Cosimo De BENEDETTO

[Rufus1949]

My Traditional Knife of the Year 2024

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And one of the 2 runners up

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Two fine examples of our Italian maestro's talent.

 

[wlfryjr]

I love the checkered knives. I'm gonna try and get me another some time.

 

[Rufus1949]

I love the checkered knives. I'm gonna try and get me another some time.

It will be well worth the wait.

 

[Will Power]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

 

[Jakeywax31]

That is a beautiful knife, Will. Cosimo De Benedetto ….. WOW.

 

[Rufus1949]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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Bravo Will. I am memorized by your creation. You have incorporated some wonderful ideas in such a fine piece of cutlery.
Bob

 

[Will Power]

Thanks Bob, very gracious. But my ideas are mere crazed impulses it takes a remarkable artisan to put them into aesthetic purpose and reality. I have to thank you for your help in contacting Cosimo too.

 

[GPO MAN]

A real piece of art. Love the color on that one. I’m on the books and cannot wait.

 

[Rufus1949]

Cosimo, I know you will be visiting, you need to go full time!

 

[waynorth]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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A fine piece of cutlery, Will!! My compliments to Cosimo, for this accomplishment!!
Great work!!

 

[Will Power]

Thanks everybody, I'm just the recipient of all this marvellous skill, revelling in it

 

[SteveC]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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Congrats Will, that sure is a beauty !

 

[black mamba]

Ditto what everyone else has said, Will, this is a masterpiece! I am such a fan of that cavernous jigging!

 

[Jacques Mi]

Amazing knife Will Power !
Can you show how it looks when closed?

 

[Pàdruig]

I always have enjoyed seeing Cosimo's work. Last I had looked into working with him, I had heard his only avenue of communication was through Facebook. That was a few years ago so maybe it has changed since then. I don't do Facebook so I've let myself be content with admiring from afar - he does beautiful work.

 

[Rufus1949]

I always have enjoyed seeing Cosimo's work. Last I had looked into working with him, I had heard his only avenue of communication was through Facebook. That was a few years ago so maybe it has changed since then. I don't do Facebook so I've let myself be content with admiring from afar - he does beautiful work.

Hi Dylan,
You can connect with him directly.
Check your PM.
Bob

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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Beautiful knife!

The first thing that came to mind when I saw the jigging was it looks like it should be called morel mushroom jigging ...

 

[Primble]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

I think it turned out fantastic my friend !
I think that he also did a whiz-bang job on creating that "Encore" style bolster.
I can't find anything wrong with it !

Amazing knife Will Power !
Can you show how it looks when closed?

Oh dang ! .......... he forgot the closed picture !
Back to work Will !

 

[Hatchet_Jack]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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Gorgeous my friend! Another winner by Cosimo.

My first Cosimo is in transit, cannot wait!

 

[RoyalHolic]

Was busy today & the weather was dull and cold -8c with an unpleasant wind. Not ideal picture conditions, sorry. Yesterday I wasn't busy but got overwhelmed in the best of ways, a DHL packet from Roma to a postal locker in a supermarket in the west of Finland in 24 hours !? Pegasus swift.

Some months ago I asked Cosimo about a project variant and it proceeded beyond expectations. Been very impressed by his skill, interpretation and particularly jigging & bolster work. Initially I was thinking of a Lamb Foot- like many others - but then changed course and began to consider Sheepfoot blades, more useful for me and I like the French way of doing them: le london, le donjon, le tonneau et al. Broad blade, flaring out to the tip, forward placed nail-nick. These are also somewhat like a Rope Knife. Sheepfoot is a great slicer/chopper too.

Then I came across a picture by our friend and very respected contributor Primble who showed a fantastic Turner 'Encore' Tyne Pruner, all steel, the right way Sheffield Stag, tang stamp Cutler to His Majesty and a bolster that drew my attention and obsession. Many Sheffield c19th and early c20th knives had very small bolsters that show off the handles to great benefit and required skill to get them to work effectively. This particular Pruner had a Rat-Tail, ringing and a pinch effect on the bolster, and this is what I wanted on my knife. Asked Cosimo to use the same frame that you can see on a number of his English style knives, the broad Sheepfoot, the bolster (which is integral) and that superb jigging which he has become Master of. Only I requested a lighter colour , more toffee colour rather than the favoured dark brown. This too was achieved! His artisanship and skill is beyond question, I am deeply impressed. Ironic that no English maker could put such a knife together, at least, none I've come across nor the work I've seen featured in exhibitions or photo presentations, palpable lack of skill. But this knife I'm delighted to say offers no compromises, drawbacks or shortfalls and is a wonderful interpretation of the English style with strong Continental European input. What to call it? Not that it bothers me but 'Rope Pruner' comes to mind

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Another stellar piece! Congrats.