An advertisement for this firm appeared in a Sheffield directory in 1868, as a manufacturer of bread and butter knives and platters, besides patent bread-cutting machines.  Carving in ivory, pearl, and boxwood was also conducted.  The address was Cambridge Works, Edward Street.  The owner was Thomas Woodcock (1811-1884), who was probably the son of Thomas (a presser) and Sarah.  Thomas Jun. variously described himself in the Census as an ivory and pearl worker, carver, and cutlery manufacturer.  His early background is obscure.  He had been born in Sheffield, but in 1851 Woodcock was living in Islington, London, and employing seven men as an ivory worker.  By the start of the 1860s, he was working in his native town in Edward Street as an ivory, pearl, bone and wood carver.  He employed five workers. 

Woodcock & Co was listed in the 1860s, but by 1871 Thomas Woodcock was listed under his own name as an ivory and pearl carver in Norfolk Road, Parkwood Springs.  He told the Census that he was a cutlery manufacturer, who employed two men and a boy.  By 1881, his workforce was one man and two boys.  Thomas Woodcock, St Mary’s Road, died on 23 January 1884, aged 73.  He was buried in Ecclesall churchyard.