Heritage Knives

At Samuel Staniforth, we take great pride in our heritage of fine cutlery craftsmanship. At the heart of a city renowned for its cutlery industry, Samuel Staniforth has garnered a reputation for producing exceptional Sheffield steel knives that stand the test of time. Whether it's for butchers, caterers, professional or home chefs, we continue to build upon Sheffield’s rich history, combining the finest materials with time-honoured techniques. 

Our Sheffield steel knives combine traditional materials sourced in Sheffield, the home of British knife making, with the most modern new technology production methods. The result? A knife that is equally at home in a modern or traditional kitchen. Choose from our selection of heritage cooks’ knives or if you’re looking to get fully decked out, take a look at our exquisite 4-piece heritage set. 

Take a look at our exceptional Sheffield steel knives below to find the right one for you! 

True Sheffield Steel Knives 

All of our heritage knives carry the MADE IN SHEFFIELD mark, which guarantees superior craftsmanship and quality. In fact, our full tang heritage knife is made from SF 100 Sheffield stainless steel, hardened to 61 HRC (Rockwell) which creates a knife with ultimate durability, ease of sharpening and edge retention. 

The Sheffield steel knives use polished, sustainably sourced curly birch handles and brass rivets. This unique pattern in the material is enhanced through a process of vacuum sealing with cacti juice that darkens and stabilises the wood. To finish the overall aesthetic, the knives’ handles are made using Sheffield cast brass bolsters, making them both attractive and durable. 

Why Choose Our Heritage Sheffield Steel Knives 

Full Tang For Strength & Durability - In our opinion, the mark of a high-quality knife is when the metal runs through the entirety of the knife from the point of the tip to the butt of the handle. This full tang design creates a knife that is well-balanced for comfort even after prolonged use. Its symmetry means it is suitable for both right and left-handed users. 

Multi-Purpose Knives - These multi-purpose heritage cooking knives are ideal for carving poultry, lamb, beef or pork into thin slices. The non-serrated plain edge and long length is perfect for slicing through roasts with minimum effort. 

Complete Set - If you’re looking for a housewarming gift or wedding present, our 4-piece heritage set is the perfect option. The set includes a bread knife and three different-sized cooks’ knives, ranging from 4 to 9 inches. 

Beautiful Design - The traditional antique brass rivets offset by the modern silver-coloured sheen of the blade, mix the old with the new, creating a knife that suits both contemporary and traditional kitchens.

Heritage Steel Knives FAQs 

What Is Sheffield's History With Knives? 

For over 7 centuries, Sheffield has been renowned for its steel, producing everything from cutlery to industrial knife blades. One of the earliest literary mentions of Sheffield’s steel production appeared in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales in the early 15th century. So, why is Sheffield so famous for its cutlery? 

Metalworking and cutlery production has always been a key industry in Sheffield due to its proximity to nearby raw materials such as iron ore, coal, charcoal and stone for grinding wheels. Sheffield also has access to several fast flowing rivers in the Peak District to help power machinery. 

By the 14th century, Sheffield was known for its production of knives. In fact, a Sheffield knife was actually found in the possession of Edward III at the Tower of London in 1340. 

Fun fact - The first reference to cutlery made in Sheffield was in 1297, when the Hearth Tax Records include Robertus le Coteler - Robert The Cutler. 

How To Recognise a Good Knife 

Before choosing a new knife, it is important to understand the hallmarks of quality. These include:

• Material -  SF100 Sheffield stainless steel, hardened to 61 HRC (Rockwell) guarantees absolute sharpness and satisfies the highest hygienic requirements. 

• Sharpness - Whilst every knife is expected to be sharp right from the start, only a good knife remains sharp. 

• Manufacturing - A forged knife consists of a single piece of steel. This can be identified by the angle, the thicker part between the blade and the handle. It is only this type of production that promises maximum stability and perfect balance. 

• Handle - Cutting is easier when a knife lies firmly in the hand. Ergonomically shaped handles made of high-quality plastic prevents dangerous slipping and hand fatigue. 

How To Take Care Of Your Heritage Knife

At Samuel Staniforth, our top tips for taking care of your heritage knife include: 

• Always keep your knife dry and clean 

• Hand wash your knife with warm, soapy water 

• Never put your knife in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in water

• Dry your knife completely using an absorbent towel before putting away

All stainless steel contains some level of carbon. If knives are not cleaned and dried properly, light hueing can occur. We recommend storing your knives on a magnetic wooden block, keeping them protected in a sheath or storing them in a knife roll or wrap. 

What Does The Made In Sheffield Trademark Signify? 

‘Made in Sheffield is one of the world’s great brands, made famous internationally as a mark of origin and quality on the city’s manufactured products.’ At Samuel Staniforth, we are very proud to offer knives that carry the made in Sheffield mark, a symbol that continues to represent the city’s ongoing commitment to both quality and excellence.