Michael May’s Ergonomic Folding Knife can be seen in the making here: • Making a sycamore ergo... Other Michael May videos: • Damascus clip point bl... • Making a Clayton Barlo...
Another good video, balanced and informative. I bought a Buffalo and turquoise clip point Barlow with D2 steel last year and I was very pleased. Traditional construction does not always lend itself to perfection, but still a quality knife and a maker worth supporting ! Best wishes Kevin
knife collectors rarely know anything about making knives, its actually quite difficult to get them bolsters exactly the same. I wouldn't allow one of my knives to be sold like that but the fact remains that every operation involved in making a folder is difficult to get exactly right, how difficult is not actually apparent until one tries, most collectors Ive met would struggle making cheese on toast lol
I assume you’re talking about the A Wright Pruner? I may only be a collector, but I’ve been studying the things for 40 odd years, so I’ve a good theoretical knowledge. I couldn’t make one as I haven’t had the use of my hands for the last 17 years, but I’m well aware of many of the difficulties. That particular knife is possibly the worst commercially made knife I’ve ever seen. It amazes me that someone would let it pass even the most rudimentary quality control. It’s part of the reason why R Wright we’re struggling so badly in the relatively recent past. Since Michael & Ashley Harrison took over a couple of years back, things have improved dramatically. I’ve reviewed a few of there’s recently and they’re pretty damned good!
@@slick_slicers It wasn't any particular knife or even yourself, I've seen loads of collectors exclaim ''how could they do such a thing'' and to somebody that knows what its actually like its pure comedy to hear these remarks, a bit like a fat lad commenting on a ballet dancers lack of posture perhaps, all that being said pride in your work is a worthy virtue and I too cant stand bad workmanship but for the price and time that goes into these products sometimes we expect a lot, this is a rarely voiced point of view on this subject in my opinion
Thanks for the link! And the video. The May ergo knife is a little awkward to the eye, but it’s made for the hand, and the hand likes it. I can respect that (but Spyderco knives are hideous).
I agree with you about barlows and shields and also acrylic. As for GEC, I'm kicking myself for not getting into them earlier. Excellent explanation between factory made hand finished, Factory handmade, and artisan made. I also like how you pointed out that just because it was artisan made, doesn't mean it is top quality! The ergonomic knife was quite interesting. It has a different beauty to it than most traditional. Making the handle to fit the hand..that will never catch on! As for the brass. I tend to keep it shiny. If my knife is going to patina, it will be with actual age. Excellent video. Lots of cool info and lots of eye candy!
Tobias Gibson I enjoyed doing this one. These are my favourite knives. I really like the idea of a handmade item that’s also a well made item. These are that, exactly that!
Thank you for the thoughtful video. I am waiting on one of these and a Barlow from Michael- English Oak and brass bolsters the two of them. I agree that Michael’s videos are wonderful- you get in on the making the way he shoots them.
Gary Westby I really made this video to try and push a few viewers his way. They’re a style of video I appreciate myself and would like to see more of.
Michael May's workbacks are consistently more sinuous and flowing than those from Taylor's Eyewitness. The Taylor's, good though they are, look like a half-moon grind then a file indent repeated, May's look like they grew in the steel.
Urselius Urgel I like them both very much. The point I was trying to make here was only that what I ordered and paid for from Michael was, in effect his `Tidioute’ specification, whilst I ordered and paid for TEW’s ‘Northfields’ specification, and direct comparisons of polish and finish wouldn’t be fair or appropriate.
@@slick_slicers I have two May knives, a turquoise and buffalo horn gripped Barlow and an Ettrick with elm scales, and a Taylor's Barlow with rams-horn scales. They are all great knives, and I enjoy supporting Sheffield hand-craftsmanship by buying them. My own paternal line ancestors were all Yorkshire iron and steel craftsmen.
Graham Blackall yes, I think you’re absolutely right! I’ve always been dreadful with names, I’m afraid. Her videos were great, but so long ago now. It was time for an update.
