Michael May is an independent knife maker based in Portland Works, Sheffield, where he handcrafts traditional pocket knives in small batches.
Back in 2018 Michael May wandered into our shop and suggested that since our tag line is Purveyors of Fine Thing we should consider stocking some of the pocket knives he made as they were fine things and would sit perfectly alongside the products we already stocked. He wasn’t wrong, his knives are some of the finest knives we’ve seen.
The attention to detail and the selection of patterns blade styles and handle materials really impressed us ands they were a favourite of our customers. Michael suggested that he could make us a unique Furbellow pocket knife and after a little time thinking and designing we settled on a lambfoot Damascus steel blade with a locally sourced yew handle and a Whitby jet inlay to the bolster. We only made a limited number, they were beautiful.
As Michael’s reputation grew, so did demand for his work. Commissions from individual customers meant his order book filled quickly, and finding space for a shop order became increasingly difficult. We couldn’t begrudge him his success—it was exactly what his craftsmanship deserved—but we certainly missed having his knives in the shop.
A couple of months ago I received an email from Michael inviting me to place an order. A smile quickly spread across my face and I actually did a little jig in front of my laptop. There haven’t been many emails that have had that effect on me and the effect has lasted the 2 months I’ve waited for them to be made and shipped to us.
Adding products to the website is always more fun when it’s a product I am excited about. Handling and writing about these pocket knives doesn’t really feel like work. Michael’s knives earned theirs place on our shelves years ago. It’s good to have them back.
Like me, Michael never intended to end up doing what he does. We both studied something completely different before following family into trades we’d never planned on entering. Now, neither of us can imagine doing anything else. Michael spends his days making beautiful pocket knives. I spend mine seeking out products that are Beautiful, Useful and Made Properly.
The Collection
Our collection of selection of pocket knives has just grown by nine.
Michael May Knives. Beautiful, Useful and Made Properly in Sheffield.
By Mark at Furbellow & Co.
