The Michael Phillips Collection of Folding & Fixed Blade Knives

The Genesis of a Collection

Born in the UK, Michael Phillips immigrated with his family to Australia in 1957 aged 10. Before leaving, a relative gifted him a very special farewell present. “My grandfather gave me his pocket knife” says Michael, “and that was the genesis of my interest in collecting.”

Relocating to the other side of the world, and a small mining town outside of Broken Hill, his interest in pocket knives flourished. “Growing up in the bush, everyone had a pocket knife. It was natural to have one, and once you take an interest, you start to collect.”

Through an apprenticeship, Michael began to work in the metal trade, and his involvement and knowledge of metal manufacture strengthened his appreciation of a finely crafted blade.

“Some of the earliest knives in my collection would have been early Rogers Bunny knives. It was a very popular British brand in those days. I was given some pocket knives as presents, and then started keeping an eye out for new ones. You look for quality but also for rarer models or something unusual” explains Michael.

Continuing to collect through his adult life, Michael amassed over 450 blades, kept in immaculate condition in his home. Preferring a traditional, streamlined knife to more decorative styles that gained popularity in the 2010’s, he stopped collecting about 10 years ago, when he had also “pretty well achieved what I wanted to achieve.”

The result is an outstanding collection of, in Michael’s words “practical, simply designed cutting tools“. He adds: “I am probably a little biased towards early American and Japanese manufacturers, but there are also fine examples of knifemaking from Taiwan, China and elsewhere.”

While he is hard pressed to pick any particular knife as a favourite, he does list a few personal standouts. “It would probably be the Spyderco knives, which I have collected from 1981 to the present day. There are also some discontinued models made by Benchmade that I was very pleased to obtain. The group of Emerson knives also represent excellent design and manufacturing and the type of knife that appealed to me and formed a large part of my collection.”

Pictured: A Spyderco, Fingerhole Action Blade Knife, Model Nishijin-R, Satin Finish Spear Point Blade, Plain Edge, Carbon Fibre Handle

Scouring for the Rare & Collectable

While the names ‘pocket knife’ and ‘pen knife’ are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct. A pen knife is smaller, with a fixed or folding blade that traditionally was used to trim a writing quill (the ‘pen’). A pocket knife features a blade that folds inwards, and which can comfortably be carried in a pocket.

Michael’s collection includes both fixed blade and folding pocket knives, with high quality examples from major makers as well as rare and collectable models.

“All collectors chase the unattainable,” says Michael. “It’s the thrill of trying to find rare examples or things that are hard to get like limited edition older production knives. I’d scour knife shops, junk shops, out of the way places and it would often be in a dusty cupboard in the corner of an old store that you would find something really interesting.”

The collection grew by joining an association of knife collectors, swapping and selling on the Australian Blade Forums, and visiting specialist knife stores wherever he travelled. “I remember buying an old fisherman’s knife in Paris, and some examples in London. There are a few like these that I’m keeping because they have such sentimental value.”

Pictured: Crosman, Slit Joint Action Blade Knife, Model 954 Lock-Back, Satin Clip Point Blade, Plain Edge, Micarta Handle

Valuing a Collection

Michael is very sad to see his collection go, but he is hoping it will find new owners who appreciate the craftmanship, quality and history of these blades, which he has regularly maintained.

“I kept them in a mobile set of drawers, like mechanics drawers. Each draw was foam lined, and the knives were laid out carefully. A couple of times every year, I would go through them, open mechanisms, clean and apply anti rust to each knife. Where I was able to buy the knife with the original box, all those boxes have also been retained.”

Pictured: A Marttini, Knife, Model Commemorative Knife 1917-1997, Satin Clip Point Blade, Plain Edge, Wooden Handle

The Collection at Auction

The Michael Phillips Collection of Folding & Fixed Blade Knives will be offered over two online auctions in early December.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT TO BID IN THIS AUCTION YOU MUST BE AGED 18 YEARS OR ABOVE.

The Michael Phillips Collection of Folding & Fixed Blade Knives

Part I | Tuesday 3 December 6pm
Part II | Wednesday 4 December 6pm

View Part I Catalogue
View Part II Catalogue

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers offers regular auctions of fine art, antiques and collectables, including single vendor auctions. To stay informed, please join our newsletter via the link below, follow us on Instagram, or keep an eye on Upcoming Auctions.

Pictured: Robert Klaas, Knife, Model Kissing Crane Skinner, Grey Coated Clip Point Blade, Plain Edge, Polymer Handle