Senese, a traditional italian knife

[martineden]

Few days ago Paolo, a buddy of mine, sent me an e-mail: “would you like a Senese”? The Senese is a traditional italian knife, used since ages by the agrarians of my country of origin, Siena.
Of course I want it.
So, here we are:




Specs:
Total lenght 160 mm
Blade lenght 70 mm
Blade thickness 2 mm
Steel 420 (?)
Handles Cow’s horn
Blade-lock ---
Wheigt 50 g (roughly)

The knife was made by Coltellerie Conaz from Scarperia (FI), probably at mid ‘80s


Few more pics




This knife has a good cutting capacity, it’s light, and reasonable cheap


The common man who used this kind of knife was a real survivor, like Ciolino, here a pics form here and his wife (I guess) of 1920 circa whit their “car”


Ciolino was an agrarian who lived on the sourroundings of a small Tuscany’s village


Certainly, a Senese knife was part of his EDC (!)
Ciao,
Alfredo

 

[Blues]

Looks like a classic, useful European design. Thanks for sharing it with us. :thumbup:

 

[kenash]

Looks sweet. How much do they generally go for?

 

[martineden]

Looks like a classic, useful European design. Thanks for sharing it with us. :thumbup:

Thanks

 

[martineden]

Looks sweet. How much do they generally go for?

Thanks. Generally were used for food preparing in the field (cutting cheese, salami, bread, some fruits), than for light cutting tasks as cutting ropes or small branches.
Alfredo

 

[spydutch]

Very nice:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[waynorth]

As a second generation immigrant here in North American, it is nice to see the traditional knives, probably in a style used by my ancestors! Thanks for showing it Martin, and for the interesting pictures with it!!

 

[quattromori]

Maybe not my favourite Italian pattern, but for me this knife does carry a "familiar" feeling, like other Italian patterns, regardless of the differences in the blade and handle shape.
For those who like this pattern, Viper does a pretty nice Senese as well:

and by the way...what kind of question is "would you like a knife?"

Fausto

 

[martineden]

As a second generation immigrant here in North American, it is nice to see the traditional knives, probably in a style used by my ancestors! Thanks for showing it Martin, and for the interesting pictures with it!!

Thanks!

 

[popedandy]

That's a nice looking knife.

 

[Humppa]

Congratz to that knife for my neighours in Italy. Not really neighbours but nearer than they are to you guys in the US. BTW: We here in Europe have already gasolinedriven cars also and not only the fourlegged-guys...

Kind regards
Andi

 

[Will Power]

Starting to wonder for how much longer though.....

I like this pattern. Is it slipjoint or friction?

 

[martineden]

Starting to wonder for how much longer though.....

I like this pattern. Is it slipjoint or friction?

Slipjoint.

 

[martineden]

Congratz to that knife for my neighours in Italy. Not really neighbours but nearer than they are to you guys in the US. BTW: We here in Europe have already gasolinedriven cars also and not only the fourlegged-guys...

Kind regards
Andi

Thanks. About gasoline, are you sure? As a 1,6 euro/liter cost, maybe in future we'll use the 4legs-car again

 

[quattromori]

Please don't make our days sad thinking about the price of gas here...

Back to the topic: Will, if you are interested in this pattern, you may also take a look at the Bergamasco pattern. It's not too different from the Senese, and it's a slipjoint too (I owe you some hints on Italian traditionals....)
This is Viper's version of the Bergamasco:

Fausto

 

[Railsplitter]

OK now these have really caught my attention.


What is that golden handle material?

Where is the lock release?


If anybody knows how I can get one in the U.S.A. please send me a PM or email.

Thanks!

 

[rarreola]

it has the pattada style

 

[Humppa]

@martineden: Yeah you´re right. Maybe, when it gets still more expensive changing the vehicle would be a nice thought.... 1,60 € for a litre gasoline is really hardcore. But driving a small car which needs about 5 - 6 litre per 100 km it´s still expensive though.

Kind regards
Andi

 

[quattromori]

Rick, I'm glad "our" knives caught your interest I assume it was exactly the intention of the OP.
Actually, the Pattada pattern is a bit different (tomorrow I'll post a couple pics and you will see the difference).
These two (both the Senese and the Bergamasco) are slipjoints with backspring, no real lock (even tho maybe some maker offer them with a proper lock).
The Pattada pattern (as any knife form my island) is a friction folder.
The handle material (in both knives I posted) is smooth horn.
As for getting one in the US, I will check for you if you want. Those I posted are made by Viper, but other makers (production and custom) make this pattern. I will PM or email you tomorrow when I have news.

Fausto

 

[Railsplitter]

Thank you for your help, Fausto!

It is the Bergamasco slipjoint in your last picture that I am most interested in. I did some looking around online and the only U.S. dealer I found has some Vipers but not the Bergamasco model.

I seriously would like to get one.

Thanks again for your help.