Description
R F Mosley had Portland Works built as an integrated cutlery factory in 1879. It is a Grade II* listed building. In 1914 the world’s first ever stainless steel knives were made at Portland Works. The Mosley family finally wound up the business in 1968 and the period until 2013 saw the works become seriously dilapidated and with a dwindling number of small businesses based there. In 2013 the Works was saved from redevelopment thanks to an ambitious community purchase through loans and a community share offering. Since then the Works has been run by a not for profit social enterprise – all the Directors are unpaid and supported by volunteers who have carried out much of the repair work.
There is a slight mystery surrounding the discovery of a substantial number 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 2024 and thanks to a collaboration “across the ages” Michael May has designed and mounted the old blades into a brand new pocket knife design. Michael is one of the successful businesses at Portland Works, which has developed into a thriving community of small businesses many of whom are engaged in craft occupations.
The blades on your knives are made from high carbon steel which guarantees a keen edge. To prevent oxidation we recommend keeping the blades dry and lightly oiled. For every Mosley knife sold Michael May Knives Ltd will donate a royalty to Friends of Portland Works.
