What is a Taramundi pocket knife?

Taramundi pocket knives are pieces of craftsmanship that represent the tradition and cultural heritage of the region of Western Asturias and Eastern Galicia, in Spain. These pocket knives, which are manufactured in the town of Taramundi, A Pontenova, and their surroundings, are known for their quality and unique design that distinguishes them from other pocket knives in the Iberian Peninsula.

The origin of Taramundi pocket knives dates back to the 18th century when the manufacture of pocket knives became an important activity in the region of Taramundi and A Pontenova. The inhabitants of the area began to manufacture pocket knives for their daily use, and it soon became a commercial activity. Over time, Taramundi pocket knives became popular throughout Spain and other European countries.

Taramundi pocket knives must be handcrafted using ancient techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each pocket knife is unique and handcrafted using high-quality materials such as steel and wood. The design of the Taramundi pocket knife is very characteristic, with a narrow, curved handle that fits perfectly in the hand. In addition, the pocket knife handle is made of wood and is individually carved, which gives a personalized touch to each piece.

Taramundi pocket knives have been highly valued for their quality and cultural value. In addition to being a useful tool, they are also considered an object of art and can be found in museum collections and galleries around the world. Taramundi pocket knives are also a symbol of Asturian and Galician culture and tradition and are used in celebrations and cultural events in both regions, as well as being a symbol of the union of the Galician and Galician-Asturian peoples.

The manufacture of Taramundi pocket knives has declined in recent years due to competition from industrial products and the lack of interest of new generations in maintaining traditions. However, there are still some craftsmen who continue with the tradition and produce high-quality pocket knives, as is the case of master craftsman José Rodil. It is important to continue to value and promote Taramundi pocket knives as part of the cultural heritage of Asturias, Galicia, and Spain in general.

There are very few pure craftsmen who continue to manufacture traditionally, and hand forging each pocket knife. For this reason, José Rodil, together with his family, has fought tirelessly to preserve this tradition that his father and grandfather passed on to him. José Rodil pocket knives, manufactured in A Pontenova, a few kilometers from the villages where his father and grandfather forged the J. Rodil brand, are the greatest exponent of hand-forged pocket knives, never stamped or imported. Both government agencies and craft organizations, as well as regional and national media, corroborate the mastery and dedication that characterizes the master craftsman José Rodil.

What makes Taramundi pocket knives different?

Taramundi pocket knives stand out from traditional ones mainly because of their design and quality. Its design is singular and distinctive, unmistakable with the rest of the pocket knives in Spain and the world, with a narrow and curved blade that must be forged in the forge by hand and a wooden handle carved, drawn, and painted in a unique way. This design has endured over time thanks to the transmission of artisanal techniques from generation to generation, as is the case of the craftsman José Rodil.

In terms of quality, Taramundi pocket knives are known to be among the best in Spain. High-quality materials are used, such as steel or stainless steel of first quality, and selected wood, such as boxwood or ebony wood. In addition, in the case of J. Rodil, each pocket knife has a quality guarantee, ensuring its proper functioning and durability.

The traditional pocket knives of Europe: a comparison and the success of the pocket knives of Taramundi and José Rodil

Europe has a rich tradition in the manufacture of pocket knives. Over the centuries, different regions have developed unique styles and techniques for producing these tools.

Below is a comparative table of the different types of traditional pocket knives in Europe:

Taramundi pocket knives: Originating from the border region between Western Asturias and Eastern Galicia, Spain, these pocket knives have a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The excellent quality of these pocket knives lies in the craftsmanship and materials used. The blacksmiths of Taramundi used traditional techniques for centuries to forge the carbon steel and the wooden or animal horn handles. The versatile and elegant design of these pocket knives makes them very functional and attractive objects.

Albacete pocket knives: Hailing from the city of Albacete in Spain, these pocket knives also have a long tradition. Although the quality of Albacete pocket knives is high, the difference with Taramundi pocket knives lies in the focus on decoration and ornamentation, which can detract from functionality and strength.

Sgian Dubh pocket knives: These Scottish pocket knives have a distinctive design with a small blade and ornate handle. They are often used as part of traditional Scottish attire. Despite their aesthetic appeal, the Sgian Dubh is not as versatile or sturdy as the Taramundi pocket knives.

Opinel pocket knives: Opinel pocket knives, originally from France, are known for their simple and functional design. Although they are very popular and of good quality, their design is not as refined as that of the Taramundi pocket knives and they are often considered more practical tools than objects of art.

Laguiole pocket knives: Also originating from France, Laguiole pocket knives are known for their sophisticated and elegant design, with a curved handle and a distinctive "bumblebee" tang. While beautiful and high quality, their focus on aesthetics and ornamentation may make them less sturdy and functional compared to Taramundi pocket knives.

