Cutlery

(küt'lur-e) [From Fr. couteau, a knife.] (Manf.) A term comprising all cutting instruments made of steel, but more particularly confined to the manufacture of knives, sci ors, razors, surgical instruments, and swords. Those articles which require the edge to po e great tenacity, at the same time that superior hardne is not required, are made from shear steel. The finer kinds of C. are made from steel which has been in a state of fusion, and which is termed custsteel, no other being susceptible of a fine polish and very keen edge. Razors are made of cast-steel, the edgo of the razor requiring the combined advantages of great hardne and tenacity. After the razor-blade is formed, it is hardened by gradually raising it to a bright-red heat, and plunging it into cold water. It is tempered by heating it afterwards till a brightened part appears of a straw color. But the beauty and elegance of polished steel is displayed to great advantage in the manufacture of the finer kinds of sci ors. Damascus was anciently famed for its razors, sabres, and swords-the latter especially, which po e ed all the advantages of flexibility, elasticity, and bard ne , while they presented a beautiful wavy appearance called the water. It is not known how this effect is produced; but it is well imitated in Europe by scooping hollows in the blade and filling them up; also by welding together a bundle of steel bars, cutting and re welding them, . In modern times, the English C. has been long celebrated for excellence and cheapne . The manufacture of table C. in the U. States, though introduced only in 1834 by Mr. John Ru ell, of Greenfield, Ma ., has already a umed such an importance as to command a large export. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, C. was imported into this country to the value of$1,956,351, while the exportation amounted. to $114,142. [s. 255]