Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mastro Livi







     The other day Chef asked me if I wanted to go see how the knives were made at the knife-smith in Perugia. Since I am a cook, I am also a bit of a knife enthusiest as well, so I jumped at the chance. You know, tools of the trade, extention of the hand, and all of that good stuff.
     We boxed up all of the kitchen knifes for sharpening and headed to the shop of the master knife-smith, Mastro Lido Livi. Chef has been getting all of his knives from Mastro Livi ever since he started to cook professionally 14 years ago, and they have been friends ever since.
     The style of knife that Mastro Livi began making five years ago is similar the the Japanese knifes made by Global. One continuous piece of steel from the tip of the blade to butt of the handle. The knives are top quality, made from stainless steel, and are super sharp and super light.
      Along with producing kitchen knives, Mastro Livi is world famous for the hand crafted straight razors and classic barbers scissors that he produces. In Italian the word Mastro means master, and it is given to a craftsman by his clients. Mastro Livi makes incredibly beautiful straight razors and scissors using Damascus Steel.
     I was just about knocked off my feet when Mastro Livi asked me to write my name down on a piece of paper, which he then took to engrave on to the large knife that I am holding in the picture. He gave me the knife along with 5 dvds of him producing his work in various parts of the world. I was really blown away by his generosity and his kindness. It was really an in incredible experience and I'm truelly greatfull for the gifts that will always remind me of my time spent in Italy.