The cutlers, who for centuries produced all manner of bladed instruments, were granted the right to seize "false cutlery" on sale in the City by James I in their 1607 charter.
Around that time, the cutlers claimed that "foreigners" were largely to blame for poor quality merchandise: "When it is remembered that a 'foreigner' was not simply an alien but anyone, Londoner or otherwise, who was not free of the City - a freedom gained through membership of a mistery - the extent of their power to control the trade will be appreciated, " adds Girtin.