Steps of the Taramundi pocket knife manufacturing process

The manufacture of a Taramundi pocket knife is a handcrafted process that requires skill, patience, and dedication. Next, we will describe the general, but not unique, steps that are followed to manufacture a Taramundi pocket knife.

Selection of materials: The first step is to select the appropriate materials. High-quality steel is used for the blade of the pocket knife and boxwood, uz, ebony, or rosewood, among others, which are hard and resistant woods, are used for the handle.

Cutting and forging: The steel is cut into blades and heated in a forge until it reaches the proper temperature for forging. The blade is forged in sheet form with the hammer and anvil, giving it the characteristic shape of the Taramundi pocket knife. However, the shape may vary, as is the case with the famous Hoja Chata pocket knife. It is important when buying a handmade pocket knife to check the dimensions of the pocket knife. If we see that a pocket knife has the same dimensions as the rest of the pocket knives of the same model, it means that it is not a handmade pocket knife. Two industrial pocket knives are always going to be millimetrically the same. Two handmade pocket knives, to a certain extent, will always be different.

Tempering and sharpening: After forging, the blade undergoes a tempering process to harden it and give it greater resistance. The blade is then sharpened to give it the proper cutting edge.

Handle carving: Once the blade is ready, the handle of the pocket knife is carved. For this, a piece of wood from local woods or more exotic woods is used, as is the case of the new LEGADO RODIL collection, which is carved by hand with carpentry and cabinetmaking tools. Handle carving is a painstaking task that requires skill and precision to achieve the desired design. It can also be drawn, burned, painted, or painted. In addition, traditional varnishes will be used to preserve pocket knives for many years.

Assembly: Finally, the blade and handle of the pocket knife are assembled. The handle is placed on the blade and fixed by means of steel rivets, also known as rings. A final adjustment is made to ensure that the pocket knife works properly. Taramundi pocket knives do not have a safety lock, nor do they open automatically.

Making a Taramundi pocket knife is a process that takes days, depending on the level of detail and design of the pocket knife. A legitimate Taramundi craftsman, such as José Rodil, will have no problem personalizing the pocket knife with the name of his choice.

Materials of the pocket knives of Taramundi J. Rodil

As we have already said, J. Rodil's pocket knives are widely considered to be the best example of Taramundi pocket knives due to their quality and respect for the artisan world. Master craftsman José Rodil uses high-quality materials in the production of traditional Taramundi pocket knives. The following is a description of the materials most commonly used in their manufacture:

Steel: He uses first-quality steel, of high hardness and resistance, for the manufacture of the pocket knife blade. This steel is subjected to forging and tempering processes to guarantee its strength and durability. Steel is a metallic alloy composed mainly of iron and carbon, with varying amounts of other elements such as manganese, nickel, chromium, and vanadium, among others. Its recycling is very efficient, which makes it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

Wood: Wood is an essential material in the production of Taramundi pocket knives, and José Rodil uses hard and resistant woods such as boxwood, ebony, or rosewood. The wood is carved and treated to guarantee its durability and resistance to humidity. The following is a description of the characteristics of boxwood, Uz, ebony, and rosewood and why they are perfect for use in Taramundi pocket knives:

Boxwood: Boxwood, also known as Buxus sempervirens, is a species of shrub found in the wild in various areas of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It has long been used to make pocket knife handles due to its strength, hardness, and durability. Boxwood is very dense, hard, and compact, with a fine and uniform grain, which makes it ideal for the manufacture of pocket knife handles, as it resists wear and tear and does not warp easily. In addition, this wood is very resistant to humidity and corrosion, which allows it to maintain its appearance and durability even in humid environments.

Among the advantages of boxwood for the manufacture of pocket knife handles is its ability to maintain its color and texture for long periods of time. Boxwood comes in light yellow or light brown shades, with a uniform, smooth appearance, and can be polished to a smooth, glossy finish, making it a very attractive option for pocket knife handles.

On the other hand, boxwood is a very easy wood to work with, making it easy for pocket knife makers to give it the desired shape and texture. It is a wood that can be easily cut and carved, which makes it very manageable and versatile for the production of pocket knife handles. Master craftsman José Rodil is an expert in the use and properties of this wood, which is found in numerous forests on the Cantabrian coast. It is the wood that is used to a greater extent in the collection of pocket knives and knives J. Rodil, and it is also the wood most associated with the pocket knives of Taramundi.

Uz: Uz wood, also known as heather, is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and weather resistance in the manufacture of pocket knife handles. This wood is characterized by its density, hardness, and uniform grain which gives it a smooth texture to the touch. In addition, uz wood is resistant to wear, abrasion, and moisture, making it an ideal choice for pocket knives used in demanding environments.

