Settembre 2019

The internationally awarded forge of Laguiole en Aubrac is a benchmark for traditional French craftsmanship.

This traditionally designed Laguiole knife bears the LOG (Laguiole Origine Garantie) quality mark, which means that it was made entirely by hand in Laguiole by a master blacksmith in accordance with the strict quality criteria and LOG production specifications. Depending on the version, it requires between 109 and 216 work steps.

The handle is stabilised by two solid steel hilt bolsters. The left handle bears the traditional shepherd's cross (croix du berger) as decoration. 

The back spring (with the Maltese cross symbol) was forged from a single piece and decorated by hand. The decoration is the unique 'signature' of the master smith, registered with the Prefecture of Puy-de-Dôme. 

Intended use: Regional/Collection

Type of production: artisanal
Blade: Stainless steel 12C27
Blade production: France
Handle: Blond cow horn
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 120mm.
Total length: 220mm.
Balance: -
Weight: 104g.
Closure: Rear retention spring
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Notes: -

The internationally awarded forge of Laguiole en Aubrac is a benchmark for traditional French craftsmanship.

This traditionally designed Laguiole knife bears the LOG (Laguiole Origine Garantie) quality mark, which means that it was made entirely by hand in Laguiole by a master blacksmith in accordance with the strict quality criteria and LOG production specifications. Depending on the version, it requires between 109 and 216 work steps.

The handle is stabilised by two solid steel hilt bolsters. The left handle bears the traditional shepherd's cross (croix du berger) as decoration. 

The back spring (with the Pilgrim's shell symbol) was forged from a single piece and decorated by hand. The decoration is the unique 'signature' of the master smith, registered with the Prefecture of Puy-de-Dôme. 

The blade uses 67-layer Japanese VG10 rolled steel, manufactured by Takefu Steel.

Intended use: Regional/Collection

Type of production: artisanal
Blade: Damascus and Japanese VG10 rolled steel
Blade production: France
Handle: Blond Cowhorn
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 120mm.
Total length: 220mm.
Balance: -
Weight: 104g.
Closure: Rear retention spring
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Notes: -

Kiridashi knife designed by TheFence and handcrafted by Wander Tactical - Limited edition of 50 pieces

Use: EDC / Light Utility / All Round

Type of production: Artisan
Country of production: Italy
Blade: integral, in D2 steel at 59 / 61HRC
Blade treatment: Raw Finish
Handle: Paracord
Blade length: 60mm.
Blade thickness: 6.5mm.
Total length: 155mm.
Balancing: set back
Weight: 50g.
Sheath: in Kydex, thermoformed
Design: by Claudio Colombo of TheFence
Notes: Each knife is unique and handcrafted; there may be slight differences in finishes, compared to the photographed product - Limited edition of 50 pieces

Review by Alessandra De Santi

From collector to author of reviews, to designers: the step was short for Claudio Colombo who, in a short time, decided to put his passion and experience to use by designing his own knife, the Kobura.
Inspired by the kiridashi, the Kobura (cobra in Japanese) revisits the essential lines of what was originally a typical Japanese instrument used to carve wood, but also a small daily utility knife used (especially by children) to tip pencils , cut paper, ropes, etc.

The Kobura, an EDC with an aggressive and appealing appearance, is made of D2 steel hardened to 59-61 HRC; the knife is equipped with a short chisel blade (61 mm) and extremely robust (thickness 5.5 mm). On the back there is a practical anti-slip knurling for the thumb. On the side without bevel is the Valknut, a Norse symbol used as the logo of TheFence.

TheFence is a team of shooting instructors with different specialties and experiences. Claudio attended courses with Rob Pincus (of which he is one of the two instructors in Italy), Gabriel Suarez and Scott Reitz (formerly L.A. Swat and instructor); one of the partners is an Active Shooters Response instructor, and another one has deepened Israeli techniques.

