About Maniago

The year in which the history of the blacksmiths of Maniago is conventionally dated is 1453.

Nicolò di Maniago, a member of the noble family that had been administering the life of the community for about two centuries, asked the Venetian lieutenant for permission to channel the water of the Còlverastream into a canal; with this work, Nicolò intended to convey the water across the lowland, irrigate the crops located south of the town and harness the hydroelectric power within mills and sawmills built alongside the waterway.

At that time, no one know exactly how much that work would affect and influence Maniago’s history.

At suitable elevation differences, a number of ironworks were built in addition to mills and sawmills. The blacksmiths immediately understood the advantages, in terms of production and labor , that water power guaranteed them. The water of the Còlvera, striking the blades of a large water wheel, drives a mechanism that energizes the donkey-head mallet, a machine that the blacksmith uses to beat a piece of iron, previously heated, with force until the desired shape is obtained. Tools for peasants and woodcutters, knives, as well as swords and other inlaid weapons for the troops of the most Serene Republic of Venice are made in this way.

The story of the Maniago blacksmiths begins this way: not because of the presence of deposits that guarantee raw material (supply remained a constant problem until the late twentieth century), but thanks to a pit and the energy of water.

Initially, the figure of the blacksmith in Maniago is called a “favri da gros” (coarse blacksmith): this term does not refer to the size of the objects produced, but to their finish: it is not important that the surface of scythes, plowshares, spades, hoes, cleavers is rough, coarse: what is important is that the tool performs its function correctly: cutting.

Around the 18th century a change in production and work takes place, given the need to produce cutting tools of a smaller size, but with greater finish and precision : the “favri da fin” (fine blacksmith) is born. In his work, finishing is an essential component of production: it is no longer essential that the product simply performs its function, but the aesthetics,and the form also become crucial great importance.

The “favri da fin” needs a forge, a grindstone and a workbench for its activity. With no longer the need for the proximity of the forge and the power of the mallet, “favris da fin” workshops spring up almost everywhere in the country. Production is oriented toward scissors, pocket knives, table knives and other professional tools.

As the business developed within the homes, it was also much easier for the sons to learn the work of their fathers, who immediately became familiar with the workmanship of the blades intended for the most various purposes.

The early 20th century saw the birth of the first large factories where, thanks to the use of machines powered by electricity, it was possible to mass produce sharp objects with less time and less effort. The first factory in Maniago, CO.RI.CA.MA. (Coltellerie Riunite Caslino Maniago), was founded in 1907 by German entrepreneur Albert Marx, who owned other industries in Solingen and Caslino . The “factory,” as it was always called, represented a real revolution, not only in the production of cutting tools , but also in the social life of the community, which was for the first time confronted with the times, discipline and organization of the modern factory. Today the CO.RI.CA.MA., after careful restoration, is home to the Museum of Factory Art and Cutlery.

While at the beginning of the 19th century there were about 130 people employed in 21 workshops in Maniago, just a century later this had already risen to more than 500 for about 40 active workshops. This fact alone shows how important the activity of blacksmiths and cutlers was to the people of Maniago.

Historically, the Maniago model offers knives that are not so much tied to a traditional type and model, but products that are careful to grasp innovations and absorb market demands, with a precise commercial policy and production ideology: as early as the end of the 19th century, more than 1,000 different types of knives and sharpeners were already being produced here.

In 1960 the Consorzio Coltellinai Maniago was founded, whose main purpose was to promote Maniago's product in Italy and abroad, especially at international trade fairs specializing in sports and professional cutlery.

The Consorzio Coltellinai Maniagois now the partnership that unites 46 Maniago cutlery companies proudly represented around the world since 1960.

The Maniago Knifemakers District is internationally known for its blades that have been associated with guarantee and reliabilityfor more than 600 years.

High-quality products 100% Made in Maniago are among others:

• EDC and Gentlemen knives

• Hunting, diving and outdoor knives

• Household and professional kitchen knives

• Corkscrews and wine accessories

• Tools for agriculture and gardening

• Scissors for the textile, hairstyling and beauty industry

• Industrial blades

• OEM and private label projects

In 2018, the Consorzio Coltellinai Maniago created its own brand MKM - Maniago Knife Makers, with the aim of offering the market new collections, created through partnerships with the best local knife makers. The goal is to reach the pinnacle of top quality with the best innovative ideas and the most hi-tech materials.

MKM shines a spotlight on cutting-edge technology and top-notch creativity, guided by more than six centuries (600 years) of local fabbrile tradition and, today, further enhanced by the fruitful union of companies and expertise .

MKM has received the following awards:

• 2018 Blade Show - Collaboration of the year®

• 2022 Blade Show - Imported knife of the year®

• 2023 Blade Show - Kitchen knife of the year®

• 2024 Blade Show - Fixed Blade of the year®

... and the best is yet to come...