The Genoese knife, which has its own unique style, was manufactured in the city of Genoa.
Some Genoese knives have a special shape, very similar to a dagger or stylet and are therefore prohibited. Its use was especially common in the territory of the Republic of Genoa from the 17th to 18th centuries. Knives of this type were a tool for work or everyday use. They could also be worn decoratively. Genoese-style knives are still used today, known for their constructive properties. Wearing a Genoese knife can lead to arrest, since it is forbidden to carry.[1]
The origin of the Genoese knife itself is ambiguous, since it is both a useful tool in everyday life and a practical combat weapon, with a rather low cost of manufacture. That these knives are made mainly by representatives of the criminal world, both historically and today, must also be taken into consideration.
In addition, some representatives of different sectors of society did not miss such an opportunity to include some features and elements of the Genoese knife,[2] into other knives. This contributed to the spread of Genoese knife styles in other parts of Italy, especially in Corsica, as there were found many specimens that clearly show influence from the Genoese knife.[3]
The handle of the Genoese knife is usually without a guard, slightly asymmetrical in shape compared to the blade. Very often the handle is made of olive wood, sage or laurel, which was popular in the 18th century in Genoa. In this case, the handle is called "perno" or "pernetto". The handle of the Genoese knife usually does not condense to increase the penetration and resistance at impact.[4]
There are different types of grips of the Genoese knife, in shape they can be very different from each other, both in material and finish. So it's useless to try to find any "common factor" or distinctive characteristics. Knife grips could also be made of metal, which is quite rare, especially the ivory knives. A unique specimen of the 18th century Genovese knife from ivory is represented in the collection of Butteen of the Medieval Arms Museum in Bologna, Lionello Shara. This Genoese knife was presented in the catalog in 1991.[5]
The shape of the blade of the Genoese knife can be both rectangular and elliptical, with pointed tip, and without a tip, as some categories, efficiency and purpose are also taken into account, both for kitchen work, and for sewing sails, leather, shipment of wagons and many other applications, including criminal use.[6][7]
Among many types of Genoese knife, combines some repetitive features of style, shape, technical details that certainly allow you to recognize and appreciate that this is both a weapon and at the same time a tool in everyday life.
Depending on the shapes and types of blades and handles, Genoese knives come in the following forms:
Some specimens of Genoese knives may include more than one of these design elements. However, the classification is not so categorical, since each kind of this knife lends itself to variable classification, including there are other ways of grouping and dividing.[8]
Undoubtedly, these weapons are dangerous and can cause significant harm in a combat encounter (for example, at the Tenth Council of the Most Serene Republic of Genoa, September 9, 1699, an announcement was made on the prohibition of the use of the Genoese knife in the port).[9]
After the knife was banned, the Genoese tried to hide their weapons in order to circumvent the laws of their City. Under these prevailing conditions, some elements of the Genoese knife's shape were modified. Masters of the Republic of Genoa began to produce a more "sharp knife", which began to be more appreciated by its owners. The references to the existence of this kind of Genoese knife and Knife art began to be much more often mentioned in documented and archival sources dating back to the second half of the 12th century.[10]
Genoa fencing technique contains a huge part of working with the Genoese knife.[11]