Joseph Allen & Sons

Origins

Joseph Allen & Sons, a respected Sheffield cutlery manufacturer, was founded by Joseph Allen (c. 1829–1893), the son of a sickle maker from Dronfield. By 1851, Allen had trained as a razor smith and relocated to Sheffield, initially working as a servant before establishing his cutlery business around 1864. Operating from New Edward Street (1861) and later Rockingham Street (1871), the firm, officially named Joseph Allen & Sons by 1883, focused on producing high-quality straight razors, pocketknives, and Bowie knives.

Growth and Reputation

By 1881, Joseph Allen employed up to sixty workers, with operations centered at Oak Works and later Ecclesall Works, 245 Rockingham Street. The firm became a significant exporter to the United States, where their razors and knives were sold through Sears, Roebuck’s mail-order catalogue until World War I. Their razors, often medium or quarter hollow ground with sizes like 5/8” or 6/8”, were prized for their sharpness and durability, featuring handles of horn, bone, or stag. The company also produced plain-styled Bowie knives, often mistaken as “Civil War” era, though most were made post-1890 due to “England” stampings. Joseph Allen & Sons gained a reputation for fine craftsmanship, competing with larger Sheffield firms like Joseph Rodgers and Wade & Butcher.

Trademark Stamp

The firm’s most distinctive trademark was “NON-XLL,” acquired from Unwin & Rodgers in 1883, stamped on razors, pocketknives, and Bowie knives. This mark, possibly a playful nod to George Wostenholm’s “I*XL,” signified quality and was often paired with “Sheffield” or “Sheffield, England” (post-1890, per the McKinley Tariff Act). Additional trademarks included “3415” (acquired in 1810), a pair of crossed fish, a sword, and a man on horseback. Some razors bore engravings like “Our Best Made” or “Medium Hollow Ground,” enhancing their collectible appeal.

Challenges and Decline

The rise of safety razors after 1904, popularized by Gillette, significantly reduced demand for straight razors. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 increased export challenges, and economic pressures in the early 20th century strained the firm. After Joseph Allen’s death in 1893, his sons, Joseph Allen Jr. (1860–1917) and James Edward Allen (b. 1866), managed the business, expanding into broader cutlery but struggling to adapt to mass production. The company faced liquidation in 1933, marking the end of its operations.

Legacy and End

Joseph Allen & Sons was liquidated in 1933, with no evidence of acquisition or continuation under another entity. Their razors, particularly those stamped “NON-XLL,” remain highly sought after by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical value. Vintage razors, often restored for shaving, are prized for their smooth performance, with models like the “Dreadnought” or those with barber’s notches valued for their forgiving design. The firm’s legacy endures in the collectible market, representing Sheffield’s storied cutlery tradition.