Medieval buildings, family clans, workshops full of craftsmen creating pieces of metal steeped in stories. This is not about a dwarf town from the books of J.R.R. Tolkien, although with a good dose of imagination it could serve as a model. This is about a small town hidden among mountain streams. A place full of family businesses, artisan workshops and, above all, known for its blades, which rank among the European and world elite - the northern Italian Maniago.
A town built on a blacksmith's anvil
Historic part of Maniago
Maniago is located in the Friuli-Venezia region (Friulian Venice), less than 90 km from Venice. From Nitra, Slovakia, it is about 8 hours by car. The town is relatively small, with a community of approximately 12 thousand inhabitants.
Middle Ages
The first written mention of the town dates back to 12 January 981. However, the town is much older. Due to its strategic location near the mountains, between the Cellina and Colvera rivers, it was an important crossroads as early as the times of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages it was a significant producer of weaponry and metal working tools.
For a better idea, Italy at that time was not unified as it is today but consisted of dozens of city-states and regions that constantly fought among themselves or, partly united, against surrounding empires. For metalworking masters, it was an ideal period full of challenges to constantly refine their skills. The beginning of traditional blacksmithing production in the town dates back to 1453.
Information board in front of the ruins of Maniago castle
Modern Age
In the last century, the town experienced a certain stagnation, caused mainly by the First and Second World Wars. A large number of inhabitants died in battle or emigrated abroad in the post-war period, caused by a lack of job opportunities. The recovery started in the early 1950s bore fruit during the 60s-70s, in the form of economic and cultural development. Knife-making was also helped by the formation of smaller collective groups starting in 1870, which only reinforced these changes positively.
Present-day Maniago from above
(Sources: sk.db-city.com , maniago.it, museocoltelleriemaniago.it, Tripadvisor.com, e-borghi.com)
History of knife-making in Maniago
I have already outlined the general history of knife-making in Maniago. But what were the beginnings of modern knife-making in the town that resulted in the form we know today?
Water is to blame for everything
The nobleman Nicoló di Maniago had water brought from the Cólvera stream into an irrigation ditch for agricultural purposes. This was dated to the year 1454. The water was meant to irrigate crops and power mills, sawmills and forges built along its course. Blacksmiths supplying cutting and agricultural tools or weapons for the Venetian Republic Serenissima soon understood the potential of water. Waterwheels began powering the workshops and significantly improved production efficiency. Products at that time were roughly worked. Final function took precedence over aesthetic appearance.
Automated trip hammer powered by a waterwheel
The change occurred around the 18th century. The market demanded smaller items with a higher degree of finishing and precision. Factors such as aesthetics and final form thus began to play an important role in the work of local blacksmiths. Workshops sprang up all over the town near the canal. Production focused on products such as scissors, surgical instruments and everyday utility knives.
Another milestone in the 20th century
Another significant change was electric power. Thus, at the beginning of the last century, the first large factories emerged, where it was possible to mass-produce with higher precision, in less time and with less effort.
The first factory in Maniago, Co.Ri.Ca.Ma. (Coltellerie Riunite di Caslino a Maniago), was founded in 1907 by the German entrepreneur Albert Marx. Marx was, among other things, the owner of factories in other industrial sectors in German Solingen (Germany). The factory building later became a museum of blacksmithing and knife-making after reconstruction.
Drawing of the hydroelectric plant at the Battiferro factory
Manufacturers in Maniago have always been highly flexible despite their long-standing tradition in production. They adapted to new trends, whether in the market or in production. A good example is the fact that as early as the end of the 19th century, more than 1000 different types of cutting tools and knives were produced here.
The charm of Italian quality and cooperation between manufacturers have created a unique environment where the classic skills of master craftsmen are combined with modern technologies. Despite globalization, most brands produce for quality rather than quantity. Currently, more than 70 small and medium-sized factories operate in Maniago, exporting mainly to Europe and North America.
