All About Pocket Knives

If anyone can tell me more about this knife, how old, who made it etc it would be very much appreciated.

Goins' dates it 1787-1913; Furness Barlow Knives; made in Sheffield.
The 1760 was the touch-mark assigned to Luke Furness and also used by Matthew Furness.
All the makers were listed at Liberty Hill.

Hope this helps.



BTW, nice old Barlow!!

I think the name on the tang is Charles Furness... would that narrow the date some or not really?

Per Goins:
The first name mentioned in the Sheffield City Directory was Luke Furnace in 1787.
Edward Furnace & Sons is listed in 1879 as Spring Knife Manufacturers.
It is listed simply as Edward Furnace in 1899 & 1902.

Matthew Furnace is listed as a Spring Knife Manufacturer in 1879, 1889 & 1902.
Mrs. Martha Furnace is listed as a Spring Knife Manufacturer in 1909.

Goins does not mention a Charles Furnace.

Looking at the gap in the dates of the Sheffield City Directory listings, I would think Charles was most likely between Luke and Edward.
The number 1760 was the touch-mark assigned to Luke Furness and also used by Matthew Furness, so it would stand to reason that someone using that touch-mark would be between those times.
This is by no means definitive and I am NOT an expert on Sheffield knives.
This is just my best guess based on the information, and lack thereof, written in John Goins' book; "Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings."

accujohn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2016 3:42 am If anyone can tell me more about this knife, how old, who made it etc it would be very much appreciated.

Sorry to resurrect this very old Thread, but I'm very interested in Luke Furnace. I live in a 16C house in Stannington, Sheffield, and in that house in 1966 an old document was found (I have a copy) referencing Luke Furnace. We have grinding wheels in the Garden, and a Crook barn next door. Many of the residents of my hours were knife makers and farmers - I'm keen to learn more about the Luke and looking to track down and buy a knife made by him, as it was probably made in my Garden. Cheers

simonm wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:36 pm
Sorry to resurrect this very old Thread, but I'm very interested in Luke Furnace. I live in a 16C house in Stannington, Sheffield, and in that house in 1966 an old document was found (I have a copy) referencing Luke Furnace. We have grinding wheels in the Garden, and a Crook barn next door. Many of the residents of my hours were knife makers and farmers - I'm keen to learn more about the Luke and looking to track down and buy a knife made by him, as it was probably made in my Garden. Cheers

Very cool knife history, and to AAPK! I have a few Ed and Enos Furness Barlows. Similar design, cool old survivors.

The OP knife tang is marked "Martha Furness". There was also Edward and Enos,(Enoch.) that are marked on the bolster. There was a George, John, Robert, and Robert Jr. but I haven't seen their marks on any knives. Info says they were from Stanington. J.O'.

Welcome to AAPK simonm. Several books have been written about the Sheffield cutlery industry and cutlers, so a trip to the library might help. Additional examples (and possibly more information) about Furness knives can be found here on AAPK by using the keyword search function https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... mit=Search

The internet and online booksellers like abebooks.com and alibris.com might have some books also. Sorry I don’t know anything to share myself but if you would share here what you learn, it will be appreciated!

Ken

simonm wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:36 pm

accujohn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2016 3:42 am If anyone can tell me more about this knife, how old, who made it etc it would be very much appreciated.

Sorry to resurrect this very old Thread, but I'm very interested in Luke Furnace. I live in a 16C house in Stannington, Sheffield, and in that house in 1966 an old document was found (I have a copy) referencing Luke Furnace. We have grinding wheels in the Garden, and a Crook barn next door. Many of the residents of my hours were knife makers and farmers - I'm keen to learn more about the Luke and looking to track down and buy a knife made by him, as it was probably made in my Garden. Cheers

Interesting info, Simon. I checked my copy of "Tweedales Directory of Sheffield Cutlery" and hurriedly took a couple of pics which contain a small bit of relevant info. There is one brief mention of Luke, hope you can read it. Good luck in your search.

Owner of the OP knife says the tang is stamped Charles Furness. That's what it looks like to me. If the same Charles as in the information provided by Waukonda he lived 1854-1895and is listed in Liberty Hill 1883. 1883 might be a good date for the OP knife.

accujohn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2016 3:36 pm I think the name on the tang is Charles Furness... would that narrow the date some or not really?

Welcome to AAPK simonm and please keep us posted on your efforts.

On closer inspection it does look like Charles. Odd the bolster is M.F. & S. ? Re-blade? Here are an Enos and Martha(?). J.O'.