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On July 11, 1913 the cutlery manufacturing firm, J. Dirlam & Söhne in Solingen

Germany patented a knife in which a loosely fitted spring holds the worm

solidly in place when it is folded out for use. In addition to knives, the firm

manufactured scissors, razors, and razor blades. The firm was founded in 1856

and was owned by Julius, Walter, and Paul Dirlam. Their products were

exported worldwide. Agents and showrooms were found in many cities

including London, Sydney, Brisbane, Durban, Johannesburg, and Riga, Latvia.

One customer was the Singer Sewing Machine Company which ordered the

knives with different handles showing different languages.