(Sources: museocoltelleriemaniago.it , e-borghi.com, listolade.it, documentazionecoltello.maniago.it, archeologiaindustriale.net)
Not forgetting the roots - MAFC
MAFC museum building
Italians have one trait I like about them. They value history. They see it not only as a heritage from their ancestors but also as a way to learn from history. At the same time, it also has a strong economic effect. Tourism, for example, contributed to 6.2% of Italy's GDP in 2019.
The craftsmen of Maniago therefore earned their own memorial site. The first Museum of Blacksmithing and Knife-making (MAFC - Museo dell’Arte Fabbrile e delle Coltellerie di Maniago) was formed between 1994-1995. Its premises were subsequently established between 1998-2005 in the former spinning mill on via Battiferri.
Floor plan of the MAFC museum
In 2007-2009, the museum moved to its current premises, the former Co.Ri.Ca.Ma. factory (Coltellerie Riunite di Caslino a Maniago). A better location could hardly have been chosen, since it was the first more modern factory in the town, which fully utilized the potential of local craftsmen and the entire region.
The museum, spread over two floors, offers a very clear and interactive view of the factory equipment, technical background, production processes, products, famous personalities and the everyday life of craftsmen of the time. The museum can be visited individually or in groups. You can find it at via Maestri del Lavoro 1 in Maniago, near the center.
(Sources: tasr.sk , teraz.sk/ekonomika , e-borghi.com , museocoltelleriemaniago.it)
Globally known brands
We've said enough about the town and its history. Let's look at a few resounding names of today, which made Maniago famous abroad as well, and whose models are reliable companions for hundreds of thousands of users around the world.
Maserin
Coltellerie Maserin was founded in Maniago in 1960. It has thus been operating for a respectable 63 years. Maserin has managed to combine traditional Italian sense for aesthetics and classicism with modern technologies. Besides traditional handwork, their production also largely involves CNC manufacturing and laser work. This has achieved high precision, clean design and an affordable price.
The range can be divided into 3 main parts: sport, household and tactical. In addition to the standard series models, Maserin also produces individual pieces to order according to the customer's specific requirements. I have great personal experience with Maserin.
Tactical rescue knife 667
At home I have had a classic folding knife for a few years now, Classic Line PE2005 with olive wood handles, and last year a hunting model was added, Croz which you can read more about in the reviewMaserin Croz - an elegant one among hunting knives .
(Source: maserin.com)
Lionsteel
Lionsteel is the brainchild of Gino Pauletta. Gino is a workaholic with a passion. Before he became independent, he worked as a young boy at FARMY (Fabbrica Articoli Reclameze Maniago). It was the year 1957. Working on weekends and 15-hour shifts were nothing unusual for him. After a few years, however, he realized that he needed to go his own way, and so Lionsteel was founded in 1969.
Gino Pauletta - founder of Lionsteel
As they like to say themselves, the lion roared. Gino's ancestors were, in fact, stonemasons and carved a lion into the Jôuf mountain. A stone lion was also part of their house, and so it was part of his whole childhood. The beast roared, and it was necessary to tame the metal. The beginnings, however, were not easy. The first order was for a hundred openers for cans. Then came an order for 3000. So it wasn't about knives? Never mind. It was work, and for that one must be grateful and not run away from it. Later came an order for spring knives for Co.Ri.Ca.Mu in Milan and for Germany. From there, things picked up nicely.
Model SR11A RB
Gino Pauletta is among those people who are not afraid to experiment and venture into unexplored waters. Lionsteel was the first to come up with a combination of brass and olive wood. They even created a model made of fused titanium powder, Tidust. No one before them had ever used aviation technology for making a knife. Modern technologies such as water jet cutting or CNC are not at all foreign to them. Gino passes his spirit on further. That passion and unceasing "itch of ideas", from when as a boy he found an iron nugget in a stream near an old smelting works and melted it into a functional knife.