Kiridashi knife designed by TheFence and handcrafted by Wander Tactical - Limited edition of 50 pieces

Use: EDC / Light Utility / All Round

Type of production: Artisan
Country of production: Italy
Blade: integral, in D2 steel at 59 / 61HRC
Blade treatment: Raw Finish
Handle: Paracord
Blade length: 60mm.
Blade thickness: 6.5mm.
Total length: 155mm.
Balancing: set back
Weight: 50g.
Sheath: in Kydex, thermoformed
Design: by Claudio Colombo of TheFence
Notes: Each knife is unique and handcrafted; there may be slight differences in finishes, compared to the photographed product - Limited edition of 50 pieces

Review by Alessandra De Santi

From collector to author of reviews, to designers: the step was short for Claudio Colombo who, in a short time, decided to put his passion and experience to use by designing his own knife, the Kobura.
Inspired by the kiridashi, the Kobura (cobra in Japanese) revisits the essential lines of what was originally a typical Japanese instrument used to carve wood, but also a small daily utility knife used (especially by children) to tip pencils , cut paper, ropes, etc.

The Kobura, an EDC with an aggressive and appealing appearance, is made of D2 steel hardened to 59-61 HRC; the knife is equipped with a short chisel blade (61 mm) and extremely robust (thickness 5.5 mm). On the back there is a practical anti-slip knurling for the thumb. On the side without bevel is the Valknut, a Norse symbol used as the logo of TheFence.

TheFence is a team of shooting instructors with different specialties and experiences. Claudio attended courses with Rob Pincus (of which he is one of the two instructors in Italy), Gabriel Suarez and Scott Reitz (formerly L.A. Swat and instructor); one of the partners is an Active Shooters Response instructor, and another one has deepened Israeli techniques.

Presented at the 2019 Shot Show, Key is Viper's first dorsal spring slip-joint. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this closable with two-handed opening is a daily luxury to be savored without haste, a daily companion like a classy pen or a watch of fine manufacture.

The Key is offered in different handle variants, with details ranging from tradition to modernity, with or without insignia, in order to blend in with the style of its owner.

All have in common the refined hand-made filework that decorates the spring, giving the knife the typical, surprising, elegance that has always distinguished Viper “Gentleman” knives. The 3 mm thick, satin-finished Böhler M390 steel blade offers excellent and long-lasting cutting performance, accentuated by full bevel.

Intended use: Gentleman / EDC

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: Stainless steel M390 60-61HRC
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: 1.4034 and G10 stainless steel
Blade length: 76mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 115mm.
Total length: 185mm.
Thick when closed: 10.5mm.
Weight: 70g.
Closure: SlipJoint
Clip: -
Sheath: leather bag
Packaging: cardboard box with Viper logos
Notes: Design by Jesper Voxnaes

Presented at the 2019 Shot Show, Key is Viper's first dorsal spring slip-joint. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this closable with two-handed opening is a daily luxury to be savored without haste, a daily companion like a classy pen or a watch of fine manufacture.

The Key is offered in different handle variants, with details ranging from tradition to modernity, with or without insignia, in order to blend in with the style of its owner.

All have in common the refined hand-made filework that decorates the spring, giving the knife the typical, surprising, elegance that has always distinguished Viper “Gentleman” knives. The 3 mm thick, satin-finished Böhler M390 steel blade offers excellent and long-lasting cutting performance, accentuated by full bevel.

Intended use: Gentleman / EDC

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: Stainless steel M390 60-61HRC
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: 1.4034 Stainless Steel and Micarta
Blade length: 76mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 115mm.
Total length: 185mm.
Thick when closed: 10.5mm.
Weight: 70g.
Closure: SlipJoint
Clip: -
Sheath: leather bag
Packaging: cardboard box with Viper logos
Notes: Design by Jesper Voxnaes

Presented at the 2019 Shot Show, Key is Viper's first dorsal spring slip-joint. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this closable with two-handed opening is a daily luxury to be savored without haste, a daily companion like a classy pen or a watch of fine manufacture.

