spotted knife

[LFS]

My Dad has given me a copy of Sheffield's 1787 Directory - it's fascinating to read - but includes a list of spotted knife makers.  Please - does anyone know what a spotted knife is?
Thanks
Linda

[dennford]

OR, was it the knifemaker that was spotted?
Not as silly as you may think, is the word spotted meaning something else - maybe listed or something?

                                         Denn

[LFS]

Dear Denn
No,  the Directory's called "A Directory of Sheffield;  Including the Manufacturers of the adjacent villages" and it has separate lists for all sorts of manufacturers - Scissors, fine; Scissors, common; shears - and common pociet or penknives, table knives, spotted knives, etc.  Perhaps it will remain a mystery - I'm going into Sheffield soon - if I can get to one of the industrial museums I imagine I should be able to find someone there to tell me (or it might remain a mystery).  Sorry for bothering Rootschatters with this one.  But, see, I know how brilliant you all are!
As you say it may just be the fact that these knives have the makers' marks on them (which they do).  I didn't think of that.
Thanks for your help
Linda

[SooCatt]

Hi Linda

Look here:

http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/MemoriestRELeaderChapter05.html

Not a comprehensive explanation but it gives you an idea of what they were I think.

Susan

[LFS]

Thanks very much Susan
A really fascinating book -  and as you say explains spotted knives very well - with mounts/handles made of imitation tortoiseshell.  Brilliant!  Thank you very much for your help.  I've bookmarked it so I can read it again.
Again, thanks
Linda

[Michael72.]

Apparently the 'Bowie Knife was made in Sheffield and it's handle was made of 'Spotted Burl'...a very hard wood..!!??.....


Michael72.

[LFS]

Thanks Michael for that - I'd no idea the Bowie knife was made in Sheffield.  These Sheffield people (or at least their goods get everywhere).   It's funny I wasn't really interested in this sort of thing, but the directory and the book SueCatt found for me seem to make industrial history come alive.
Best wishes
Linda

[tomkin]

Hi Lfs,
            Knives are still being made, by specialists, with spotted maple
handles. When you go to Sheffield go to the Abbeydale museum it's a
marvellous place. Talk to the "little mesters".
Enjoy your visit,
Tomkin

[tomkin]

Hi LFS,
            I think that the "little mesters" are now at Kelham Island Museum.
I have never been there but the web site is very interesting.
Good luck with your research,
Tomkin