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Information about Berti Knives
* Photo of Andrea Berti courtesy Tom Westerich
Describing the term "tang" in cutlery:
Tang refers to the portion of metal that extends from the knife's blade into the handle.
Full Tang: Many considerations factor in determining the quality of a knife, but Full Tang knives are considered the sturdiest, as the blade's metal extends through the entire handle. The handle material is secured to the blade tang with three rivets. This makes a knife more balanced, and more resistant to breakage from use.
Anchored Tang: The distinctive shape of the Berti Ox horn kitchen knives and Plenum steak knife set are made from a single piece of genuine ox horn or boxwood, without rivets. In order to accommodate the natural material and one-piece handle design, the knife is made with the tang anchored in the grip.
The knife is anchored in the handle with glue. Berti assures that due to the method of construction, the anchored tang knives are still quite strong.
Berti stands behind the quality and durability of all their knives.
The Ox horn Coltellerie Berti uses comes always from the tip of the horn, which is the strongest and most durable part. No animals are harmed in the harvesting of the horn. The horn tips are simply cut off.
Full Tang or Anchored Tang? Which should you choose?
If you are looking for a truly balanced "workhorse" knife, selecting a full tang knife is advisable.
However, for steak knives, carving sets, filet knives, slicers, etc.,
an anchored tang knife is a valid option. There is something exceptional about the feel of the ox horn or boxwood grip. It comes down to personal
preference for aesthetics and comfort.
Giving a Knife as a Gift:
European tradition specifies that if you are given a knife as a gift, you must give the giver a small coin in return. The small payment makes will ensure that your friendship will not be "cut."
"Blades of Glory"
(Excerpted from "Tableware Today," February/March 2008 issue)
David Reiss had been on the look out for a unique line that would complement the first-rate quality and old-world artistry of Match, the luxe pewter company he founded 13 years ago which has brought high-end, handcrafted Italian pewter to the nation’s independent retailers. “Everything I looked at in the past just wasn’t special enough,” Reiss begins. “I was looking for another hand-made Italian line because I strongly believe in the brand ‘Made in Italy’, and I felt that customers looking for the best hand-made Italian products weren’t being well served.” Now Match’s 1,500-strong retail base is being introduced to Coltellerie Berti (hereafter known by the anglicized Berti Cutlery), that long sought-after line which perfectly adhered to Reiss’ rigorous requirements. “Tradition and history are important to me and my accounts,” Reiss proffers. “Berti is made totally by hand by a handful of artisans using production methods that are centuries old. This kind of craft is fast disappearing so I’m really happy to have found this fabulous company that has a fabulous story to tell.”
[Reiss says:] “There are always people who demand the best, who understand the value of hand-made craftsmanship. That’s the market I serve.” Andrea Berti, who designs much of the line, echoes that sentiment. “Berti reminds us that there are values that exist, different and more important than those offered by modern-day consumerism and low-cost labor,” Berti posits. “There’s a joy and interest in owning a knife crafted to last, not to be thrown away after a brief period of unsatisfactory use.”
Amid rolling hills of verdant forests, Berti’s artisans hone their craft using minimal machinery in a small 1,500-square-foot workshop, after stringent eight-year apprenticeships. “That’s the beauty and magic of this product,” Reiss acknowledges. “The workers do everything by hand, from start to finish. It really is quite extraordinary to see.” Andrea Berti appreciates the reaction of people like Reiss to the production process which remains virtually unchanged since his great-grandfather’s tenure. “Our method means that each knife is appreciated for its uniqueness of character, given by the harmony of its form and the minute detail bestowed by its craftsman,” Berti rhapsodizes. “In each of our knives there is the thought, the hand, and the presence of a unique person.”
It’s this hands-on fastidiousness, Reiss informs, which makes for a razor sharp blade. “Most Americans haven’t experienced an extraordinary knife,” Reiss suggests. “Other companies put their blades through a machine once to create a cutting edge. A Berti knife goes through three hand processes, producing a far superior cutting edge. When chefs use our knives they smile. This is the test of a great knife.”
Article excerpt copyright "Tableware Today" February/March 2008. Link to Full article | |
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