All About Pocket Knives

Good morning everyone I recently acquired this G Butler & Co pen knife. The blades are stainless steel so I think it was made 1930s perhaps. Hopefully, the photos show the fine craftsmanship on this one. s-k

Sk,

I have to say that is one beautiful knife. I love the extra work on the blades and the pearl is gorgeous. Any history on the maker? You have quite a nice prize there.

Not to steal your thunder, but has anyone notice my new avatar yet?

Pic of the old Union Razor Co. box

Thanks very much for positive feedback PA. I have to take care of some business this afternoon I will try to post a little history on G Butler & Co this evening if I can.

I noticed your avatar yesterday. I like it.

s-k

Veery nice I like the file work and the bar shield. Thanks for the pic. I'm looking forward to hearing the history of the company.

James

PA notice your new avatar but I like smiling-knife knife better.

Yup pers real nice knife. No need to power wash this one.

Thank-you for your interest everyone. The following is a brief summary of the entry from Tweedale's Sheffield Knife Book: A History and Collectors Guide.

The name of Butler features in the Sheffield cutlery industry as early as the 1600s. It seems that the name of George Butler & Co derives from the very early 1800s where George and his brother James ran the company. They were the largest employer in the industry between the years of 1810 & 1814. It remained one of the major players throughout the 1800s. The factory was named Trinity works and was one of the largest with around 400 employees in 1890. The Key trade mark was acquired very early on (don't know when) and also the mark Art in a circle was added in the early 1860s. The company was reknowned for a wide range of quality cutlery and especially their 'Keen' razor. Alas, like the majority of the Sheffield industry, they suffered a major decline in the period following WWI and were eventually liquidate in the early 1950. The name and marks were used by a number of subsequent owners and, as of the 1990s, still appeared as a brand of table knives.

s-k, that is one beautiful little pearl pen knife. thanks for the history.

Thank-you very much Johnnie. I bought some old Sheffield pen knives recently and will show more in the next few weeks. That seems to be my primary focus.... for now. I appreciate the feedback from everyone. s-k

Also recently acquired this knife earlier in the week. It has a nice smooth bone handle. It was made by Thomas Ellin & Co. The company was named after the founder who lived from 1771-1845. In the early 1840s the factory was known as the Sylvester works. Apparently, this was one of the first factories to utilise steam power and circular saws for the cutting of handle material e.g., ivory and bone. The trade mark Vulcan has its origin ancient mythology. A Vulcan, part blacksmith and part alchemist, works fire or the forge to make things of use from the raw materials of nature.

Your collection is killing me SK, you just keep outdoing yourself...Where are you picking these beauties up at???

Keep them coming,

Sunburst

That is a beautiful knife!! I LOVE the file work on it. CONGRATS!

Thanks very much for the compliments TKC and Sunburst. s-k