Williams Smithfield Pipe Brand

[268bull]

I know this isn't about a specific knife, however, it is about a sharpening steel, which of course some use for keeping a good edge on a knife . I bought a Williams Smithfield " Pipe Brand " 15 3/4 inch steel yesterday at an estate sale. After getting it home and going over it and polishing the sterling band around it, I realized I have a steel as good as any F. Dick steel I have owned ( IMHO ). But the only find info I find comes out of Australia, and some from Great Britain. Now, either those great folks from down under ( I patrolled with them in 'Nam, they are great folks ) are on to something of which I know nothing about, but when translating the Aussie $ to the U.S. dollar, these steels, cleavers, butcher knives, etc. are worth a little bit of change. The ? I'm asking, and have taken the long road there, is there anyone on this site that is familiar with these steels? And if so, could you perhaps tell me a bit about what I have. Thank you for your time. Dale H. aka; Bull

[surfcomber158]

hi dale williams made mainly steels and cleavers in smithfield london which at the time was a meat processing area. the pipe logo is interesting as other manufacturers used it as well i dont know much about how that worked but have seen a few different makes. i have a steel and what i assume to be a fighter. i have attached a pic. best regards jeff

[surfcomber158]

ps amazingly good steel in both of those items you have something that you can pass on to the grand kids and still better than what they make today imo

[268bull]

Jeff, Thank you for the info and the pics. Your right about the quality. I've been touching up the edges on a few of my folder's, and have 3 good nicks on my left thumb ! But it restores a terrific edge . Thanks, Dale Just an after note. I Only paid $2.50 for it and bought it to re-sale. But after using it and really appreciating the great edge it restores, I'm keeping it. And I hope my left thumb also . Dale

[268bull]

Another after thought Jeff. Here are a couple of pics ( excuse my pics, it's 3:30 AM, best I'm able to conjure up )Dale