Choosing your Corsican knife

A Corsican knife is not only chosen for its shape, material or decoration.

He chooses first according to the purpose for which he is intended, the hand that will hold him and the work of the craftsman who made him.

To choose a real handcrafted Corsican knife, you must check five essential elements: the identity of the knifemaker, the mechanism, the steel of the blade, the material of the handle and the dimensions of the knife.

Here are the pointers that help you make an informed choice.

START WITH THE KNIFEMAKER

Before talking about horn, wood, carbon or Damascus, you need to know who made the knife.

An artisanal knife must be able to be clearly attached to its creator. The maker’s mark or the signature of the knifemaker is therefore the first element to be checked.

A name, a form of blade or a decoration evoking Corsica is not enough to prove that a knife was made by hand in the island.

At Couteaux Corses®, each selected piece is made by an artisan knifemaker working in Corsica. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and benefits from a lifetime warranty.

CHOOSE ACCORDING TO USE

The best Corsican knife doesn't exist. On the other hand, there is a knife suitable for your use.

Before choosing, ask yourself a simple question: what am I really going to do with this knife?

A KNIFE FOR REGULAR USE

For a knife intended to accompany you often, prefer a balanced piece, pleasant in hand and compact enough to be transported easily.

Look carefully at:

– the length of the closed knife;

– the weight;

– the thickness and width of the handle;

– how easily it opens and closes;

– the care required by the blade and handle.

A pocket knife must not only be beautiful. It must be adapted to your hand and your way of using it.

A KNIFE TO GIVE AS A GIFT

A handcrafted Corsican knife is a personal gift. It can mark an anniversary, a family transmission or a special occasion.

If you have little knowledge of the person's habits, choose a piece of balanced dimensions, the mechanism and maintenance of which are easy to understand.

The identity of the knifemaker, the certificate of authenticity, the materials used and the warranty also give all its meaning to the gift.

A COLLECTIBLE KNIFE

For a collection piece, observe the work of knifemaker: general design, assembly, forge, decorative filework, adjustments, finishes and choice of materials.

A singular piece is not defined by the accumulation of decorations. It recognizes the coherence of the work and the personality of the craftsman.

WHICH MECHANISM SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The mechanism influences the opening, closing and maintenance of the blade. It shall be clearly indicated in the knife form. Also discover our selection of handcrafted folding corse knives, made in Corsica by our knifemakers partners.

THE “À CAPUCINE” CONSTRUCTION OR “À CLOU” KNIFE

The “à capucine” construction belongs to the tradition of the folding corse knife.

It works by friction. The blade rotates around a riveted axis and its maintenance in an open position rests on the friction exerted against the metal parts or the handle.

This system has no spring or locking device. A second axis serves as a stop at the heel of the blade.

The traditional curnicciolu, handle Folding Corsican knife in horn, is closely associated with this simple, robust and proven mounting.

CONTEMPORARY MECHANISMS

The cutlery corse is not limited to friction mounting. Craftsmen also use contemporary mechanisms:

– Piedmontese system;

– blade lock;

– back lock;

– liner-lock;

– frame-lock.

These systems meet different expectations. Some ensure the locking of the blade, while others retain a simpler operation.

It is not a question of systematically opposing tradition and modernity. Above all, it is necessary to choose a mechanism whose operation is understood and which corresponds to the intended use.

WHICH STEEL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR THE BLADE?

The nature of the steel determines in particular the behaviour of the blade to the humidity, its maintenance and its evolution over time.

THE CARBON STEEL BLADE

The carbon steel is traditionally very present in the artisanal cutlery. It has good cutting qualities and sharpens relatively easily.

In return, it reacts to moisture and acidic foods. Its surface can gradually gray or run: it is a natural patina.

This patina must not be confused with rust. A carbon blade should be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge and wiped immediately.

Choose a carbon blade if you accept that it evolves with use and if you are willing to maintain it regularly.

THE DAMASCUS STEEL BLADE

The Damascus is distinguished by its patterns, obtained by the work and assembly of different layers of steel.

He chooses himself as much for his appearance as for the work of forging that he represents. The composition of the Damascus should, however, be indicated.

