A batch of 10 very special pocket knives has been made for us by Michael May, Little
Mester craftsman at Portland Works. Each pocket knife has handles made from East
Anglian bog oak and is fitted with an old blade going back to the days when Portland
Works was owned by R F Mosley and Co. The pocket knives have an exquisitely worked
backspring decoration. The blade is c 6cms (2.5 inches) long and the pocket knife when
closed measures 9cms (c3.5 inches.)
There is a slight mystery surrounding the discovery of old Mosley blades which were
privately purchased and donated by one of our Trustees. The blades were made prior to
the company closure in 1968 and it is likely that Mosley’s contracted the manufacture out
to a local pocket knife blade forger – probably one with a workshop at Portland Works.
Fast forward to 2025 and thanks to a collaboration “across the ages” Michael May has
designed and mounted the old blades into a brand new pocket knife. Michael is one of
many successful makers at Portland Works, a thriving community of small businesses
many of whom are engaged in craft occupations.
The knife blades are made from high carbon steel which guarantees a keen edge.
They will be on sale for £95.00 each at our table in Kelham Island during theVictorian Christmas Fair on Sat 6th and Sunday 7th December. All proceeds will be
used to help restore the Works.