Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Jack Black]

A Lambsfoot is included in this post WW2 Joseph Rodgers display case.

 

[Pàdruig]

I hope it is ok to post here even though I am not a proper Guardian yet. I have briefly perused this thread a number of times and I keep meaning to invest substantially more time in uncovering its secrets but one could spend hours enjoying all of the rich history you folks have displayed here. Those long hours can be hard to come by these days I am afraid... I will have to digest it all in portions, I think.

Ever since I joined the forums I have been drawn to these knives and I am hoping to acquire my first one soon. From the little information I have derived thus far though, the options for acquiring a quality specimen are somewhat limited? Joseph Rodgers are not of the quality they used to be though their current offerings seem to be amongst the more expensive? TEW gets their materials from China? A. Wright seems to be a practical choice though their fit and finish can be questionable at times? Are there other makers that are worth considering short of anything custom? Apologies for the questions. It just isn't practical for me to acquire multiple examples and decide from there. So I would like my first one to be one that I can be very pleased with and have no regrets.

Thank you folks for your passion and enthusiasm here, it is certainly infectious and I am looking forward to learning more from what I find here.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks for looking in Padruig If you get a chance to find an older Lambsfoot in good condition, and at a fair price, that would be my first choice. Wright's seem to have better QC than they had a few years back, it's been a while since I saw a lemon, and unlike TEW and Rodgers/Wostenholm (Eggington), they're still using high carbon steel. Hope you find something to your liking, and look forward to seeing how you find the pattern

 

[Pàdruig]

Thanks for looking in Padruig If you get a chance to find an older Lambsfoot in good condition, and at a fair price, that would be my first choice. Wright's seem to have better QC than they had a few years back, it's been a while since I saw a lemon, and unlike TEW and Rodgers/Wostenholm (Eggington), they're still using high carbon steel. Hope you find something to your liking, and look forward to seeing how you find the pattern

I appreciate the response Jack Black , I will certainly keep an eye out for some older examples. You never know, I just might get lucky. Otherwise, it sounds like I can't really go wrong with an A. Wright (I do have a preference for carbon steel...). Their prices are also quite reasonable so I very well might go ahead and scoop one of those up here sometime soon.

 

[Jack Black]

I appreciate the response Jack Black , I will certainly keep an eye out for some older examples. You never know, I just might get lucky. Otherwise, it sounds like I can't really go wrong with an A. Wright (I do have a preference for carbon steel...). Their prices are also quite reasonable so I very well might go ahead and scoop one of those up here sometime soon.

Good luck my friend

 

[Jack Black]

Carrying this one today

 

[Pàdruig]

Today being a slow day at work, I took advantage of the down time and managed to read through this thread in its entirety. There is quite the trove of fascinating history, beautiful pictures, and knowledgeable folks contained within this thread and it has been delightful experiencing it all. I am certainly looking forward to further discussions and displays and though I do not have anything constructive to contribute quite yet, I hope to remedy that sooner rather than later. The contents of this thread aside, there appears to be a substantial wealth of material to explore, given the numerous external links and PDFs provided herein.

After coming to the end of the thread here, I realized that I was subconsciously hitting "like" on posts that exhibited pictures I liked or information I found interesting so if you log on and discover you were hit with a "like bomb" in your alerts, you have my apologies. I didn't think about it until it was all said and done.

I think the thing that strikes me at the moment as the most intriguing bit, lambsfoot origins aside, is the relationships between European cutlers and abroad (Australia) and the influences that were undoubtedly shared as a result. I definitely see merit in the belief/opinion that blade shapes and styles, including that of the lambsfoot, derive their origins from a purpose driven need. It has certainly withstood the test of time, despite being what is viewed as a possible more recent evolution of a far older design.

Thank you to all who have contributed to a very fascinating reading venture, I am looking forward to more to come.

 

[spycycle]

Welcome Padruig! Isn't this a great place to while away some time and learn a lot about knife history?! I hope your quest for a lambsfoot of your own is a fruitful one. If you're looking for something a bit more unique, might I suggest Michael May's work? He (mostly) uses A. Wright blades but offers some unique handle materials and even an "ergonomic" handle that Trevor Ablett pioneered.

 

[Jack Black]

Today being a slow day at work, I took advantage of the down time and managed to read through this thread in its entirety. There is quite the trove of fascinating history, beautiful pictures, and knowledgeable folks contained within this thread and it has been delightful experiencing it all. I am certainly looking forward to further discussions and displays and though I do not have anything constructive to contribute quite yet, I hope to remedy that sooner rather than later. The contents of this thread aside, there appears to be a substantial wealth of material to explore, given the numerous external links and PDFs provided herein.

After coming to the end of the thread here, I realized that I was subconsciously hitting "like" on posts that exhibited pictures I liked or information I found interesting so if you log on and discover you were hit with a "like bomb" in your alerts, you have my apologies. I didn't think about it until it was all said and done.

