French knives manufacturing
Handcrafted cutlery
The art of cutlery is one of the traditional trades that will never grow old. Lovers of beautiful blades appreciate the traditional know-how revealed by a handcrafted knife. 100% French manual craftsmanship handles materials with dexterity, offering a top-of-the-line product with an instantly recognizable design.
A good cutler does the work of a blacksmith, metalworker, woodworker and designer and is also fun-loving. Otherwise what’s the use of imagining and making pretty creations if it’s not to cut the meat, slice dry sausage and slice a handful of onions thinly with relish ?
How about a top-of-the-line pocket knife ?
Do you know what Morta is ? It’s an oak tree from the Brière marshes. Born 5,000 years ago, the oak forest was buried in the soil by geological upheavals due to repeated tos and fros between sea and land. Protected by brown peat then black peat, the oak trees have fossilized, high in silica. It is this mineral that gives the oak a beautiful black colour, like ebony with natural copper hues. That is why it is nicknamed the “black gold of Brière”.
Extracted by hand (with a few rudimentary tools like probes, spades and cranes), Morta bears the nobility of the millennia spent waiting. A crucial element of Brière’s heritage, its name comes from the local dialect. Moreover classic literature places it at the centre of its intrigues. Tales, legends, novels (La Brière by Alphonse de Châteaubriant) and scientific works (Lionel Visset) give it a place of honour.
The Morta knife, a collector’s knife and why not ? Will you place it among regional knives, high-quality knives or original knives ?
Intent on only combining noble materials, the Morta knife combines black and white gold. Mammoth ivory, native to Siberia (Yakoutia more precisely) or Canada, is found after the permafrost. The authorities legalized its trade because it helps protect living elephants. In fact, the value of elephant ivory drops drastically if another ivory is available on the market, de facto reducing poaching.
So you can choose the originality of three small discreet inlays of mammoth ivory delicately positioned on your knife’s wooden handle.
I want to know more about mammoth ivory.
Couteaux Morta’s folding knives stand out for their handcrafted French design, reflecting a blend of traditional blacksmithing and modern aesthetics. Unlike classical methods that often employ a variety of high-carbon steel types, Couteau Morta’s Damascus steel knives are crafted using blades made from RWL34 – PMC37 steel, known for their 59 HRC hardness. This modern approach involves meticulous processes like sintering, ensuring fine, regular grain, exceptional durability, and unique steel properties.
Techniques like blade forging, where materials are heated and hammered together, and modern knifemaking methods, including grinding, filing, and polishing, are employed to reveal the distinct layered pattern and beauty of Damascus knives.
The surface pattern, achieved through etching or acid treatment, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the durability and flexibility of these knives.
Morta, often called the “black gold of Brière”, is a rare oak fossilized over 5,000 years. This material gives the knives their distinctive black hue and natural copper tones, setting them apart from typical stainless steel or carbon steel blades.
Choosing a Morta knife means selecting a piece rich in history and unique in appearance, ideal for a collector or as a special birthday or anniversary gift.
Couteaux Morta’s kitchen knives, including the Damascus chef knife, are designed for heavy-duty cooking tasks. Their sharp blades, crafted from Damascus steel, provide exceptional precision and durability.
The ergonomic handles ensure comfort and control, making them perfect for professional kitchen environments.
These knives are not just practical cooking tools but also unique kitchen gifts, combining functionality with artistic design.
Yes, many of Couteaux Morta’s knives, including the fixed blade and folding pocket knife options, are designed with a tactical edge. They are ideal for outdoor activities like camping or hunting, offering reliable performance with their sharp, heavy-duty blades.
The knives’ unique design elements, like hand-forged steel and innovative locking mechanisms, make them suitable for both practical use and as a part of a knife collection.
Proper storage and maintenance are key to preserving the quality of these knives. A magnetic knife holder or a knife block without knives can be used for safe and convenient storage.
Regular sharpening and cleaning are recommended, especially for the Damascus steel and carbon steel blades, to maintain their sharpness and prevent corrosion.
A knife sheath, preferably made of leather, is also advisable for protection when the knife is not in use.
Couteaux Morta’s pocket knives are designed for everyday carry, offering functionality and style. Compact and durable, they can easily be attached to a keychain or tucked into a pocket with a clip.
These knives are versatile, serving as utility knives for daily tasks or as unique gifts for special occasions. The combination of practicality and unique design makes them a preferred choice for EDC enthusiasts.
The unique craftsmanship, premium materials like Damascus steel and Morta, and the artistic design of Couteaux Morta knives make them excellent gift ideas.
Whether as a birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or a unique anniversary present, these knives are sure to impress. Their blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal makes them a cherished item for any recipient.
Couteaux Morta, by blending traditional French cutlery techniques with innovative designs, plays a crucial role in preserving the art of cutlery.
Their use of Morta, a material with historical significance, and their commitment to handcrafted quality showcase their dedication to the craft. This approach not only preserves traditional methods but also introduces new, creative designs to the world of cutlery.