Model Tidust
Not being afraid of innovation and not limiting your imagination, that's probably how the team at Lionsteel could be specified. Gino passed on his enthusiasm and passion for the perfect blade to his sons as well. The CEO of the company is currently his son Gianni, who works in the workshop together with his brothers Daniel and Massimo. Exactly that, in the workshop. Although the gentlemen are in the company's top management, the workshop is an inseparable part of their work. If you want to do your job properly, you must not be afraid of dirt under your nails. The team also includes a whole range of designers and knife makers, such as Michelle Pensato, whom everyone calls Molletta, Gianluigi "Wilson" Simonella, or the group behind some of the best tactical knives - Ernest Emerson Design.
Model M5 ST designed by "Molletta" - Michele Pensato
(Source: lionsteel.it )
Antonini - Old Bear
Antonini Srl is no newcomer. The company was founded in 1925 and thus spans 3 generations already, soon to celebrate its centenary. Antonini is versatile and practically oriented, so it's no wonder it has been on the market for so long.
Antonini Pattada 607
Their production is divided into 6 model lines, each bearing the Antonini name. SOS (rescue knives, Farm (pruning knives, Boat-fishing (folding fishing knives, Cable (electrician's knives), Old Bear (a separate type of knife with a specific construction) and Pocket (regular pocket knives)
, As you can see, at Antonini everyone can find their own piece. Altogether they have 50 lines of original knives and over 500 models on offer. Every year they send more than 300,000 blades out into the world. On top of that, they also manage to supply other companies with various semi-finished products or individual components. And all of this with the proud label 100% Made in Italy.
Antonini Ara XL rescue knife
Old Bear
Can a knife be simple, extra light, functional and yet unmistakable at the same time? It can. Let's just call it the old bear :-). At first glance, Old Bear resembles the French Opinel. Don't be fooled, though. The similarity is roughly the same as between the submachine gun Vz.58 and AK47. They may look similar, but each of them is completely different. What matters, as always, is in the details and the approach.
Old Bear Classic in American walnut
Locking mechanism
The basis of the Old Bear is a solid locking ring with a patented lock and a locking lever. It is a patent from 1985 by the company Tadesco from Maniago, which has been a partner of the whole project from the beginning. It is a simple yet effective mechanism, which, combined with brass, looks very elegant. You lock and unlock the knife with a simple push of the lever. A high degree of manual work is used for the Old Bear. If you add handles made of various types of wood, their coloring, carbonization and hand stippling, a diverse series of knives is created. Each one will be unique, since, considering the material and details, you won't find two exactly identical pieces.
Utility line - working knives
Wide range
The Bear can be divided into as many as 13 model lines. If you are a fan of clean shapes, elegance or practical simplicity, you will surely find one that catches your eye.
Mushroom-picking knives in American walnut, olive and rainbow versions
Old Bear model lines:
Classical Walnut - Body made of American walnut
Classical Olive - Body made of olive wood
Pruning - Pruning knives
Utility - Utility work knives
Mushroom - Mushroom knives
Total Black - Unique lightweight all-black design. Blades with teflon coating, aluminum ring, lightweight plywood.
Full Color - Solid-colored handles
Rainbow - Handle colored in a rainbow motif/color palette. An aesthetic variant that is striking and thus, for example, easier to find in the grass while camping.
Young - Children's knives
Collection Wood Carved - Carved handles on the versionwith a classic blade.
Pruning Wood Carved - Carved handles on the version with a gardening blade.
Collections Damascus Steel - Blades made of Damascus steel.
Old Bear Pruning Wood Carved in American walnut
(Source: antoniniknives.com)
The story doesn't end here
If you are planning a trip to northern Italy, be sure to stop by Maniago. You will have the opportunity not only to see with your own eyes how some of the world's greatest knife brands came into being, but also to be right in their epicenter. Maniago is not just about history. It is a town where the past and traditions merge with the future and thinking outside established patterns. And that is a rarity nowadays. Honoring one's roots while having the courage to venture into the unknown and seek new horizons and limits. And when it comes to our beloved knives, it is all the more fascinating.
