This maker’s name has been found on nineteenth-century Bowie knives.   However, the name appears earlier in Sheffield directories, with a John Hudson, cutler, working in Westbar in 1787.   In the early nineteenth century, listings for John Hudson began in 1828, with John Hudson making pen knives in Rutherford’s Yard, Broad Lane.   It is difficult to know for sure whether this was the future Bowie manufacturer.   John Hudson, a table knife cutler, was bankrupt in 1832.  However, John Hudson, pen knife manufacturer, was operating in Rockingham Lane in 1832, with a residence in Back Fields.   By 1837, he was listed at Furnival Street, with a house in Porter Street; and in 1841 as a pen, pocket and sportsman’s knife manufacturer, Court 18, Duke Street, with a house in Button Lane.      

In 1849, John Hudson partnered James Mappin, a manufacturer and engraver, in Burgess Street (where Hudson was living).  The firm made spring knives, but was short-lived.  Between about 1852 and 1856, John Hudson & Co was listed as a manufacturer of ‘fine’ spring knives in Button Lane (with John as a shopkeeper at the same address).   He was also, according to the Census, a proprietor of houses.  John Hudson Jun. was also making spring knives in Howard Street at about this time.  John Hudson, ‘spring knife manufacturer’, Button Lane, died on 5 March 1858, aged 54.  His enterprise appears to have ended.  He was buried in the General Cemetery, where other ‘John Hudsons’ included:  John Hudson (aged 29), ‘merchant and manufacturer’, Fitzwilliam Street, who died on 4 February 1855; and his son, John (25), ‘manufacturer’, Clifford Cottage, Sharrow, who died on 31 May 1874.   Finally, John Hudson (53), ‘spring knife cutler’, Jessop Street, died on 8 January 1899.