Good video, thanks for the links, agree too am not a fan of shields apart from the anchor, which has a certain swagger about it. I like that you're genuinely positive about Arthur Wright pocket knives, Michael May and Lee White - TEW. Plus it's good to see these knives. Also enjoyed the close up of your watch.
Stone Mason it’s just Barlows that I don’t like shields on. You’ve all that bolster to embellish, so they can leave the scales alone. Mind you, that anchor can always get a pass. Being a former sailor myself, I just think it’s cool!
Mercury Rising thank you. It’s a TW Steel. I can’t remember the model, but it’s pretty huge. I’m not really a watch person, but I have a few. They are all, including this, either quartz or manual wind, so when I wanted an alternative to my Apple Watch that I’ve worn for the last couple of years, I looked in the drawer and the batteries were all flat, except this one. Decision made!
@@slick_slicers very cool!! That's a bummer the batteries ran down.. I've worn a watch since I was a kid.. even though your not into watches very much the best ones I've found are STUHRLING all Swiss made but no dumb prices. Edit: the only thing I find weird is they seem to made up their own names for example they call the crystal krsyterna like it's a secret material they invented which I find that highly doubtful..
It's such a shame my example arrived in such poor shape, I was ready to love it and yours and Paddy's seem fine, not to mention the designs and materials are lovely, ah well, I guess it was not to be sadly.
UK Legal Carry Knives I felt I had to acknowledge, in the video, that others (well you at least) had had ‘mixed’ experiences with MM, but I also had to accept, that one, that could be a one off, and two that you didn’t return it to be fixed, making it impossible to know how he would have reacted/responded. Sometimes, getting it wrong can be an opportunity to display service and care, or it can highlight deficiencies, but here I just have to reserve judgement.
Erik Ramaekers brilliant! Obviously I didn’t see that, but I’m just happy it got there. No need to reciprocate, it cost buttons and I was finished with it.
I would like the Ergonomic but with only the bolster, I have never liked heavy butt caps on anything but a combat knife, though not for combat more for hammering. Michaels traditional sheeps foot is nice too.
chris osh if you’d like it like that, I’m sure he’d make you one. The beauty of buying from the maker direct. That being said, I really like the brass.
funkyneil2000 I hope it’s as good as mine are. I’m planning to pick up more, but I know he got a bit behind with some child care issues and I didn’t want to add to the workload and I can wait till the end of the year.
@@slick_slicers If only I could get my good girl to understand that. Before I settled down my entire life's possessions could fit in my car and the back of a pickup truck. 👉
You know I’ve been collecting knives for over 50 years and it’s only on RUclips that you come across this sort of pedantry. Certainly 3 years ago, when I made this video, I couldn’t have told a web from a liner or a bolster from a cap, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know a good knife when I saw it and even then I had a cracking collection. The purpose of this channel was only ever to share my knives with a likeminded community, not to set myself up as a great guru.
RIP Trevor Ablett,,
And well done Mr May,, my Ergonomic is in Bog Oak and is superb..
Hiya Slick :) great video as always, iv'e always liked Michael's knives he does awesome work as expected of him.
lee white looking at one or two more of yours shortly!
@@slick_slicers awesome, i look forward to seeing which one :) oh and my brother is Russell White not Richard :)
I think it looks like a great knife. That pattern will probably end up being the first May in my collection. Cheers!
It was mine! A great, really practical knife!
Another good video, balanced and informative. I bought a Buffalo and turquoise clip point Barlow with D2 steel last year and I was very pleased. Traditional construction does not always lend itself to perfection, but still a quality knife and a maker worth supporting ! Best wishes Kevin
kevin bufton thanks for watching. My next one will be more up market. The first two were just to try him out.
