Greece

[abcdef]

Thought I would ask. Is there such a thing as the iconic traditional Greek pocketknife that a porch dweller should buy? If so, where? I'm going only once. Folding kopis, makhaira or xiphos does not count, unless it's the right answer. Thanks.

 

[screened porch]

Interesting question.
I googled, and it looks like Crete claims some traditional knives both fixed and folding. I don't know about one THE. Or how much regional variation you'd find.
I expect you'd find a lot of hawkbill pruners in the countryside.

Have a great trip and tell us what you find.

 

[Jack Black]

This is a traditional Cretan agricultural knife. The pattern has a name, but sadly, I forget it. Supposed to be common. I sent it to another forum member some years ago for use on his farm

 

[afishhunter]

This is a traditional Cretan agricultural knife. The pattern has a name, but sadly, I forget it. Supposed to be common. I sent it to another forum member some years ago for use on his farm

multi-blade friction folder? Nifty.

 

[Jack Black]

multi-blade friction folder? Nifty.

They're really cheaply made I forget who it was wanted it, but he said it was being used on their farm, and that his wife was quite taken with it

 

[calm]

As pointed, Crete has some friction folders and there used to be some makers in Heraclion that made knives, using files, with horn handles. They were active at least a decade ago.
Google may help.
In general, in the old days, friction folders or fixed blades, used by shepherds, were the knives to have.
I may have some photographs somewhere.

 

[abcdef]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the Greeks were more into swords.

 

[Jody744]

 

[Jody744]

I honestly have no idea, but I always have some sarcasm waiting to burst out….

 

[meako]

View attachment 2150532

A guy actually did this to me....only after he'd almost hit me with his car and got the full message of what I thought of him...

 

[Jody744]

I tried to find a pic of the sidekick from the movie Grease, only found video clips. My 9 year old does have a switch comb and uses it often!

 

[calm]

Trying to give some more useful information to the OP, so here are 3 knives from Crete bought over 30 years ago.

The first one is a typical shepherds knife, made using a file. It originally had ram horn handles but these were eaten away by worms, during storage, so I had them replaced with plastic (classy.... ). These were hand made and I bought it from the actual maker's shop.

The second one is a typical friction folder, a bit rough around the edges and I do not remember if I tried to sharpen it or if it came like this.

The third one is a more touristy knife, that can probably still be found in shops. It is an actual knife and not just a souvenir.

All three have some writing/drawing about Crete and its culture, in Greek, on the blade and this was typical of the knives in Crete and does not mean they are souvenirs.

All three are meant to be used and feel solid with decent ergonomics. They are probably still available, though I do not know if they will still be of decent quality.

https://imgur.com/VGEldOz

 

[abcdef]

Trying to give some more useful information to the OP, so here are 3 knives from Crete bought over 30 years ago.

Thanks.

View attachment 2150532

I wish I needed one of these.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

View attachment 2150532

Wrong "Grease".