This enterprise used a distinctive trademark – ‘VIRGIL’ – and was apparently founded in 1750.  The family originated in Stannington, where ‘Revitt’ is a very common name.  Cutlers in that locality had a predilection for the poets of antiquity when devising their marks.  John Revet was using ‘VIRGIL’ in Stannington in 1787 as a manufacturer of razors.  At that time, Richard Revet, also in Stannington, was using the framed-word ‘HOMER’ on his razors.

In the early nineteenth century, the Revet family moved to Netherthorpe, Sheffield.  By 1825, William Revitt had opened for business in Meadow Street, making razors, pen, pocket, and table knives, and razor strops.  He used the ‘VIRGIL’ mark and his razors were made of Damascus steel ‘of superior quality’.  By 1833, William Revitt Jun. had joined the enterprise, living in Meadow Street, and seems to have taken over the ‘VIRGIL’ mark in 1837.  The firm advertised in 1839.

William Revitt, cutler of Meadow Street, died in Sheffield, aged 72, on 4 December 1842 and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard.  His son then joined bookkeeper Robert Hull (c.1795-1872) to form Revitt & Hull, which was listed in 1845.  As a factor and manufacturer at 15 Meadow Street, the partnership offered a comprehensive range of cutlery – razors, scissors, butchers’ and table knives – and also rolled iron and brass.  Revitt & Hull was bankrupt by 1848.  William Revitt Jun. moved to Edward Street.  He tried his hand in the grocery trade, but in 1858 again became insolvent.  He was described in the insolvency proceedings as late of Castlegate, York, and Sheffield Moor.  In 1860, the Revitt business was listed in Trafalgar Street, but soon  moved to Kenyon Alley, Netherthorpe.  However, William Revitt died on 30 December 1866, aged 66, at Beet Street, and was buried in the General Cemetery.  He left under £200.  Frank Revitt took over in the 1870s, making and selling cutlery and razors.  In 1879, Frank advertised in the Sheffield directory as ‘son and successor to the late William Revitt’.  He won a prize at the London Exhibition of Cutlery (1879).

Frank Revitt, razor manufacturer, Spring Hill, Crookesmoor, died on 17 June 1889, aged 47, after ‘a short and painful illness’.  His remains lie in the General Cemetery.  He left £1,796.  His widow, Mary Ann Revitt, Mona Road, continued to trade until 1915, when she retired.  She died on 20 October 1923, leaving £2,380.  Her son, Walter Revitt (1876-1960), continued the business until the 1930s.