It was certainly a real pleasure to meet you, and to be able to show you around Sheffield. I haven't been over to see Stan Shaw since, but I must say, he really seemed to like you too

I am so glad that you were able to find two outstanding examples of the Lambsfoot pattern while you were in Sheffield, I think that is the best oxhorn Lambsfoot I've seen to date, and the ebony model is beautiful too. Very nice finds my friend.

Jack, well I probably wouldn't have found any of those fine examples without your advice, so I have that to thank you for too, as well as the best possible tour of Sheffield a knife enthusiast and student of cutlery history could wish for. :thumbup:

How great was it to spend so long chatting to Stan about so many aspects of fascinating cutlery history and crafting techniques? I felt bad that we were keeping him from his work, but every time we made to leave, he would show us some new tool, or relate another story! What a genuinely warm and humble man he is. And a living reminder of all those master craftsmen of the past who never had their name stamped on a single knife. The memory of that afternoon chatting with you both in Stan's workshop is one I will always treasure.

I'm glad you're enjoying that book, there's a lot in it, which you'll find nowhere else. Keith did most of his research and interviews in the pre internet days, the hard way: that book represents a lifetime of driving around museums and libraries and visiting people, making phone calls, and chasing down new leads to glean information.

Also, as many of the regulars in this thread have Lambsfoots by this maker, I thought some of you might like to see photos of the unassuming building in Sheffield where your knives were made:



If you didn't notice this plaque on the door, you'd walk straight past it!


Side view:

 

[Bartleby]

Thanks mate, good to see you here. :thumbup:

That Unity and the golden Ox-horn Wright are really something special, but I certainly take your comments as high praise, considering some of the breathtaking Lambsfoots you have in your collection!



Jack, well I probably wouldn't have found any of those fine examples without your advice, so I have that to thank you for too, as well as the best possible tour of Sheffield a knife enthusiast and student of cutlery history could wish for. :thumbup:

How great was it to spend so long chatting to Stan about so many aspects of fascinating cutlery history and crafting techniques? I felt bad that we were keeping him from his work, but every time we made to leave, he would show us some new tool, or relate another story! What a genuinely warm and humble man he is. And a living reminder of all those master craftsmen of the past who never had their name stamped on a single knife. The memory of that afternoon chatting with you both in Stan's workshop is one I will always treasure.

I'm glad you're enjoying that book, there's a lot in it, which you'll find nowhere else. Keith did most of his research and interviews in the pre internet days, the hard way: that book represents a lifetime of driving around museums and libraries and visiting people, making phone calls, and chasing down new leads to glean information.

Also, as many of the regulars in this thread have Lambsfoots by this maker, I thought some of you might like to see photos of the unassuming building in Sheffield where your knives were made:



If you didn't notice this plaque on the door, you'd walk straight past it!


Side view:

I have often wondered what Wright's looks like, thanks! Now if they would give our friend in Yorkshire a tour...

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, well I probably wouldn't have found any of those fine examples without your advice, so I have that to thank you for too, as well as the best possible tour of Sheffield a knife enthusiast and student of cutlery history could wish for. :thumbup:

How great was it to spend so long chatting to Stan about so many aspects of fascinating cutlery history and crafting techniques? I felt bad that we were keeping him from his work, but every time we made to leave, he would show us some new tool, or relate another story! What a genuinely warm and humble man he is. And a living reminder of all those master craftsmen of the past who never had their name stamped on a single knife. The memory of that afternoon chatting with you both in Stan's workshop is one I will always treasure.

I'm glad you're enjoying that book, there's a lot in it, which you'll find nowhere else. Keith did most of his research and interviews in the pre internet days, the hard way: that book represents a lifetime of driving around museums and libraries and visiting people, making phone calls, and chasing down new leads to glean information.

We certainly covered a lot of ground Chin, and my voice has only just recovered! It was certainly a great visit to Stan, and that is how he always is, I have missed my train back to Leeds on more than one occasion! He is very generous with his time, and what a fantastic ambassador for the old Sheffield cutlery trade

Certainly a labour of love, and wonderfully produced. It is an invaluable source of information

Also, as many of the regulars in this thread have Lambsfoots by this maker, I thought some of you might like to see photos of the unassuming building in Sheffield where your knives were made:

Thanks for posting these Chin, I had forgotten you had taken them. Apart from cutting out the blades, and etching them, I think all the work is done in the illuminated room on the first floor. There are only a few blokes working there, and they'd probably find it incredible that there are people across the globe discussing the knives they produce!

 

[Jack Black]

I have often wondered what Wright's looks like, thanks! Now if they would give our friend in Yorkshire a tour...

Most of the old cutlery works were very mundane, and often very scruffy, buildings, with blackened windows. John Maleham, the gaffer at Wright's, very kindly gave me a quick impromptu tour a while back. I didn't have my camera with me on that occasion, but with Mr Maleham's permission, I'll try and return at some point to do a full report

 

[Bartleby]

Most of the old cutlery works were very mundane, and often very scruffy, buildings, with blackened windows. John Maleham, the gaffer at Wright's, very kindly gave me a quick impromptu tour a while back. I didn't have my camera with me on that occasion, but with Mr Maleham's permission, I'll try and return at some point to do a full report :thumbup:

That would be most kind, sir. I for one admire Mr. Maleham's pluck in continuing to produce traditional utility patterns of knives in Sheffield using traditional methods. I also like that he produces several levels of materials and embellishment to suit users and collectors alike. It would be good to get a peek at the process!