Menu
History
Anatomy & Features
Guides
Cities in Knife History
Latest Article
Thiers, France
Thiers (tee-airs) lies in central France, in what is now the Puy-de-Dôme department, on a steep ridge above the Durolle River. The river matters because it drops quickly through a narrow gorge and can be harnessed for mechanical work. In the Middle Ages, that power was used for mills and other water-driven trades, creating a working corridor below the town where heavy, repetitive tasks could be done more efficiently than by hand. Over time, that same river valley became the practical foundation for an industry that would define the town for centuries...
Previous Articles
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...
Maniago, Italy
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, England
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...
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...
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
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.