George Wostenholm is one of the most influential and important manufacturers of cutlery in the world.  The firm began in 1785 in Sheffield, England, and soon registered its popular I*XL trademark. In the 1830’s, Wostenholm began selling knives to the United States.

Post 1890 G. Wostenhold I*XL pocket knives

None of these knives were more popular than the famous bowie knives that were sold to men on the American frontier.  During a time in the 1850’s, Geo Wostenholm expanded its operation and employed more than 800 skilled laborers to manufacture pocket knives and other cutlery.

This stamp was used after 1890 – note the addition of “England” at the bottom

A variety of blade and tang stamps were used on George Wostenholm IXL knives, including:  Rockingham Works (c. 1810-1848), Washington Works (c.1848-1870’s), Wostenholm Celebrated Cutlery (1860’s-1890) and the word England was post 1890.  Check out the vintage Case XX page and the Remington page as well.

Check out these vintage Wostenholm Knives that are currently available on eBay I appreciate any traffic from these links as I earn a commission when an item is purchased, at no extra cost to you.