Cutlery

The word 'cutlery' and 'cutler' means knife and the cutlery industry was originally only concerned with knives.

Between the period 1340 and 1575 the making of knives was dominated by the London cutlery makers. By the end of that period however, Sheffield had gained in ascendancy through its natural resources of high quality sandstone for grinding the cutlery and secondly, the availability of water power through its five fast flowing rivers.

Until the second half of the 18th century the quality of the steel was relatively poor with great impurities and poor appearance. At that time steel technology improved, driven by the cutlery industry, to produce a crucible or cast steel. This new steel became the quality standard for the next two hundred years.

By the mid 19th century many of the smaller cutlers has come together to build large factories, complete with lavish showrooms to aid their exporting to the worldwide markets.

In 1913 another big step forward was made by the creation of stainless steel.
Although initially lampooned as the knife that won't cut, improvements to the knife making process over the years has made stainless steel the metal to be used when making everyday cutlery.

However, silver cutlery has a unique weight and feel of quality about it and is the preferred choice of cutlery when hosting a dinner party or special occasion.