A handcrafted business that produces bespoke knives , highly prized for their functionality and beauty, and ultimately associated with rarity. Production is based on orders; mass production is unheard of, with only some planning undertaken when orders are numerous (which occurs almost year-round).
This unparalleled craftsmanship prevails in this part of western Asturias for several reasons. The main ones are: the abundance of ore, the water—with sufficient flow to power the blowpipes—the wood needed for the fires in the forges, and above all, an oral tradition that has generously shared explanations and sentiments related to iron. The fire is also fueled by habit. The artisanal sensibility toward metal , which developed throughout Asturias in the 19th century for the production of household utensils and tools, has found in Taramundi a continuity adapted to the times and the new demands of the market.
The care with which some locals now dedicate themselves to knife making has deep roots: forges, fulling mills, mechanisms, and all sorts of tools associated with rainwater and the rural environment . Forging has always been linked to waterways, and like the water of a river, it flows constantly today in some 14 artisan workshops and a small factory in the town of Taramundi itself. Around 1960, there were about 80 artisan workshops in Taramundi . Today, visitors can observe the work of the blacksmiths or knife makers in Abraído, Aguillón, Bres, Cabaniñas, Esquíos, Llan, Loutima, Mousende, Nogueira, Río del Louro, Vega de Llan, and Vilanova. A permanent knife exhibition can also be seen at the Taramundi Cultural Center.
Counterfeits and fraud are common with this handcrafted product. It's easy to buy a supposed Taramundi knife, but it's less easy to find one that's truly handmade . So, the best thing to do is visit the town and see one of the workshops in person. This way, you'll learn about the local way of life and, at the same time, identify the signs of authenticity. Then you can make a purchase with sufficient information.
We can also visit the Taramundi Cutlery Museum in the village of Pardiñas, three kilometers from the council's capital. Besides the educational exhibit on the craft, this museum is known for housing a giant knife at its entrance, the largest in the world at 7,20 meters long and weighing 1.500 kg.
How do they make a Taramundi knife?
A meticulous and deliberate, masterful process, in pursuit of a perfect knife, unique and unlike any other . The artisans of this small ironworking industry say that proper apprenticeship takes no less than five years. In reality, the skill and dedication required for this craft cannot be acquired in less time, something we realize when we observe their work. The artisan's hands are made of equal parts patience and agility , adapting their movements to the precise requirements of each stage.
The traditional manufacturing process requires knowledge of several trades: blacksmith, woodcarver, and carpenter. The phases are multidisciplinary, and the knife is the product of a guild experienced in various tasks. A forge is needed to heat the iron. The metal is placed there over a slow fire, and when it glows red-hot, the forging begins. With a mallet and hammer, the blade's profile is shaped. The subsequent technique of hand-sharpening the pieces is unique in Spain . With a gentle temper and a mallet, it can be easily sharpened in expert hands. Both the stainless steel, specially designed for cutting, and the wood for the handle were already waiting in the workshop. A complete knife takes three hours . The carving of the handle, based on colorful geometric designs, and the subsequent varnishing of the grip with resin are the most time-consuming parts; the final finishing of the knife includes polishing the blade, cleaning the interior, and applying the maker's mark, among other tasks. Small, indicative notches on the handle and ring betray the handcrafted nature of the work . Indeed, artisanal production also involves a degree of specialization: handles, blades, and rings are arranged separately before final assembly, with subtle markings that distinguish the pairs.
Types of Taramundi knives
In the workshops, the specialization in knife making is evident in various types of knives and pocketknives : pruning knives (sickle-shaped), grafting knives (the best for grafting in agricultural work), hunting knives, ham knives, table knives, and mushroom knives (specifically shaped for this task with a brush attached to the handle for cleaning the harvested mushrooms). Also famous are the octopus scissors, very popular in Galicia, as they are the most suitable for cutting octopus and fish.
Photo report by Alex Badía
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
