Joseph Rodgers

Joseph Rodgers is one of the oldest names in the cutlery industry as noted by the distinctive Tang Stamp. The Star and Maltese Cross was originally registered in March 1682 by a Benjamin Rich, and became associated with Joseph Rodgers in 1764. By 1780, the firm was producing a substantial volume of traditional pocket knives and expanded to the larger premises at No. 6 Norfolk Street. Eventually they acquired the surrounding property until the famous Norfolk Street Works occupied the entire plot. Around 1800, Rodgers’ product line broadened into razors, table cutlery and scissors. In 1821 the firm was appointed as “Cutlers to The Royal Family” for the first time; a distinction that would regularly be used in advertising and company insignia.

Rodgers focused on producing the finest quality knives and looked for the best in every aspect of knife production from materials to workmanship. Each knife was, and still is, branded with the Star and Cross as a guarantee of its superb quality. Joseph Rodgers’ success is evident in the firm’s appointment to five successive sovereigns – George IV, William IV, Queen Victoria, Edward II and George V.  In 1971 the firm was brought together with its once fierce competitor, George Wostenholm. The Egginton Group bought the rights to the name and trademarks in 1986, which meant that fine Joseph Rodgers knives would continue to be produced in Sheffield; the home of the world’s finest cutlery.

Olde Towne Cutlery has brought back to the states the traditional pocket knives made by these two incredible brands. You can now own a piece of history with your own Wostenholm I*XL Barlow or Joseph Rodgers Swayback.  The quality is the same as it has always been; simply superb!

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