Another advantage of uz wood is its natural appeal due to its smooth, even texture and light yellow to reddish color. In addition, uz wood is easy to work with, allowing pocket knife makers to shape and texture it to their liking, making it very versatile in the manufacture of pocket knife handles.

Ebony: Ebony wood is highly valued in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knife handles due to its beauty, density, and durability. Ebony is an evergreen tree that grows in tropical regions of Africa, India, and Sri Lanka, and its wood is known for its deep black color and fine, even texture. It is extremely dense and resistant to abrasion and wear, making it an ideal choice for high-quality pocket knives. In addition, master craftsman José Rodil was the first to create Taramundi pocket knives with ebony handles with white patterns, creating attractive and elegant designs.

The use of ebony wood in Taramundi pocket knives has allowed these pocket knives to have an impressive aesthetic, making them collector's items. The technique used by master craftsman José Rodil to create white patterns on the ebony wood has been highlighted by the beauty of the contrasting black and white colors on the pocket knife handles.

Palisander: This wood is native to South America and is characterized by its dark reddish color and distinctive grain pattern. It is highly resistant to moisture and rot, making it ideal for humid environments. It also has a fine texture that is soft to the touch, making it an excellent choice for carving pocket knife handles with a smooth, elegant finish. It is highly valued for its beauty and durability, making it a popular choice for high-quality pocket knife handles.

Other woods: Rosewood, redwood, and purplewood are tropical woods prized for their beauty and durability in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knives. These woods are known for their hardness, color, and distinctive grain, and are commonly used in the manufacture of musical instruments and woodwork. Master craftsman Jose Rodil is an expert in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knives from these woods, and his work has been recognized nationally and internationally. In addition, other less common woods are also used in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knife handles, such as olive wood and walnut wood. Both kinds of wood are valued for their unique texture and patterns and are very durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Below is a table to get an overall picture of the use of different types of wood in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knives.

Rivets: The rivets of stainless steel or brass, guarantee the subjection of the handle and the blade of the pocket knife.

The pocket knives of Jose Rodil, master craftsman in the manufacture of Taramundi pocket knives

J. Rodil pocket knives are widely considered today as the best example of Taramundi pocket knives due to their exceptional quality, unique design, guaranteed 100% handmade production, and respect for this centuries-old tradition. These pocket knives are the result of the experience and skill of a family of artisans who were born in Taramundi and who have passed on their knowledge from generation to generation for more than a century.

The quality of J. Rodil's pocket knives is incomparable, and this is attested by national newspapers and regional and national television. In addition, J. Rodil's pocket knives have reached all over the world, such as the United States and Japan. They are handmade with materials of excellent quality. In addition, he is undoubtedly the most innovative craftsman in the designs. In his extensive catalog, he has pocket knives that respect the traditional designs that were sold at fairs centuries ago, as groundbreaking models, never seen in a pocket knife from Taramundi.

In addition, J. Rodil's knives have become a symbol of the region. This is a clear example of how to preserve local traditions and bring them into the 21st century.

XXI.

History of the pocket knives of Taramundi and José Rodil

The history of Taramundi pocket knives goes back centuries in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, where the need for tools for daily life prompted the creation of handmade pocket knives. The tradition of forging pocket knives has been passed down from generation to generation, perfecting the technique over time.

Blacksmiths in the Galicia and Asturias region began working iron and steel to make tools and weapons, but also created pocket knives for everyday use, becoming an important element in the rural life of the area.

The tradition of blacksmiths in Galicia and Asturias is due to the existence of iron and coal deposits in the region, which led to a strong metallurgical industry since ancient times. In addition, the orography and climatic conditions of the area, with numerous rivers and forests, allowed the construction of mills and the supply of wood for the production of charcoal, necessary for the iron smelting process.

Today, José Rodil is one of the few remaining master craftsmen in the noble art of forging pocket knives in Taramundi. He learned the craft from his father and has continued the tradition in his forge in A Pontenova, a few kilometers from where his grandfather practiced his trade.

Where to buy a Taramundi J. Rodil razor?

In conclusion, José Rodil uses high-quality materials in the production of traditional Taramundi knives. The combination of steel, wood, and metal rivets gives rise to high-quality knives with a unique design, which has become a symbol of craftsmanship and quality in the manufacture of knives.

Where to buy the handmade knives of J. Rodil. José Rodil knives are sold both on his website: jrodilartesania.com and at daponteonline.com (official store). In addition, as a novelty, LEGADO RODIL has recently launched, a premium collection of knives with groundbreaking designs made with exotic woods. This premium collection is a tribute to all the Rodil family artisans, those who are here, and those who are no longer here, but who remain in the soul of each knife by the master craftsman José Rodil.