Michael May Knives operates from a workshop inside Portland Works, Sheffield's first purpose-built cutlery factory, constructed in 1879 and now a Grade II* listed building on Randall Street. Michael May set up his own knife-making business in 2016 after training and working in the trade since 2007, describing himself as a modern-day Little Mester in the tradition of Sheffield's self-employed cutlers who rented bench space rather than running their own factories. He acquired tools, machinery and patterns from a retiring maker, Trevor Ablett, when he started out. Each knife, including folding pocket knives and fixed blades, is made by hand on site using traditional processes rather than mass production. The workshop has featured in television and print coverage of Sheffield's surviving cutlery trade, and pieces are sold both directly and through specialist retailers.
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