The art of making blades in Molise is witnessed by a tale concerning the philosopher Benedetto Croce who rebuked a Londoner barber for the use of cheap blades, instead of those crafted in Molise.
In Frosolone, town of 3500 inhabitants in the province of Isernia, the art of crafting blades has very remote origins. The tradition started in XIV century, when were crafted swords for the Monforte dynasty. The tradition, then continued with the production of blades for domestic and agricultural use. The XIX century chronicles underline the quality of Molisean blades, mentioning the craftsmen Giustino and Luigi Fazioli, awarded with a silver medal at the exposition in Naples in 1828. Such products are still reproduced in Germany where they are highly appreciated. Felice Puniello, one of these craftsmen, tells how blades are made and finished with handles made of horns of white buffalo, hand worked.
At the end of the XIX century, thanks to the art of making blades Frosolone could survive the migratory crisis that hit Molise more than many other regions. But the Giolitti bill in 1911, which forbade the production of blades longer than 4 cm, caused a crisis in this sector, compelling the makers to emigrate overseas. There, the Miranda family, native of Frosolone, created the “Imperial Knife”, one of the first multinationals in this sector.
Today, the exhibit in Frosolone attracts craftsmen from other towns. The old shops in the historic centre of the town will be reused, creating an expository route. The craftwork lovers will be able to admire and buy not only this particular product, but discover also other attractions, as the dairy productions genuinely and traditionally made by the shepherds from the surrounding mountain areas.