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Do you particularly admire sturdy knives which can resist any type of bad weather? If the answer is yes, one of these Corsican knives shall become your ally. Corsican knives are handmade from local materials. Very stylish, some models can confuse you. What are you waiting for to let this pure wonder seduce you?
A short story about the origins of the Corsican knives
The knife was an essential tool in Corsica, since it is an agropastoral island. Indeed, due to the complementary combination of farming and breeding, islanders had to equip themselves with a tool which corresponded to their use and was made from local materials. The Beauty Island’s knives were generally made by their owner – often farmers, hunters or shepherds – with what they had to hand: wood offcuts, animal horns or bones, parts of old tools… There are thus as many tools as there are microregions and uses.
The Curnicciollo knife, which literally means “little horn”, is one of the officially renowned types of knives. It was the most commonly used knife among the shepherds, hence its nickname “shepherd’s knife”. The Stylet knife was born in the 16th century, firstly used to pierce leather, it was then considered as a war weapon as early as the 18th century during wars against Genoa, and then France. The Temperinous knife remains one of the most famous knives, renamed as Vendetta knife following the influx of tourists generated by books written by great authors, such as Honoré de Balzac and Alexandre Dumas.
Today, there are also new exceptional knives such as the Sperone or the Rodinara knives.
The characteristics of a Corsican knife
A Corsican knife is first noticeable thanks to its aesthetics. Each new production improves even more its aesthetics compared to the previous versions. The smooth reflection of the stainless-steel blade of the Corsican knife represents a major asset to assess the quality of the knife. However, do not be surprised if you see a real Corsican knife with a Damascus blade and silvery arabesques. The handle of the Corsican knife is made from one of the following materials: ebony or fruit tree wood, or burned buffalo horn. A Corsican knife can be distinguished from the others by its solidity and resistance. Each model made and sold is a hallmarked and authenticated unique piece. Most of the Corsican knives display a Moor’s head.
The different knives available
In Corsica, an impressive number of knives is made. Each model is dedicated to a specific use. This diversity of production is the result of the combination of the savoir-faire and engineering of the French craftspeople.
While designs, logos or Moor’s heads are created in Corsica, the manufacturing of the knives can be made in other regions, depending on the technology required. This is the case of some workshops in Thiers which make Corsican knives. Take a look at our product information sheets to know the knife’s origin.
Among all the Corsican cutlery’s categories, the Vendetta knife is the most popular model. Indeed, its pointed blade is sculpted by hand. The Moor’s head, the symbol of the Corsican knife, is visible on the handle of the Vendetta knife. Each manufacturer takes the original model and then adds their perfection to it so as to create a real masterpiece. The Sperone, Curnicciollo and Rodinara knives complete these different Corsican knives available, and are very popular. The strength of this type of knives is related to the story and values of the city or territory of the Corsican region they belong to.
The price of a Corsican knife
Buying a Corsican knife requires crucial lucidity. Indeed, all the models available shall amaze you. Their design is so unique and beautiful that you shall be seduced by all the models you shall find. The principle remains the same: the price depends on the quality of the handle’s material, as well as the dimensions. A Vendetta knife, due to its originality and all its qualities, is sold from €70. But you can also buy a Sperone knife for €199. The Curnicciollo and Rodinara knives are sold around €80.