I think the thing that strikes me at the moment as the most intriguing bit, lambsfoot origins aside, is the relationships between European cutlers and abroad (Australia) and the influences that were undoubtedly shared as a result. I definitely see merit in the belief/opinion that blade shapes and styles, including that of the lambsfoot, derive their origins from a purpose driven need. It has certainly withstood the test of time, despite being what is viewed as a possible more recent evolution of a far older design.

Thank you to all who have contributed to a very fascinating reading venture, I am looking forward to more to come.

Well done Paruig, that's an epic read - I keep meaning to go through the thread again my self!

Thanks for the "Like Bomb"!

 

[herder]

A Lambsfoot is included in this post WW2 Joseph Rodgers display case.

Great old display box!!!

 

[Jack Black]

Great old display box!!!

I wish it was mine!

 

[herder]

Me too.

 

[Jack Black]

Me too.

 

[StoneBeard]

 

[Pàdruig]

So like with anything that strikes my fancy and I happen to have the time on hand, I tend to get a bit obsessive and I usually end up scouring the inter-webs, seeking info, pictures, research, etc. Being that my interest has become sufficiently piqued here, this particular instance has not become an exception. One of the points that seems to be wrestled with throughout this thread is not necessarily when the lambsfoot originated, though that is a curiosity all in itself, but rather when the term was coined and applied to such an iconic style, a style that either evolved or was referred to as something different.

During my digital wanderings and virtual rabbit hole explorations, I came across a curious listing that quickly caught my eye. It was a knife described as a Navy or Rope Knife made by Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham in Sheffield. Being that the listing is far beyond my reach at this time, I can only appreciate the pictures, the history of the firm, etc. I think what strikes me as the most curious is the owner describes its origins as being made between 1825-1852 according to his/her interpretation of Goins Encyclopedia. The knife in question is very clearly a lambsfoot style, or very close to it, and appears to be in remarkable condition if the stated age happens to have any merit.

I am including the pictures provided by the owner, they are not my own and I will not hesitate to remove them should the owner request it. Unfortunately the pictures are rather dark but hopefully you can see the pertinent details. I happen to think it a rather lovely knife myself, everything about it is beautiful to me.

Some cursory searching revealed that the firm in question was established in 1751 and went through a number of name variants and eventually merged with Tomas Turner & Co at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the name variants I have brought up are:

• Hoult, Rowbotham, Wingfield & Wade (1751?)
• Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham (1825?)
• Wingfield & Rowbotham
• Wingfield, Rowbotham & Co
• Wingfield & Co

Wingfield, Rowbotham & Co, Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham, and Wingfield & Co were included in the trademark register of the Cutlers Company of Sheffield in 1919. In 1932, Turner and all of its trademarks were acquired by Viner's Ltd. It seems that it is quite likely that the knife is not nearly as old as the owner might believe it to be based on the fact that many of these firm names were being used interchangeably throughout the 19th and into the 20th centuries. But I could be dead wrong, I am the furthest thing from an expert. Perhaps Jack can shed more light on the firm or lend some insight on this particular knife's provenance?

I found some neat advertisements from the firm. No pretty knife content, unfortunately...

Hopefully this post isn't too off track, just thought I would share some of my musings...

 

[WhittlinAway]

View attachment 720660

Great to see you and your Lambsfoot reaching new heights!

 

[Cambertree]

Wow, there's been some great contributions lately! I've been away camping up in the Victorian High Country. Looks like I have a bit to catch up on.

This stag covered lefty A. Wright (generously gifted to me by Charlie C.) came with me.

Lee, L LongBlade , that E. Watts Lambsfoot knife you have is just superb - every bit worth the wait to see that, my friend. Thanks for showing that beauty.

Great to see your Unity, too, Jack Black . I've really been enjoying seeing some of your earlier Lambsfoot knives, and those catalogue cuts, and that Rodgers display case. Also, the intriguing names and backgrounds in the pics from your latest explorations up the River Rivelin.

Pàdruig , yes, it's a great thread to read over again, I agree. Thanks for the likes, my friend, and it's good to see you here.

That's a stunning looking knife you've found there - the handle certainly has the classic swayback shape. I wonder how much of the blade may have been sharpened away from the original profile? I love those fluted bolsters!

Here's a pic of a more workmanlike Wingfield 'Real Lamb Foot Knife', which I'm guessing is from a bit later.

StoneBeard , your photos are always a treat, my friend.

---

A stag Lambsfoot in a Sambar stag's home...

 

[Jack Black]

Great to see this thread so ALIVE!

View attachment 720660 View attachment 720661 View attachment 720658

Fantastic to see your Lambsfoot above 10,000ft Stonebeard, that is SOME view! Superb pics, as always

So like with anything that strikes my fancy and I happen to have the time on hand, I tend to get a bit obsessive and I usually end up scouring the inter-webs, seeking info, pictures, research, etc. Being that my interest has become sufficiently piqued here, this particular instance has not become an exception. One of the points that seems to be wrestled with throughout this thread is not necessarily when the lambsfoot originated, though that is a curiosity all in itself, but rather when the term was coined and applied to such an iconic style, a style that either evolved or was referred to as something different.

