Steve beat me to it. New York produced some of the finest knives ever, but Connecticut was the "cradle", beginning in the late 1700's. Levine lists some 32 knife makers in that small state. New England was blessed with abundant water for driving mills in all industry and a local source of hematite ore for iron production. Watertown, Naugatuck, New Britain, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Bridgeport, Winsted, Torrington, and more, all within a 50 mile radius. When those British cutlers emigrated from England they probably slipped right into the local industry and culture like an old pair of shoes. Sadly, it's all in the past now.
What a great hobby we all share here!
J.O'.
I keep seeing knife brands from NY. So was NY the Solingen or Sheffield from the U.S.? Was there a main centralized city or was it spread out over the whole state? And were there steel makers in NY or did the steel come from PA? 
Just curious about that. Thanks for the Info! 
In terms of sheer volume, variety and longevity, Walden, NY was the standout in the U.S.
I'm going to write down the names of all these places in my "knifer's notes", they will be good search words to use on the bay. Stoked about all the good replies. 
