That's amazing Jack, a cutlers wage must have been minuscule for the finish price to have been so low.
An absolute pittance Steve, which is one of the reasons few Sheffield cutlery factories mechanised, because labour was so cheap. Under the 'Liver and draw' system, they were issued with the parts and hafting materials, and drew their wages when they delivered the finished knives, with deductions for any work which was rejected. It was the same in other Sheffield industries, there were files still being cut by hand into the 1960's. I was talking to an old file-cutter about 10 years ago, and he told me him and his brother were paid "Fifty bob a gross" for hand-cut files, that's two pounds and ten shillings per 144 files, £2.50 today, less than half the price of a pint of beer! In the late 17th century, Obadiah Barlow sold his knives for 2/6 a dozen. By 1895, at a time when there were 4 US dollars to a British pound, even taking into account transport costs, and tariffs, Sheffield-made Barlow knives were selling in the USA for as little as 8 cents apiece! In 1903, Sheffield cutler, Charles Ibbotson recalled that he was paid sixpence a dozen for Barlow knives. Hardly surprising that, as Sheffield grew in size, and other employment opportunities became available, only those with no other prospects went into the cutlery trade.
It's a beautiful day here and a slow melt is on
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That's a really beautiful photo of your '19 Steve
Hi everyone. Hope your off to a good weekend.
This morning I took Cinna and Patches to the groomer. Then I went for a haircut. Carried this one:
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After they were done, we picked them up and took them to the green space for a walk. The Bluebonnets are out in force! I had this ebony lamb, a gift from Dwight. Thanks buddy! And then I picked up some beers for this afternoon.
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Glad you're all well-groomed for the weekend Pete!
Great pics buddy
Afternoon Guardians! Ethan rode shotgun today. Happy trails!
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Looking good David
That's good to hear my friend, thanks
Have a great weekend all.
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Superb photo Dwight, your IXL Lambsfoot is a real treasure
Sad to report that after searching high and low and looking at thousands of knives...............not one lambsfoot to be found
. All is well as the Guardians were well represented and had their's.
Barrett showed me his damascus ironwood which I believe was in the same run as the stag I have. A wonderful knife. Jack did an amazing job on those!!!!
Back home now and getting ready to get some ribeyes on the grill. A few beers and a cigar will be closely followed behind dinner.
Got the stag in the pocket today. I hope everyone is doing well and had a great day.
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Thanks for the report Paul, and for the kind words
It sounds like a fantastic event, with a great homecoming reward
A memorable weekend for you, I'm sure, and hopefully for all the other Guardians who attended
Excellent pic buddy
It was Jack. Glad you got some positive news with the dentist. Awesome lamb for the day!!!
I wish you were there as well my friend. Our paths will meet at some point. Love the pic Dwight.
It was!! Blood lamb is looking sweet Pete.
Couldn't wait for after dinner. I stole Jack's lamb hanging off of the beer idea
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Thanks a lot Paul
Another cool pic, there are only so many ways to take a knife and beer-can pic!
Paul and Todd, it was great to meet y’all! I’m glad we had so much time to sit and talk knives and everything.
And thanks for the recommendation/introduction to Spotted Cow!
Although it has some stiff competition, I still think the 2019 Guardians Lambsfoot is one of my favorites. Fantastic knife!
Same as last year, but no worries. All those old knife dudes don’t know what they’re missing.
I had these two with me in Wisconsin.
I'm so glad you were able to get along again Barrett, it sounds like you all had a really great time
Cool pic of your travelling companions
Jack Black
what kind of soup did you make?
The ingredients were garlic, onion, tomatoes, lentils, red pepper, carrots, smoked paprika, herbs, pepper, and vegetable stock Daniel
With a large glug of Henderson's Relish, and a little Ghost Seasoning
I have a big pan of it in the fridge, wish I could share it!
I'll probably call in at Charlie's on the way to town, and pick up some shopping while I'm there. I'm going down to see a pal later, and we're watching 2 related films back-to-back, and drink some beer of course 
It was nice to see my friend Matt, and his family, though he fell asleep 10 minutes into our second film! 
