Discover The Best Kitchen Knives From Scarperia Italy

The story of how I began developing a kitchen knife obsession and meeting Jacopo at Fontani Coltelleria are entangled into one story. In fact, it could be said that it is completely his fault that I now have this passion for kitchen knives.

Scarperia is a small town outside of Florence, Italy. The town is, and has been famous for knife making for centuries. I had never heard of Scarperia before a friend sent me a story about it and suggested we go and visit. She had just bought a home in Tuscany and needed new knives, and I am always keen to take a trip to meet artisans. In order to find directions to the town I randomly chose a knife shop in google and used it's address in order to reach Scarperia by car. This is the point of the story where I realize Google can also be held responsible for my passion for kitchen knives. As fate would have it the address I randomly chose was that of Fontani Collteria, I didn't realize this until later in the day, however.

Arriving in Scarperia the adventure began-the search for the best knife makers. This is not a small task in Scarperia where each knife shop creates stunning knives, and has their own signature style. Each shop seemed to have one or two knives that we loved until we reached Jacopo. His small, unassuming shop captured our attention immediately. The knives were simply, but beautifully displayed in custom wood boxes. Over each shelf lights were mounted to reflect perfectly off of the blades and highlight the beautiful details in each knife. There was also a section of straight razors, pocket knifes, massive butchers knives and exquisite inlaid antique knives.

At the back of the shop stood Jacopo, a smiling face, a little aloof, but very proud of his products and even more so of his family history. We felt an immediate connection to him, and to his products. We continued to wander through the shops in Scarperia looking at other knives but we found that none of them had the overall excellence that we had found with Jacopo and Fontani knives. As lunch and Riposa grew nearer we headed back to do some shopping with Jacopo and to start our collecitons of stunning Italian knives. Luckily for Artful Italia and our clients it was also the beginning of a relationship of offering the beautiful handmade knives on our website.

Since then I have been able to spend more time with Jacopo and that initial respect and fondness for him has only grown. My passion for kitchen knives has also grown and so has my knowledge. It is continues to amaze me how exposure to beautifully crafted products changes one's perspective on them. It makes us desire to know more, to respect more the traditions behind them and to use/display them in the exact way they were meant to be used/displayed. Having great knives has made my cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. Their beauty and functionality are a pleasure each time I use them and watching my guests respond to them is a constant source of joy and pride.

We recently interviewd Jacopo to learn more about him and Fontani Knives. This is our interview:

1. What is the history of Fontani knives?

Coltelleria Fontani was founded in Scarperia, a place with a long tradition in knife making. The Fontani family produced knives, and scissors, as early as the second half of the 1800s.

The company is distinguished by its handcrafted production, with a strong focus on quality and

fine materials. Each knife is the result of a careful selection of raw materials and

meticulous workmanship that combines tradition and innovation.

2. Why is Scarperia, Italy famous for knife making?

Scarperia, Italy founded in 1306, has been a center of Italian cutlery making for centuries. Its fame

comes from the craftsmanship skills handed down from generation to generation and the quality

of raw materials available in the area. Even today, Scarperia is known as the

“Solingen of Italy” for its excellence in knife making.

3. How old were you when you started making knives?

The passion for cutlery was born early, often passed down through generations. Experience and

practice typically begins at a young age, with learning craft techniques. When

I was 16, I had already started making knives.

4. Why does Fontani use olive wood, ox horn and stainless steel?

● Olive wood: It is chosen for its natural beauty, unique grain and resistance

to moisture. It also greatly represents the region of Tuscany, whose olive oil is among the most

prized.

● Oxhorn: A traditional material that offers excellent grip and a refined

aesthetic appearance, ideal for cutlery, table knives and pocket knives

● Stainless steel: Provides durability, corrosion resistance and excellent

cutting ability. It also prevents the ferrous taste from remaining on some foods.

This combination of materials not only makes the knives sturdy, but also elegant and durable.

(Fontani knives are made with 4116 Stainless Steel)

5. What is the best way to maintain olive wood handles?

To preserve the beauty and durability of olive wood:

● Do not soak it in water for long periods.

● Avoid dishwashers and harsh detergents.

● Periodically, apply a coat of olive oil to nourish the wood and keep it shiny.

6. What is your favorite knife to use in the kitchen?

It depends on the use:

● For cutting meat and vegetables, a Santoku knife or Chef's knife is perfect.

● For precision work, a Paring knife is irreplaceable.

● For bread, however, nothing beats a serrated knife.

7. If you could only buy one knife, what would it be?

A chef's knife, because it is the most versatile and useful in the kitchen for cutting meat, vegetables, fish and more.

8. What is your favorite Italian region?

It's hard to choose, but Tuscany has a special appeal because of its landscape, culture and

craftsmanship tradition, including cutlery, as well as food and wine products.

9. If you had to recommend one Italian dish, what would it be?

A bistecca alla fiorentina, perfect for testing the quality of a good steak knife!

Or a nice plate of tortelli mugellani.

10. How many people work at Fontani?

Coltelleria Fontani is a craft business, so the number of people involved can vary,

but attention to detail and quality always remains the focal point of production.

Currently there are three of us; me, my cousin Alessandro and his brother Francesco

11. What makes your knives so special?

● Carefully chosen fine materials.

● Craftsmanship, which gives uniqueness to each piece.

● Sharp and durable cutting edges, thanks to high-end tempering and sharpening techniques.

● Tradition and innovation combined to offer beautiful and functional tools.

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