H.M. Slater Ltd Folding Pocket Knife and Leather Sheath. ED 2641 Other Blades

The Slater cutlery business was founded in 1858 by Warrington Slater (1838-1907), who owned it with his brother, Walter Slater (1840-1917). They were the sons of John Marriott Slater and Ann Warrington. John (d. 1871) was spring knife cutler in Garden Street and then Pea Croft. Warrington was described in the Census (1871) as a spring knife cutler and local preacher (he was a Baptist). The firm was first listed as W. & W. Slater in Eyre Street (at the factory of George Butler), but was soon known as Slater Bros. The company manufactured pen and pocket knives, table cutlery, Bowies and dirks, many of which were shipped to South American markets. The firm is known to have made pocket knives for Frederic Barnes & Co for shipment to South America. In 1876, the firm moved to 94 Scotland Street. A full-page advertisement in a Sheffield directory (1884) announced: ‘Every Knife Made by Good Workmen … the Very Best Cast Steel Exclusively Used’. The number of patterns was precise: 5,914. Unwin & Rodgers’ knives and pistol-knives are pictured, perhaps because Slater had bought its old stock. Slater’s marks included VENTURE’ and ‘BEEHIVE’. He acquired the latter in 1876 (it had been used by John Hinchliffe and also apparently by Cockhill). The locking blade length is 7 ¾ cm long (16 ½ cm overall). The immaculate hardwood grips are held with four brass pins beneath brass pommels which are held with six brass pins. The blade is un sharpened and carries the ‘Venture’ brand name above ‘H.M. Slater’ and Stainless Steel. The thick leather sheath has a nice patina with all stitching in place and leather tab fastening. A very nice piece by a respected maker. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2641.