Poisson-Culot
POISSON-CULOT is pronounced [pwa.sɔ̃.ky.lo], which translates as "cheeky fish" and exactly describes the shape of the knife. It has been known and loved on the northern coasts of France for ... know more
POISSON-CULOT is pronounced [pwa.sɔ̃.ky.lo], which translates as "cheeky fish" and exactly describes the shape of the knife. It has been known and loved on the northern coasts of France for many generations, probably since the turn of the century. The vernacular affectionately gave it a second name: Kenavo ("goodbye" in Breton), because it was often a farewell gift from women when sailors went on Great Voyage, meant to bring them luck and remind them of the sweetheart they left behind. Let's not forget, such voyages across continents could take years.
The POISSON-CULOT does not have the "English" or "sheepsfoot" blade with a lowered tip that usually is found on maritime knives, but rather a so-called "Bourbonnaise" blade, the tip of which is higher and in the longitudinal axis of the knife. Why it deffers from the normal type of blade is not yet clear, but at the end, it does not make the knife any less suitable for the work and the activities on board … or for taking meals with it.
It is another detail that makes the POISSON-CULOT unique: it is the flat metal plate attached to the end of the handle, which can be engraved with initials or which simply allows the pipe smoker to use the knife to plug his pipe.
As it always is with the maritime knives, they were not reserved for seafarers exclusively. On land, too, people recognised their beauty, versatility, usefulness and used them as well. In the end, they can be found in the pockets of everyone who appreciates a good knife.
The POISSON-CULOT with handles made of hard boxwood of the Pyrenees was manufactured in the cutlery of tradition PARAPLUIE in Thiers, where these knives have been made since generations for the markets of the fishermen on the northern coasts. At our request, they were made with the badge "Faith-Love-Hope", the ancient wish and greeting of the seafarers. As a sign of authenticity, they present the forge's mark on the blade.
In 2021, we started making POISSON-CULOT with great care in our atelier in Thiers. To realize these small series we only use very rare and exclusive woods such as Amboina, Gaboun ebony or Arizona desert ironwood. This means, like this they are not only at the level of workmanship of real gentleman's knives, but also largely resist the influence of humidity and are therefore also suitable for use on a boat or a yacht.
The blades of our models are made of Inox Sandvik 12C27. The blade’s contact with the spring is suppressed by pncetage. They have a precise, neatly placed back bevel "à l'entablure" perfectly corresponding to the nail cut. For us, in addition to the quality of workmanship, details like this give our knives their charm and special elegance. On their blades, they present our emblem, the coq ... more about of POISSON-CULOT’s region of origin
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