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Seki, Japan
Nestled in Gifu Prefecture, in Japan's Chubu region, Seki's reputation as a center for blade-making spans over seven centuries, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to maintain its status as a world leader in the industry. The history of Seki’s cutlery industry dates back to the 13th century during Japan’s Kamakura (1185-1333) period. At this time, master swordsmiths sought locations with the ideal resources for forging samurai swords (“katana”). Seki’s natural abundance of iron sand, charcoal from dense forests, and clean water from the...
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Solingen, Germany
In the heart of Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region, Solingen has a reputation for being more than just a picturesque city with rolling hills and lush forests, it’s known globally as “The City of Blades.” This storied city has earned its title through centuries of master craftsmanship in knife-making, sword production, and cutlery. Solingen's history dates back over a thousand years and is deeply interwoven with the evolution of blade production, making it a landmark for both historical and modern cutlery. Solingen’s founding...
Maniago, a small town in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, is often referred to as the “City of Knives.” Its history as a center of cutlery production stretches back to the 15th century, making it one of the most important knife-making hubs in Europe. The evolution of Maniago's cutlery industry can be traced to a combination of geography, historical necessity, and skilled craftsmanship that has turned this town into a globally recognized name in blade production. Maniago’s journey into becoming a cutlery powerhouse began in 1453 when Nicolò di...
Sheffield, a city nestled in South Yorkshire, England, is synonymous with steel and cutlery, and is often referred to as the “Steel City.” The city's reputation as a global hub for knife and steel production has been over 700 years in the making. Its journey from a modest township to an industrial powerhouse is deeply intertwined with the development of steelmaking technologies and the rise of craftsmanship in cutlery. Sheffield’s rise to prominence as a metalworking hub is not merely a result of human ingenuity but is also closely tied to the city’s geographic...
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T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.