This business began in about 1851, with the partnership of Murray & Stork – a spring-knife enterprise that was based in Duke Lane.  The partners were Robert Murray, born in Scotland in about 1811; and Samuel Stork, a cutler born in Crookes, who in 1851 lived with his family in Charles Street.  According to Murray’s entry in the 1851 Census, the enterprise employed ten men.  A decade later Murray & Stork had a workforce of seven men, two boys, and four girls.   

This partnership was dissolved in 1861 and by 1868 Murray had retired.  His son, Lewis Murray, later established another family cutlery business.  Meanwhile, Samuel Stork & Sons was launched to continue the manufacture of pen and pocket knives in Duke Street, Moor.  Samuel’s sons were Samuel Jun., William, and Frederick; and he also had stepsons, William Bell Mason and John Fisher Mason.  The business expanded: in 1871, Samuel Sen., living in Cemetery Road, told the Census enumerators that Samuel Stork & Sons employed 36 men, four women, and ten boys.  

In 1879, Samuel Sen. and Frederick withdrew from the partnership.  Frederick left to run the Bull’s Head pub in Matilda Street.  Samuel Stork Sen. moved to 12 Matilda Street with the family of his stepson, William B. Mason, a fruiterer and greengrocer.  Samuel Stork Sen. died on 14 November 1881, aged 79, and was buried in the General Cemetery.   Samuel Jun., William B. Mason, and John F. Mason remained as partners.  Stork & Sons’ address in the 1879 directory was 12 Matilda Street.  Samuel Jun., who lived in Reliance Place, became the sole owner in 1884, when the Masons withdrew.  In 1881, the business employed 20 men and four boys.  Samuel died on 27 December 1889, aged 58, and was buried in the General Cemetery.