The Key is offered in different handle variants, with details ranging from tradition to modernity, with or without insignia, in order to blend in with the style of its owner.

All have in common the refined hand-made filework that decorates the spring, giving the knife the typical, surprising, elegance that has always distinguished Viper “Gentleman” knives. The 3 mm thick, satin-finished Böhler M390 steel blade offers excellent and long-lasting cutting performance, accentuated by full bevel.

Intended use: Gentleman / EDC

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: Stainless steel M390 60-61HRC
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Titanium GR5 Anodized
Blade length: 76mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 115mm.
Total length: 185mm.
Thick when closed: 10.5mm.
Weight: 75g.
Closure: SlipJoint
Clip: -
Sheath: leather bag
Packaging: cardboard box with Viper logos
Notes: Design by Jesper Voxnaes

Presented at the 2019 Shot Show, Key is Viper's first dorsal spring slip-joint. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this closable with two-handed opening is a daily luxury to be savored without haste, a daily companion like a classy pen or a watch of fine manufacture.

The Key is offered in different handle variants, with details ranging from tradition to modernity, with or without insignia, in order to blend in with the style of its owner.

All have in common the refined hand-made filework that decorates the spring, giving the knife the typical, surprising, elegance that has always distinguished Viper “Gentleman” knives. The 3 mm thick, satin-finished Böhler M390 steel blade offers excellent and long-lasting cutting performance, accentuated by full bevel.

Intended use: Gentleman / EDC

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: Stainless steel M390 60-61HRC
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Titanium GR5 and Carbon Fiber Bronze
Blade length: 76mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 115mm.
Total length: 185mm.
Thick when closed: 10.5mm.
Weight: 75g.
Closure: SlipJoint
Clip: -
Sheath: leather bag
Packaging: cardboard box with Viper logos
Notes: Design by Jesper Voxnaes

Presented at the 2019 Shot Show, Key is Viper's first dorsal spring slip-joint. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this closable with two-handed opening is a daily luxury to be savored without haste, a daily companion like a classy pen or a watch of fine manufacture.

The Key is offered in different handle variants, with details ranging from tradition to modernity, with or without bolsters, so as to go best with the style of its owner.

All have in common the refined hand-made filework that decorates the spring, giving the knife the typical, surprising, elegance that has always distinguished Viper “Gentleman” knives. The 3 mm thick, satin-finished Böhler M390 steel blade offers excellent and long-lasting cutting performance, accentuated by full bevel.

Intended use: Gentleman / EDC

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: Stainless steel M390 60-61HRC
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Titanium GR5 and micarta
Blade length: 76mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 115mm.
Total length: 185mm.
Thick when closed: 10.5mm.
Weight: 75g.
Closure: SlipJoint
Clip: -
Sheath: leather bag
Packaging: cardboard box with Viper logos
Notes: Design by Jesper Voxnaes

Citadel - Nordic

These handmade knives are distinguished by their original but functional line, which is well matched to the traditional manufacturing techniques and the materials used.
The blades are in fact carbon-hardened to a hardness of around 40 HRC after which, after being hammered by hand, the back and sides are covered with clay and the wire tempered at 60 HRC to have excellent cutting capacity, penetration and flexibility. The knife is then polished and sharpened by hand on stone and finished in every single detail.

Blade: DNH7 "Bruit de forge" selective hardening 40/60 HRC steel with file-worked spine
handle: In wood with brass guard
Blade length: 70 mm.
Handle length: 115 mm.
Blade thickness: 3.5 mm.
Total length: 195 mm.
Sheath: Handmade brown leather
Weight: 154 g.

With the Rockstead brand of Ishida Co. of Sakai, Japan, the best industrial knives currently in production are currently marketed.

