In the directory of 1811, this cutler was listed as the operator of a table knife manufactory at Howard Street.  As an individual, he is difficult to tie down, because other cutlers were active with the same name.  In 1818, he was listed again as a table knife manufacturer at Howard Street.  But three years later, a notice was posted of an auction at the Angel Inn, relating to:  

All those well-built and extensive WAREHOUSES and WORKSHOPS, with the Yard, Conveniences, and Appurtenances thereto attached and belonging, most advantageously situated adjoining at the Bottom of Howard-street and Pond-street, in Sheffield, as the same were lately occupied by Mr Joseph Holmes.  The Premises are Freehold, and comprehend, including a part of a back Street adjoining, a Site of 420 superficial square yards, or thereabouts.  They are particularly well adapted to the carrying on of any of the Sheffield Trades, and of part, might be formed, at a moderate expense, a most excellent Dwelling-House (Sheffield Independent, 6 October 1821).

On 19 April 1823, the same newspaper published details of Joseph Holmes, late of Sheffield, table knife maker.  As an insolvent debtor, he had been discharged from the debtor’s gaol.  Joseph Holmes, table knife manufacturer, appeared again in a directory in 1833, though it is difficult to say whether it was the same man.