In the studio: Michael May Knives photographed by Thom Atkinson

Michael May never knew he wanted to be a knife maker. After leaving museum college he followed other family members into the Sheffield cutlery trade and get himself a job in a cutlery factory. After leaving to study history at university, he returned back to making knives.

Working under Keith Moorby, he learnt how to craft knives to the highest standard, and realised that was want he wanted to do for the rest of his life. When he decided to work for himself, he found a workshop at the renowned Portland Works, where over 100 years ago Harry Brearley developed stainless steel for cutlery use.

Each knife he makes is crafted to the highest standard from carefully chosen materials, ‘they can be made, quite literally, with my blood, sweat and tears!’

Photographer Thom Atkinson visited Portland Works to photograph Michael and his studio. To see more of Michael’s work, visit his website here.