Created by Katsumi Kitano, who for over 20 years has been producing quality knives so as to have been awarded the highest recognition among artisan knives in Japan, they are exceptional both in cutting capacity, penetration and tightness of the thread and in innovation for the materials used and for construction techniques.

Intended use: Collection / Sports

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: Sakai - Japan
Blade: ZDP189 stainless steel hardened to 66.5HRC
Blade treatment: mirror polished
Handle: titanium
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 120mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Thick when closed: 12.2mm.
Weight: 136g.
Opening: through ambidextrous pin
Washers: in brass
Closure: FrameLock with wing in SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, in 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certified with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: Serial number # 096 - Date of production 05 July 2019

This knife blade is convex on both sides in the tradition of the highly praised Japanese sword. This shape is both sharp and strong, and can still slice cleanly through a sheet of paper even after the punishment of chopping and cutting through dried bamboo. Using this special blade shape is an excellent way of allowing an edge to be thick without sacrificing any of its sharpness. This knife is of preeminent sharpness. This is a durable knife with strong cutting capabilities that will last for a long time. Even when used for rigorous cutting, the blade will not bite or catch thanks to its convex shape. Other knives will often bite or catch, and may acquire nicks if pulled out suddenly.

Blade: XR-7 steel at 64.3 HRC with DLC treatment
Handle: Same (real breed leather) and aeronautical aluminum with Hv400 black alumite treatment
Blade length: 95 mm.
Blade thickness: 4 mm.
Total length: 210 mm.
Weight: 145 g.
Closing: Liner Lock in 402J2 steel at 52HRC
Clip: in 402J2 steel at 52HRC
Notes: Accompanied by a warranty certificate with technical specifications.

Edición Opinel edición 2018 N.6

Uso previsto: Deportes / Colección

Tipo de producción: Industrial
País de producción: Francia
Hoja: acero inoxidable 12C27
Tratamiento de la cuchilla: satén
Mango: mango de nogal con tapa de ébano y espaciador de arce
Longitud de la hoja: 73 mm.
Espesor de la hoja: 1.5 mm.
Longitud cerrada: 92 mm.
Longitud total: 165 mm.
Peso: 28g.
Cierre: Viro-Block
Embalaje: caja de cartón con logotipos de Opinel

Typical Sardinian handmade folding knife produced by the Conaz company from Scarperia

Type of production: artisan
Lama production: Italy
Blade: X50CrMoV15 stainless steel
Blade treatment: -
Handle: Raw ram horn
Blade length: 110mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 145mm.
Total length: 265mm.
Weight: 102g.
Closing: without blade lock
Packaging: elegant box with Recommendations logos
Sheath: fabric case

Craftsmanship is beautiful because it is varied

The colors of the materials with which the handmade products are made may vary from those shown in the images.

Horn, wood and cornotech are raw materials that by their nature have a marked variability from one supply to another: it is the beauty of quality materials. Add craftsmanship, where the craftsman's hand never makes the same gesture: it's the beauty of craftsmanship. Combine all this and you will always have a different and unique product. It is always different from the one and unrepeatable product that we must necessarily photograph if we want you to understand what we are talking about and what we are offering you.

Laguiole en Aubrac - Centre of Horn spring engraved with the Maltese Cross with blade sanmai - knife

Intended Use: Regional / Collection

Type of production: crafts
Blade: rolled steel damask and Japanese VG10
Production Lama France
Handle: Horn Cattle Blonde
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade Thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 120mm.
Overall length: 220mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 104g.
Closure: rear spring retention
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Notes: -

Intended use: Collection / Sports

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: Sakai - Japan
Blade: ZDP189 stainless steel hardened to 66.4HRC
Blade treatment: mirror polished
Handle: aluminum
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 120mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Thick when closed: 15.8mm.
Weight: 102g.
Opening: through ambidextrous pin
Washers: in steel
Closure: FrameLock with wing in SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, in 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certified with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: Serial number # 1039 - Date of production 31 May 2019