When it is made up of steels carbon, it remains sensitive to oxidation and requires the same maintenance as a conventional blade carbon.

THE STAINLESS STEEL BLADE

A stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance and generally requires less precautions than a carbon steel.

This does not mean that it does not require any maintenance. blade should always be cleaned and dried after use.

The simple mention "stainless steel" remains unclear. It is preferable that the product sheet indicates the exact grade of the steel used.

HORN OR WOOD FOR THE HANDLE?

The material of the handle contributes to the identity of the knife, but it must not forget the grip comfort.

THE HORN HANDLE

horn is a natural matter. Its nuances, transparencys and variations mean that two handles are never strictly identical.

It must not be immersed or exposed to an important source of heat, such as a radiator, a fireplace or inside a car in full sunlight.

The choice of handle in horn must take into account its shape, thickness and width.

THE WOODEN HANDLE

Regional or exotic woods offer a wide variety of shades and veins.

The wood remains sensitive to prolonged moisture and drying. It must not be left in the water. When it becomes dry or dull, a suitable maintenance helps to nourish the material and revive its appearance.

Again, the choice must first be guided by control.

CHECK THE KNIFE’S DIMENSIONS

Photographs may change the perception of volumes. Therefore, the dimensions indicated in the product sheet should always be consulted.

The most useful measurements are:

– handle length;

– blade length;

– overall length of the open knife;

– handle width and thickness;

– blade width and thickness;

– weight.

A very fine handle can suit one person and seem too narrow to another. An imposing knife can offer an excellent grip while being less discreet in a pocket.

Whenever possible, compare the dimensions with those of a knife you already use.

CARE IS PART OF THE CHOICE

The choice of a knife must always take into account the time you wish to devote to its maintenance.

A few simple rules allow you to preserve an artisanal folding knife:

– never leave it soaking in water;

– clean the blade with a damp cloth or sponge;

– dry immediately after each cleaning;

– avoid abrasive pads that may scratch the blade;

– protect a carbon blade during a long period without use;

– keep the knife in a dry place;

– Do not expose a handle in horn or wood to high heat.

A carbon blade that skates is not necessarily damaged. On the other hand, the appearance of rust requires rapid intervention.

Before choosing your Corsican knife, check systematically:

Which knifemaker made this piece?

Does the knife bear their maker’s mark or signature?

Which mechanism is used?

What are precisely the steel of the blade and the material of the handle?

What are the exact dimensions and recommendations for maintenance?

SUMMARY

To choose a handcrafted Corsican knife, start by identifying the knifemaker and its maker’s mark. Then determine your use, then compare the mechanism, the steel, the material of the handle, the dimensions and maintenance required.

Don't just choose an appearance. Choose a room whose origin, operation and materials you know.

The just knife is not necessarily the most imposing, the most decorated or the most expensive. It is the one that corresponds to your hand, your use and your relation to the object.

U lussu hè simplicità.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can you recognise a genuine handcrafted Corsican knife?

It is necessary to identify the craftsman who made it and check his maker’s mark or his signature. The place of manufacture, materials, mechanism and warranty conditions must also be clearly stated. A shape or decor evoking Corsica is not enough to prove an island craft.

Does the “à capucine” construction lock the blade?

No. The “à capucine” construction is a friction system, without spring or locking. The blade is kept open by friction against the handle or the liners. A second axis serves as a stop at the heel of the blade.

Is a carbon steel blade that turns grey damaged?

Not necessarily. carbon steel can naturally skate in contact with air, moisture or acidic foods. This patina must be distinguished from rust, which requires proper cleaning.

Does a Damascus blade need special care?

This depends on the steels that make up the Damascus. A Damascus made with carbon steels remains sensitive to oxidation. It should be cleaned and wiped immediately after use.

Should you choose a horn or wooden handle?

There is no single answer. Both horn and wood are natural materials. The choice must take into account the desired aspect, but above all the shape, width and thickness of the handle.

Where can you buy a handcrafted Corsican knife?

Couteaux Corses® selects from 2011 parts made by artisan knifemakers working in Corsica. Available knives can be discovered on www.couteaux-corses.fr or at the Collect’Arts gallery in Corte.