The Tradition of the "little Mesters"

Sheffield has a proud tradition of producing the highest quality cutlery in the world. Across the world the Sheffield stamp is a sign of quality and the highest possible standard of craftsmanship. This success and reputation has been built around a home grown industry of ‘Little Mesters’.

The ‘Little Mesters’ are a group of self employed craftsmen who produce the highest quality knifes and cutlery. They have been a part of Sheffield’s community for over one hundred years and have survived as the local and global economy has changed. Still they work independently and have made their living in an increasingly competitive world. Over time the ‘Little Mesters’ have proved that cutlery is one of Sheffield’s most interesting and durable trades.

What is cutlery? Conventional wisdom views it as the knives and forks we use on our dinner table but in actual fact the definition is rather more specific. Folding and fixed blade knives are ‘cutlery’ whilst our dinner service is know as flatware. In the past Sheffield had a huge industry built around both cutlery and flatware.

Sheffield cutlers have been hard at work since the seventeen century. Cutlers marks are stamped on knife blades as an indication of the maker’s pride in their product. These stamps are also an indication of quality and reliability. Within the cutlery world the stamp of a Sheffield cutler is held in the highest possible regard. It is truly a stamp of quality, reliability and true grit.

Going forward Sheffield’s cutlers are taking advantage of new technology to sell their product. Cutlery is increasingly sold over the internet or through distributors across the globe. Those seeking the best quality in nations such as the USA, Australia and South Africa are willing to pay a premium price for Sheffield cutlery.

Due to the determination and craftsmanship of Sheffield’s ‘Little Mesters’ the cutlery industry remains a flourishing part of Sheffield’s vibrant economy.

You can see more of Martin Pick’s work by visiting his web site www.martin-pick.co.uk. And can find out more about the Little Mesters at the Kelham Island museum in Sheffield. Around the museum you can visit the workshops of the Little Mesters and witness for yourself the dedication and commitment that goes into the production of the worlds leading cutlery. We hope to see you there.

Credits
Sam Pick (writer)
Martin Pick (photographer)