knife collectors rarely know anything about making knives, its actually quite difficult to get them bolsters exactly the same. I wouldn't allow one of my knives to be sold like that but the fact remains that every operation involved in making a folder is difficult to get exactly right, how difficult is not actually apparent until one tries, most collectors Ive met would struggle making cheese on toast lol
I assume you’re talking about the A Wright Pruner? I may only be a collector, but I’ve been studying the things for 40 odd years, so I’ve a good theoretical knowledge. I couldn’t make one as I haven’t had the use of my hands for the last 17 years, but I’m well aware of many of the difficulties. That particular knife is possibly the worst commercially made knife I’ve ever seen. It amazes me that someone would let it pass even the most rudimentary quality control. It’s part of the reason why R Wright we’re struggling so badly in the relatively recent past. Since Michael & Ashley Harrison took over a couple of years back, things have improved dramatically. I’ve reviewed a few of there’s recently and they’re pretty damned good!
@@slick_slicers It wasn't any particular knife or even yourself, I've seen loads of collectors exclaim ''how could they do such a thing'' and to somebody that knows what its actually like its pure comedy to hear these remarks, a bit like a fat lad commenting on a ballet dancers lack of posture perhaps, all that being said pride in your work is a worthy virtue and I too cant stand bad workmanship but for the price and time that goes into these products sometimes we expect a lot, this is a rarely voiced point of view on this subject in my opinion
Thanks for the link! And the video. The May ergo knife is a little awkward to the eye, but it’s made for the hand, and the hand likes it. I can respect that (but Spyderco knives are hideous).
I agree with you about barlows and shields and also acrylic. As for GEC, I'm kicking myself for not getting into them earlier. Excellent explanation between factory made hand finished, Factory handmade, and artisan made. I also like how you pointed out that just because it was artisan made, doesn't mean it is top quality!
The ergonomic knife was quite interesting. It has a different beauty to it than most traditional. Making the handle to fit the hand..that will never catch on! As for the brass. I tend to keep it shiny. If my knife is going to patina, it will be with actual age.
Excellent video. Lots of cool info and lots of eye candy!
Tobias Gibson I enjoyed doing this one. These are my favourite knives. I really like the idea of a handmade item that’s also a well made item. These are that, exactly that!
Thank you for the thoughtful video. I am waiting on one of these and a Barlow from Michael- English Oak and brass bolsters the two of them. I agree that Michael’s videos are wonderful- you get in on the making the way he shoots them.
Gary Westby I really made this video to try and push a few viewers his way. They’re a style of video I appreciate myself and would like to see more of.
Michael May's workbacks are consistently more sinuous and flowing than those from Taylor's Eyewitness. The Taylor's, good though they are, look like a half-moon grind then a file indent repeated, May's look like they grew in the steel.
Urselius Urgel I like them both very much. The point I was trying to make here was only that what I ordered and paid for from Michael was, in effect his `Tidioute’ specification, whilst I ordered and paid for TEW’s ‘Northfields’ specification, and direct comparisons of polish and finish wouldn’t be fair or appropriate.
@@slick_slicers I have two May knives, a turquoise and buffalo horn gripped Barlow and an Ettrick with elm scales, and a Taylor's Barlow with rams-horn scales. They are all great knives, and I enjoy supporting Sheffield hand-craftsmanship by buying them. My own paternal line ancestors were all Yorkshire iron and steel craftsmen.
Urselius Urgel they’re very addictive!
Hi Slick
Are referring to Russell White and Grace Horne?
Grace made some videos about traditional Sheffield manufacturing
Take care
Graham
Graham Blackall yes, I think you’re absolutely right! I’ve always been dreadful with names, I’m afraid. Her videos were great, but so long ago now. It was time for an update.
Subbed. I think I've been going to spam bud.
Thanks for watching and subbing... the more the merrier!
I've just got one in bog oak from Michael and the service was second to none.
I ordered mine last week,, how long does it take from order to delivery,??
The wait is killing me, ha ha,, 😃,, cheers,, John
The time on the order form I'm afraid. But well worth the wait.@@John..18
Good video, thanks for the links, agree too am not a fan of shields apart from the anchor, which has a certain swagger about it. I like that you're genuinely positive about Arthur Wright pocket knives, Michael May and Lee White - TEW. Plus it's good to see these knives. Also enjoyed the close up of your watch.
