Michael W. Silvey
Knifemaker, Author & Vietnam Vet.
It’s embarrassing how insular I have become. Over the past decade I have become more introverted and prefer time with my wife and cats to being out in the public. As a result my news comes mostly from YouTube or friends whom I text or email with. So it was, by email from a friend in New Zealand, that I learned of the passing of one of today’s late great knifemakers, Michael W. Silvey.
Michael Silvey might not be a knife household name like Bagwell, Randall, or Moran, but his work was exemplary. I deeply regret not having bought more of Michael’s knives while I could. That is always a problem when there are so many talented makers and only so much cash. I purchased several of his excellent books on knives. His books are blessed with great color photographs and informative text. They inspired me when writing my own books. Quite by accident I did come into possession of one of his F-S knives. I saw the knife in an article somewhere and I emailed to ask him how long I would have to wait for him to make me a similar knife. He said that particular one was still available and I bought it without a moment’s hesitation. His work was always clean, polished, with crisp grind lines, perfect proportions and an artistic flair. When I asked him for permission to use photos of his knives in my books he responded with numerous images that made me regret even more that I didn’t pursue his work with more zeal. I guess that’s the way life goes. Today the knifeworld is going to be short one excellent maker, author and man. Join me in saying, "May God be with you Mike."
Knifemaker, Author & Vietnam Vet.
It’s embarrassing how insular I have become. Over the past decade I have become more introverted and prefer time with my wife and cats to being out in the public. As a result my news comes mostly from YouTube or friends whom I text or email with. So it was, by email from a friend in New Zealand, that I learned of the passing of one of today’s late great knifemakers, Michael W. Silvey.
Michael Silvey might not be a knife household name like Bagwell, Randall, or Moran, but his work was exemplary. I deeply regret not having bought more of Michael’s knives while I could. That is always a problem when there are so many talented makers and only so much cash. I purchased several of his excellent books on knives. His books are blessed with great color photographs and informative text. They inspired me when writing my own books. Quite by accident I did come into possession of one of his F-S knives. I saw the knife in an article somewhere and I emailed to ask him how long I would have to wait for him to make me a similar knife. He said that particular one was still available and I bought it without a moment’s hesitation. His work was always clean, polished, with crisp grind lines, perfect proportions and an artistic flair. When I asked him for permission to use photos of his knives in my books he responded with numerous images that made me regret even more that I didn’t pursue his work with more zeal. I guess that’s the way life goes. Today the knifeworld is going to be short one excellent maker, author and man. Join me in saying, "May God be with you Mike."
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