Craftsman Michael Shaw founded a machine shop business in 1765, he manufactured clog clasps and dog collars. After 1833 it was run by Brian Bates, who was related to the Shaw family by marriage. John Watts became a partner in the company in the 1850s, however, Bates dissolved the partnership in 1862 and moved to Buxton later becoming a successful hotelier. This left the company in John Watts’ capable hands, and during the next twenty years he expanded the company from its home in Lambert Street. His son, also called John Watts, developed the manufacturing range and in addition to making clasps, graining combs and ice skates, they added pocket knives and razors. They were also metal stampers and piercers. All this information was proudly displayed on the front of their workshops in ornamental plasterwork (images 8,9&10). I own two identical versions of this folding system of knife pictured, this one is the ‘Easifold Pocket Knife’ manufactured by John Watts Ltd of Sheffield. The second is the version in the patent drawing designed (image No.4) & manufactured by V Slater in the U.S. in mid 1890’s that appears to be exactly the same. This John Watts version looks to date somewhere around the 50’s-60’s from the box but the waxed paper wrapping looks older stock. Sharp enough to shave the hair off the back of your arm right out the box! #johnwatts #johnwattsltd #easifold #easifoldknife #knivesofig #knivesofinstagram #pocketknife #vintagepocketknife #foldingknife #vintagefoldingknife #knife #vintageknife #design #technology #formfollowsfunction (at Sheffield) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHyLALJDtHd/?igshid=12w3u0z47uuds
