The tradition of hand-forged blades in the Molise mountains
In the mountains of central Molise, at about 900 metres, on a plateau between the valleys of the Biferno and the Trigno, Frosolone is a village known throughout Italy for its long tradition of knives and scissors, the "ferri taglienti", forged by hand by local craftsmen since at least the sixteenth century. For centuries, the knife-makers of Frosolone produced pocket knives, kitchen knives, shepherds' and hunting knives and scissors, which were sold at fairs throughout southern Italy, and their products were famous for their quality, their sharpness and their decorated handles of horn, wood and bone. Even today, some workshops continue this art, and others produce high-quality knives with modern techniques, appreciated by collectors and chefs.
In the village, the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti displays a rich collection of knives, scissors, tools and machines, which tell the history of this craft and of the families of craftsmen, and in the historic centre you can still visit some workshops, see the craftsmen at work at the forge and buy their products. Every year, in August, Frosolone hosts the Mostra Mercato delle Forbici e dei Coltelli, a fair with exhibitors from all over Italy and demonstrations of forging. The surrounding area is ideal for nature lovers: the plateau of Colle dell'Orso and the Monte Marchetta offer meadows, beech woods, limestone rocks used by climbers and paths, and the pastures are dotted with herds of horses and cows. Local cheeses, such as caciocavallo, are excellent.
Tip: visit the knife museum and a workshop; buy a hand-forged pocket knife as a souvenir; walk on the Colle dell'Orso.
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