During my digital wanderings and virtual rabbit hole explorations, I came across a curious listing that quickly caught my eye. It was a knife described as a Navy or Rope Knife made by Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham in Sheffield. Being that the listing is far beyond my reach at this time, I can only appreciate the pictures, the history of the firm, etc. I think what strikes me as the most curious is the owner describes its origins as being made between 1825-1852 according to his/her interpretation of Goins Encyclopedia. The knife in question is very clearly a lambsfoot style, or very close to it, and appears to be in remarkable condition if the stated age happens to have any merit.

I am including the pictures provided by the owner, they are not my own and I will not hesitate to remove them should the owner request it. Unfortunately the pictures are rather dark but hopefully you can see the pertinent details. I happen to think it a rather lovely knife myself, everything about it is beautiful to me.

Some cursory searching revealed that the firm in question was established in 1751 and went through a number of name variants and eventually merged with Tomas Turner & Co at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the name variants I have brought up are:

• Hoult, Rowbotham, Wingfield & Wade (1751?)
• Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham (1825?)
• Wingfield & Rowbotham
• Wingfield, Rowbotham & Co
• Wingfield & Co

Wingfield, Rowbotham & Co, Wade, Wingfield & Rowbotham, and Wingfield & Co were included in the trademark register of the Cutlers Company of Sheffield in 1919. In 1932, Turner and all of its trademarks were acquired by Viner's Ltd. It seems that it is quite likely that the knife is not nearly as old as the owner might believe it to be based on the fact that many of these firm names were being used interchangeably throughout the 19th and into the 20th centuries. But I could be dead wrong, I am the furthest thing from an expert. Perhaps Jack can shed more light on the firm or lend some insight on this particular knife's provenance?

I found some neat advertisements from the firm. No pretty knife content, unfortunately...

Hopefully this post isn't too off track, just thought I would share some of my musings...

Great research and a fascinating post Padruig Personally, I think that knife probably started out as a Sheepsfoot, and has seen some sharpening, but it's certainly an interesting knife, and beautiful, as you say There is a rather lengthy inclusion in Tweedale's Directory, and based on that, the mark would be mid 19th century.

Wow, there's been some great contributions lately! I've been away camping up in the Victorian High Country. Looks like I have a bit to catch up on.

This stag covered lefty A. Wright (generously gifted to me by Charlie C.) came with me.

Lee, L LongBlade , that E. Watts Lambsfoot knife you have is just superb - every bit worth the wait to see that, my friend. Thanks for showing that beauty.

Great to see your Unity, too, Jack Black . I've really been enjoying seeing some of your earlier Lambsfoot knives, and those catalogue cuts, and that Rodgers display case. Also, the intriguing names and backgrounds in the pics from your latest explorations up the River Rivelin.

Pàdruig , yes, it's a great thread to read over again, I agree. Thanks for the likes, my friend, and it's good to see you here.

That's a stunning looking knife you've found there - the handle certainly has the classic swayback shape. I wonder how much of the blade may have been sharpened away from the original profile? I love those fluted bolsters!

Here's a pic of a more workmanlike Wingfield 'Real Lamb Foot Knife', which I'm guessing is from a bit later.

StoneBeard , your photos are always a treat, my friend.

A stag Lambsfoot in a stag's home...

Great to have you back Chin, I guessed you had been on your travels again, and that is some beautiful country my friend. Thanks for all the pics Congratulations on your new Lefty Lambsfoot, well done Charlie That Wingfield is an interesting knife, may I ask what the tang-stamp says? I need to make another foray up the Rivelin before I do a write-up, but hope to put something together before too long. We used to have a NZ poster here who owned a Mousehole anvil

 

[Cambertree]

Great to have you back Chin, I guessed you had been on your travels again, and that is some beautiful country my friend. Thanks for all the pics Congratulations on your new Lefty Lambsfoot, well done Charlie That Wingfield is an interesting knife, may I ask what the tang-stamp says? I need to make another foray up the Rivelin before I do a write-up, but hope to put something together before too long. We used to have a NZ poster here who owned a Mousehole anvil

Thanks mate, yes I feel we're pretty lucky here to have vast tracts of wilderness to explore and enjoy, still.

Sorry, the photo of the Wingfield's not up to scratch. The tang stamp reads:

WINGFIELD
ROWBOTHAM
SHEFFIELD

And there appears to be a makers mark to the right of the stamp. This knife was in a batch of fine Lambsfoot knives I showed here, a while ago from @1500international's collection.

(From top: Joseph Rodgers 'Western Castrator'; Joseph Rodgers (possibly Egginton era); Harrison Brothers and Howson; and the Wingfield.)

Fantastic photo, by the way.

That wouldn't be Fes, would it? I miss his epic photos and knives...

 

[LongBlade]

Some beautiful photos Stonebeard, Chin and Jack, interesting info & old knife Padruig and some truly fine knives posted by all as well ....