’U Zaccagnu
Also known as “vopa”, it is one of the most widespread and best-known old Calabrian knives.
- Handle
- Calabrian buffalo horn
- Inlays
- 925 silver and a diamond of Australian mother-of-pearl
Knives
The soul of a place hides in its landscapes, its culture, its flavours, in the gestures and rituals of the people who live there. Discovering it is never finished.
While looking for knives for Hyle, chef Antonio Biafora found that the Sila keeps a hidden treasure: a long tradition of handmade knives, with a history and a character of its own.
From forge to table
So began a dialogue with Salvatore Tarantino, a local craftsman and heir to this old knowledge. Together they started a project of handmade knives: rooted in the place, honest, recognisable.
From the design of 19th-century Calabrian knives came five types of knife.
Coltello del frate
One of the most common Calabrian knives of the 19th century. In its traditional form the blade comes with a fork that slides into the handle, which is why it is also called the “knife with the fork”.
- Handle
- Sila cherry wood
- Inlays
- A diamond of Calabrian buffalo horn
Mozzetta
One of the best-known traditional knives. Its unusual shape meant it could be used even when pointed knives were banned by law. It was also a gift for brides.
- Handle
- Ram’s horn
- Inlays
- 925 silver and two diamonds of Calabrian rustic goat horn
’A Capurale
A reinterpretation of an old knife with a broken tip. Salvatore Tarantino dedicated it to his grandfather, known as “’A Capurale” after the family nickname: a tribute to time passing, which does not stop a good blade from cutting.
- Handle
- Calabrian olive wood
Arvo
The steak knife designed by Salvatore. It is named after Lake Arvo, at Lorica: that is where, on a family outing, he came up with the idea for a cutting knife.
- Handle
- Sila beech
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