Listed in directories after 1811, Thompson & Barber made fine pen and pocket knives, razors, lancets and fleams in Charles Street.  In the Sheffield Directory (1821) the firm placed a full-page advertisement, which listed a comprehensive range of spring knives (and other products, such as razors).  On 1 May 1826, a selection of its products – alongside those of Sansom, Joseph Rodgers, and Crawshaw – was presented to the Duke of York by Master Cutler Henry Moorhouse to show that Sheffield made the best cutlery in the country.  James Thompson and Enoch Barber were the partners.  The Company of Cutlers recorded the apprenticeship of Enoch Barber (the son of William Barber, Crookes Moor, linen weaver) to cutler George Urton in 1784.  Enoch Barber was granted his Freedom in 1791.  He was Master Cutler in 1830.  However, he died on 16 June 1834, aged 63, and was buried in Ecclesall churchyard. 

Half of the firm’s stock was sold in January 1835.  James Thompson continued as Thompson & Son in Charles Street with his son, Samuel.  In May 1837, Samuel withdrew.  He died on 24 August 1837, aged 29, at his house in Broomspring Lane.  His father suffered from depression and on 3 August 1838 was found by his family seated before a mirror with his throat cut by a razor.  He was aged 63 (Sheffield Independent, 4 August 1838).  The firm’s stock was auctioned (Sheffield Independent, 24 November 1838, 4 May 1839).