Lamson&Goodnow

Origins and Early History Lamson & Goodnow was established in 1837 in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, and holds the title of the oldest cutlery manufacturer in the United States. The company traces its roots back to Silas Lamson, who invented the curved scythe snath, and his sons Ebenezer and Nathaniel, who partnered with Abel Goodnow to expand into knife manufacturing. The business experienced steady growth during its early years, eventually building an extensive factory complex utilizing a dam on the Deerfield River to generate water power. The company built a strong national reputation for quality professional and agricultural cutlery, highlighted in 1869 when its workers crafted a custom 62-piece dinner set as a gift for President Ulysses S. Grant.

Operations Around 1929 By 1929, Lamson & Goodnow was operating as a massive, well-established industrial enterprise. To maintain its production scale, the company utilized hundreds of tons of steel and coal annually, along with raw materials like ivory, rosewood, rubber, and bone, to produce over 500 different styles of cutlery. Their extensive product line during this era included fine table cutlery, butcher knives, bread knives, hunting knives, and specialized utility tools.

Historical commercial records and ephemera from 1929 demonstrate the company's active nationwide reach. During that year, they were manufacturing and shipping specialized items—such as fruit knives and putty knives—to commercial clients ranging from Boston, Massachusetts, to Waco, Texas. Their accounting and purchasing departments were heavily engaged in corporate correspondence with various supply chain partners, including steel suppliers and dyestuff corporations.

Later Years Lamson & Goodnow maintained operations at their historic complex for over 175 years, manufacturing scythes and cutlery until closing the original factory buildings in 2006. Today, the brand continues to produce kitchen tools and professional-quality cutlery.