The original of this knife, whose blade carries another version of the “Spanish notch”, was made in about 1836 by the W. & S. Butcher company, whose growth was based almost entirely on sales of its products into the American market. The blade style is indicative of the early production date of this Bowie and the hilt style became known as a “dogbone” grip for obvious reasons.

The first documentary evidence of cutlery being produced in Sheffield dates back to the year 1297. In 1624 a craft guild, the Company of Cutlers, was formed to govern the industry in the Sheffield area. Due to the then isolated nature of Sheffield, many doubted its ability to produce substantial quantities of cutlery but, relying on the abundance of natural resources in the area, Sheffield flourished and became a world-renowned cutlery centre . The cutlers of the city were quick to take advantage of the demand for Bowie knives in the American market and huge quantities made the trip across the Atlantic. Today, Sheffield Bowies are avidly collected worldwide.