The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-07
THE STORY OF A KNIFE.

From the Baltimore Manufacturer Record
Before us are an old pocket knife and q
neat business circular. The first was
bought in the summer Of 1881 in a little
shanty-like shop next to the Broad street
bridge in Atlanta, Ga. 1t did excellent
service for years until its owner broke it
while carelessly using it fora purpose for
which it was not intended. It's handle is
OF buckhorn; its blade was Of the finest
tempered steel. Constant use never
harmed it. Every rivet is intact; the
spring joint OF the blade has the same elias
ITCHY as at first. The knife was made in
honor OF an honest man. 1t came out OF
his stock. Every other knife there was
warranted by the maker That man
knew his trade well. Thatknowledge and
perfect integrity were his capital His
shop was too small 10 attract notice. AT
the start he was only cutter and grinder.
He despised not the day OF small things,
but was ready to do any work in his
line. He would grind knives, hone
and concave razors; anything, in fact to
earn an honest penny. School boys stood
in his dooi TO see the sparks fly from his
emery wheels. They looked longingly at the
tempting though small display OF shining
bladed jack-kniyes. The grimy hands and
oil-smeared aprons OF the cutter and his
few assistants in that shanty fascinated
them because OF the beautiful results that
were shown in the one showcase on the
plain counter. Some OF those boys got
ideas OF the dignity OF work that they will
never forget. They learned lessons OF
honesty, frugality and diligence. They
saw that from these were obtained excel
lent results. There were adults who also
appreciated the object lessons daily taught
in that little shop. II IL not improbable
that somo Of the fervid editorials on the
value and importance Of small industries
which have appeared in the Atlanta Consfi-
tuition were inspired by the daily views
their writer had OF that dingy interior.
In seven years the owner OF that little
shop has become an extensive mnnufac-
turer. His cutlery is sold ip the best
hardware storesof the country. His name
on the blade is u guarantee OF excellence.
His knives have a reputation equal 10 any
and surpassed by none. II is his circular
that lies before us. lie sells by the gross
or dozen now. and commands his own
prices. Ills variety tNlcuus Ifuul luo
dainliest pearl-handled knife a lady can
procure 10 the heaviest blades used by
huntsmen and backwoodsmen. But he is
not ashamed OF the humber sources OF
earning OF his former little shanty. In his
large factory is a department for sharpen.
ing and concaving razors. BARRIERS and
men who shave themselves are his regular
customers. They send their tools TO him
from all parts Of the South when they need
attention. His circular, sent out to the
trade, calls attention to this feature
Of his business. What II amounts 10
in year we have no means OF know
ing but OF this we are sure, that where
a man from small beginnings builds up a
large and prosperous industry by honesty.
skill and frugaliiy, his future is sure to DO
continually prosperous II he adheres TO all
those various humber lines OF work that
helped him to rise from the shanty 10 the
large. completely equipped factory. We
have told this simple but true story for
those Of our many young friends who
wish 10 climb TO the top OF the business
ladder without going step by step over the
intermediate rounds. The South has as
many bright. aspiring boys In proportion
10 its population as any other part Of the
country. Many OF them have a natural
aptitude for mechanism, aud hope some
day TO be great manufacturers. To them
and TO all our youth We commend this
story OF q knife