British, 1980, Original Graham Clayton Kelham Island Large Bowie Knife & Leather Sheath & Sharpening Stone, Sheffield

*British, 1980, Original Graham Clayton Kelham Island Large Bowie Knife & Leather Sheath & Sharpening Stone, Sheffield*

Approximate Measurements: 25.2cm blade, 38.4cm overall

Marked on the ricasso: Made in Sheffield, England
Marked on the obverse: Graham Clayton Kelham Island

Extremely rare, custom made, hand crafted, very decorative Bowie Knife by Graham Clayton. This was made in 1980, and has a rare Clayton stamp on the obverse ricasso. An investment piece. Polished wooden grip scales with red staining and 4 brass studs to each side. Ornate filework to the tang and the detail extends along the spine. Clip point bowie knife with leather scabbard complete with sharpening stone.

By the 1980s, Graham Clayton (1944-2020) was one of the last makers of Sheffield spring-knives and Bowies. He entered the trade in 1959, aged 15, as an apprentice spring-knife cutler at George Wostenholm. Over time, he worked with renowned Bowie knife maker Fred James, refining his skills with ivory, pearl, and horn. Seeking better wages, he moved to Ibberson’s and later returned to Wostenholm’s, where he produced lock-knives and Bowies for export. As Sheffield’s cutlery industry declined through mergers and takeovers, Clayton saw the shift coming and joined Slater Bros before establishing his own business in 1974. His Bowie and folding knives, often marked with the trade names “DIGBY’S” and “COUTEL,” gained popularity in the American collectors’ market. During the latter stages of his career his workshop was at Kelham Island Industrial Museum, where he worked alongside one of the last grinders, Rowland Swinden. He retired in the 1990s.

*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Small tear to leather scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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