"Made in Sheffield" 1830-1930, A golden age ?

[rockman0]

Are Eye witness knives till made in Sheffield? Or who owns the name brand now? Just curious to see if there are still some good cutlery companies in Sheffield? I know of A Wright and Sons, but I am sure not as many as there used to be in the golden era.

Here's a screenshot from the their website. It says they moved outside Sheffield. Possibly to China?


And here's what AI has to say about it. Notice the use of "primarily made in Sheffield" that leaves it open to them having 3rd parties, not necessarily located in Sheffield (China?) involved in manufacturing. Someone more knowledgeable than myself may come along with better information.

 

[rockman0]

I posted this one in Stag Saturday awhile ago, unfortunately the makers mark isn't legible, nevertheless it is a well made knife. A bit quirky with a shield and a race secondary I think the red stag is pretty cool. 4" closed. It appears to be unused.

 

[Jack Black]

Are Eye witness knives till made in Sheffield? Or who owns the name brand now? Just curious to see if there are still some good cutlery companies in Sheffield? I know of A Wright and Sons, but I am sure not as many as there used to be in the golden era.

Some of them are, some of them (their kitchen knives) are made in the Far East.

 

[Jack Black]

I posted this one in Stag Saturday awhile ago, unfortunately the makers mark isn't legible, nevertheless it is a well made knife. A bit quirky with a shield and a race secondary I think the red stag is pretty cool. 4" closed. It appears to be unused.
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Wow, that is fascinating Rob, I wonder what the story is behind it, possibly a special order? The only other Rase Knife I've seen constructed like that is this Butler, though as you can see, the construction is markedly different. Stan Shaw was positively shocked by it! "They dun it wrong way round!"

 

[cbach8tw]

I posted this one in Stag Saturday awhile ago, unfortunately the makers mark isn't legible, nevertheless it is a well made knife. A bit quirky with a shield and a race secondary I think the red stag is pretty cool. 4" closed. It appears to be unused.
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What is the funny shaped thing on the other blade used for?

 

[Jack Black]

What is the funny shaped thing on the other blade used for?

Marking wooden barrels, which once contained practically all cargo that was shipped around the world, the first form of containerisation. Also used for marking wood generally.

 

[rockman0]

Jack, it was probably a special order, I wish the makers mark was clear. That's a wonderful George Butler! Looks like it didn't see much use, "they dun it wrong way round" on an unmarked pruner that came along with my Lambsfoot, the guy also had a Lockwood bros with a spear and rase combo, it was heavily sharpened so I left it with him.

Wow, that is fascinating Rob, I wonder what the story is behind it, possibly a special order? The only other Rase Knife I've seen constructed like that is this Butler, though as you can see, the construction is markedly different. Stan Shaw was positively shocked by it! "They dun it wrong way round!"

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[rockman0]

An interesting version of a rase knife. A 2 in 1 blade. Thin and sharp all the way to the tang.

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, it was probably a special order, I wish the makers mark was clear. That's a wonderful George Butler! Looks like it didn't see much use, "they dun it wrong way round" on an unmarked pruner that came along with my Lambsfoot, the guy also had a Lockwood bros with a spear and rase combo, it was heavily sharpened so I left it with him.
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An interesting version of a rase knife. A 2 in 1 blade. Thin and sharp all the way to the tang.
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Fascinating knives Rob, I surmise that these were probably gaffer's knives, as most rase knives I've seen are very unpocketable, and rather plain I have a good book, which discusses the introduction of barrel shipping, and the impact it had. One side-effect was that the carpenter's with their rase knives suddenly became more poweful.figures on ships and in dockyards, because only they had the ability to enter the barrels, to take what was previously known as 'sweepings'

 

[rockman0]

Fascinating knives Rob, I surmise that these were probably gaffer's knives, as most rase knives I've seen are very unpocketable, and rather plain I have a good book, which discusses the introduction of barrel shipping, and the impact it had. One side-effect was that the carpenter's with their rase knives suddenly became more poweful.figures on ships and in dockyards, because only they had the ability to enter the barrels, to take what was previously known as 'sweepings'

Very interesting, Jack. I'm sure that book is a good read

 

[Jack Black]

Very interesting, Jack. I'm sure that book is a good read

It's called The London Hanged by Peter Linebaugh Rob, lots of fascinating history in it. Let me know if you can't find a copy

 

[rockman0]

George Butler and Co. Lambsfoot

 

[Jack Black]

An

George Butler and Co. Lambsfoot
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Other old beauty, from a great firm Rob

 

[rockman0]

Thanks, Jack

An

Other old beauty, from a great firm Rob