Michael Silvey

Michael W. Silvey

September 6, 1941 – July 23, 2026

Michael W. Silvey, lovingly known as Mike, passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Mike was the middle of three children, joining an older
brother and later welcoming a younger sister. He had countless stories of Sacramento in the 50s and 60s He graduated from Christian Brothers High School and attended St Mary's Moraga and graduated from Sac State. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the 1960s, spending part of his military service stationed in Germany. He enjoyed telling stories from those years, including one memorable trip to Paris with Army buddies that ended when they rolled their car in the middle of a traffic circle. Rather than worry about it, they simply left the overturned car behind and continued their adventure.

After returning home, Mike began a career with Sacramento County that would span decades. He
started in social work, where he met the woman who would become his wife, Ellen Robideaux, who worked as
his secretary. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared adventures. Mike
later transitioned to other roles within the County before eventually retiring as Superintendent of the of the Equipment Division.

Mike became internationally respected as an authority on United States military knives. His passion
for history grew into a lifetime of research, collecting, photography, writing, and craftsmanship. He
authored several highly regarded books that continue to be valued by collectors and historians
around the world. He was known for his generosity in sharing his knowledge and was always willing
to help fellow collectors identify, research, and photograph historic knives. Every April, he looked
forward to reconnecting with friends at the Oregon Knife Show, where his expertise and friendship
were equally appreciated.

Some of Mike’s happiest hours were spent in his workshop. There, surrounded by tools, antlers, wood, and well-worn notebooks, he transformed raw materials into beautiful custom knives that found homes with collectors around the world. Whether working with antler, hardwood or Micarta, he approached every knife with remarkable patience and meticulous attention to detail. Those who knew his work understood that Mike never rushed a project—every knife leaving his bench reflected the pride he took in doing things the right way. To Mike, a knife was more than a tool—it was a piece of functional art, created to be admired, used, and passed down for generations.

Away from his books and workshop, Mike found joy in simple routines. Every morning began with a
cup of coffee and a walk with Maizy, his loyal pup. He loved dogs throughout his life and, over the years, many
beloved companions answered to the same name: Sam. It was simply his favorite name—a good
name for any dog.

Mike had an insatiable curiosity and an eye for hidden treasures. He loved flea markets, beautiful
artwork, and anything with an interesting history. Friends and family will smile remembering his
ever-growing collections—from sneakers to aluminum briefcases to antlers waiting to become knife
handles. To Mike, every object held possibility and every collection told a story.

Family was always important to him. Summers were marked by treasured traditions: a week each
year in Santa Cruz with his sister and extended family, and another week at Camp Sacramento
surrounded by family, neighborhood friends, swimming, laughter, and the simple pleasures of
being together. Those memories became part of the foundation of a lifetime.

Mike is survived by his children, Matthew and Jennifer; his five grandchildren—one granddaughter
and four grandsons; his great grandson, his brother, his sister; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives he enriched through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to share what he knew.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen. In accordance with his wishes, no formal service will be held. His family will privately scatter Mike's and Ellen's ashes together at a place that held special meaning to them.

Those who knew Mike will remember a man who valued knowledge over recognition, craftsmanship
over shortcuts, and quiet consistency over fanfare. His legacy lives on not only in the books he
wrote and the knives he made, but in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, and the
curiosity he inspired in others.

He will be greatly missed.