Stone Mason it’s just Barlows that I don’t like shields on. You’ve all that bolster to embellish, so they can leave the scales alone. Mind you, that anchor can always get a pass. Being a former sailor myself, I just think it’s cool!
Have one love it
Rich Klangen they’re nice!
Very cool knives brother..
Off topic what is that watch ?
It's enormously fabulous!!
Mercury Rising thank you. It’s a TW Steel. I can’t remember the model, but it’s pretty huge. I’m not really a watch person, but I have a few. They are all, including this, either quartz or manual wind, so when I wanted an alternative to my Apple Watch that I’ve worn for the last couple of years, I looked in the drawer and the batteries were all flat, except this one. Decision made!
@@slick_slicers very cool!! That's a bummer the batteries ran down..
I've worn a watch since I was a kid.. even though your not into watches very much the best ones I've found are STUHRLING all Swiss made but no dumb prices. Edit: the only thing I find weird is they seem to made up their own names for example they call the crystal krsyterna like it's a secret material they invented which I find that highly doubtful..
It's such a shame my example arrived in such poor shape, I was ready to love it and yours and Paddy's seem fine, not to mention the designs and materials are lovely, ah well, I guess it was not to be sadly.
UK Legal Carry Knives I felt I had to acknowledge, in the video, that others (well you at least) had had ‘mixed’ experiences with MM, but I also had to accept, that one, that could be a one off, and two that you didn’t return it to be fixed, making it impossible to know how he would have reacted/responded. Sometimes, getting it wrong can be an opportunity to display service and care, or it can highlight deficiencies, but here I just have to reserve judgement.
I think it looks a bit like the Buck 110.The GEC looks great.Stay healthy
Erik Ramaekers did my Whitby knife ever get to you? I sent it by the cheapest method possible, so I’ve no idea how long it would take.
@@slick_slicers Yes they did and i said thank you on the video about the Whitby knives weeks ago.No adress or i would have send you a knife back.
Erik Ramaekers brilliant! Obviously I didn’t see that, but I’m just happy it got there. No need to reciprocate, it cost buttons and I was finished with it.
I would like the Ergonomic but with only the bolster, I have never liked heavy butt caps on anything but a combat knife, though not for combat more for hammering.
Michaels traditional sheeps foot is nice too.
chris osh if you’d like it like that, I’m sure he’d make you one. The beauty of buying from the maker direct. That being said, I really like the brass.
I'm waiting for my Michael May knife to turn up. I ordered a lamb foot bocote knife. Can't wait!
funkyneil2000 I hope it’s as good as mine are. I’m planning to pick up more, but I know he got a bit behind with some child care issues and I didn’t want to add to the workload and I can wait till the end of the year.
Great video.
I'd have to actually feel that ugly ass work knife in hand before I'd buy one. 🖐 Guess that's the point. 🤔
Zen Ali I think that’s exactly what I said about Spyderco too! Mind you, they’re still ugly, to my eye anyway!
@@slick_slicers Yup. I love my pm2 but can't begin to understand the Spyderco collector
Zen Ali it was William Morris’s golden rule "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
@@slick_slicers If only I could get my good girl to understand that.
Before I settled down my entire life's possessions could fit in my car and the back of a pickup truck. 👉
Great video Eric, love that acrylic GEC that you have. Thanks for the shout out 😷👍🏻
Nice slicers no problem... I really like your Proper’s scales!
@@slick_slicers thanks muchly 👊🏻😷
Cover's not scales, the scales on a traditional is the bolster liner and cover.
Also brass tarnishes steel/iron patinas.
You know I’ve been collecting knives for over 50 years and it’s only on RUclips that you come across this sort of pedantry. Certainly 3 years ago, when I made this video, I couldn’t have told a web from a liner or a bolster from a cap, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know a good knife when I saw it and even then I had a cracking collection. The purpose of this channel was only ever to share my knives with a likeminded community, not to set myself up as a great guru.