b"It all startedBefore becoming a foundry and taking onindustry and locksmithing using processes the name Wichard, the historic factory wassuch as cutting and stamping.in 1919 -initially called the Croix de Fer (or Iron Cross)The latter, a blacksmith by trade from a long factory and was actually a paper mill. line of master smiths from eastern France, ormaybeThe mill owed its name to a forged Iron Crossadded his expertise. that was known as the paper mill's cross. a bit earlier! In 1887, the owner at the time sold hisHenri Wichard & Co was born.establishment to Messrs Bizet and Pradel,Up until the end of the Second World War, who converted it into a cutlery factory. Wichard forged knife tangs and blades, scissors and components used in the hunting In 1919, Antoine Bizet formed a partnershiprifles produced by the St Etienne arms factory.with a certain Henri Wichard, setting up a company that would specialise in the production of everything for the cutlery 1887 1887 191919191887: The Croix de Fer paperThe factory is convertedAntoine Bizet forms a mill becomes a cutlery and expanded, includingpartnership with Henri factory owned bythe installation of bladeWichard - The company Henri Bizet and Pradel. sharpeners, polishers andWichard & Co is founded at handle makers. the Croix de Fer factory1st catalogue for marine hardware - development of the 2480 snap hook192019701970 1970 2nd production site An automatic forging line is put in place. Development of deck fitting products and the Range of shackles -titanium forge (medical)developed alongside Bernard Moitessier Products: Snap hooks"