Brand History
f TaHumble Beginnings (1820-1854)
John Taylor opened his first workshop in Sheffield in 1820, crafting knives by hand. His attention to detail caught the eye of local cooks and traders. In 1838, he created the “Eye Witness” trademark, featuring an all-seeing eye stamped on each blade. This mark helped customers identify genuine Taylor products in an era when counterfeits were common.
Family Leadership and Growth (1854-1900)
When John Taylor died in 1854, his widow Sarah and business partner Thomas Brown Needham took charge. “Sarah insisted on maintaining the same high standards her husband had set,” recalls company historian Margaret Wells. Under their guidance, the workshop grew into Needham, Veall & Tyzack by 1879.
The company created more than 2,000 different knife designs, each tested by local chefs before release. Their most popular product? The Original Sheffield Kitchen Knife, which sold 50,000 units in its first year.
Adapting to New Technology (1900-1975)
The discovery of Martensitic Stainless Steel changed everything. “We had to completely retrain our craftsmen,” wrote James Needham in his 1925 company memo. “Some refused to work with the new material, but those who embraced it helped us stay ahead.”
Competition from German and Japanese manufacturers pushed the company to improve. They learned from their early mistake of resisting machine production, eventually combining traditional hand-finishing with modern manufacturing methods.
Modern Evolution (1975-Present)
Harrison Fisher & Co. bought the company in 1975, renaming it Taylor’s Eye Witness Ltd. They brought in designer Robert Welch, whose Professional Kitchen Collection remains their bestseller, with over 100,000 units sold annually.
In 2018, you could find the company in a new location outside Sheffield. “Moving from our historic building was tough,” says Production Manager Tom Harris, “but our new facility lets us make 300% more knives while using 40% less energy.”
Today’s
Your Taylor’s Eye Witness knife combines 200 years of experience with modern precision. Each blade goes through 24 quality checks before leaving the factory. The company now produces:
- Professional chef knives (tested by 50 UK restaurants)
- Home cooking collections
- Specialty cutting tools
- Kitchen accessories
Categories
Choose your perfect tools from our 8-inch chef’s knives with VG-10 steel blades for clean cuts, multi-use kitchen tools designed for daily food prep, and heavy-duty scissors that separate for easy cleaning. Make your cooking experience better with products tested by professional chefs across 50 restaurants.
Kitchen Knives
Precision-forged for exceptional sharpness and durability, our collection offers the ideal tool for every chef
Kitchen tools
From prep to plating, find everything you need to enhance your kitchen prowess.
Scissors and shears
Cut with confidence using our top-of-the-line scissors and shears. Designed for precision and ease, tackle any task with our durable cutting solutions.
Pocket Knives
Combining sleek design with functionality, they’re the essential companion for all your adventures.
Gift, Tabletop & Barware
Celebrate the moments that matter with our exquisite gift, tabletop, and barware collection. Add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Sharpening & Storage
Keep your blades at their best with our sharpening and storage solutions. Designed for safety and efficiency, our products ensure your knives are ready whenever you are.
Popular Reviews
Discover why customers rave about their culinary experiences with our products. From the unparalleled sharpness of the Forte Santoku Knife to the innovative design of our latest cookware, read firsthand accounts of how our kitchen essentials are transforming everyday cooking into an art form
Rating: 5/5
Forte Sanoku
Effortless precision, unparalleled sharpness, and ergonomic design make the Forte Santoku Knife a kitchen essential. Its exceptional craftsmanship and durability simplify every chopping task, transforming cooking into a delight. A true masterpiece for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. Absolutely recommended!
Rating: 5/5
Garlic Press
Designed from a solid piece of material, it eschews the typical issues of fragility and wear that plague many budget-friendly models. Its ergonomic build guarantees ease of use, allowing for quick garlic crushing without strain, and it handles even unpeeled cloves with ease. Cleaning it is a breeze. After meticulously comparing it against other presses on the market and noting each one’s drawbacks, this model emerged as the clear winner for me. I’m thoroughly impressed with my acquisition and feel confident in suggesting this kitchen tool to others.
