My time in Maniago was not spent collecting history. I already new SOI cover to cover. Instead I wanted to meet everyone I could and take photos. I wanted all of us at the forum to be able to put a face with the name. I also wanted to take some video of how these guys work. I had two contacts in Maniago. These were Internet friendships that started because of Sharperdeals auction site. I’m sure you all recognize or know Angelo Campolin (Jr.), and Lucio DiBon. Lucio will be a separate post. He owns (Jointly with Danilo Centazzo) the shop that produces scales and handles. Most of you know, Maniago is the perfect description of a “cottage industry”. Each shop produces a specific product for knives. One produces blades, another handles, and so on. Then there are the shops that we know, who assemble the knives. A phone call to Angelo set up a meeting for 1230, which left me enough time to go to Frank Beltrame’s shop.
It was a holiday weekend, and most of the shops were closed. Even with the workers on holiday, every owner was still working. These people are busy. It’s hard enough to make a living producing knives, let alone prosper at it. These guys prosper at it only because they work constantly. I arrived unexpected at Frank Beltrame’s shop. Each shop has a locked security gate. I rang the buzzer and was greeted by Frank himself. Frank was gracious and humble. He didn’t speak English, but we communicated enough for him to allow me inside to see him work. Once again, The Switchblades of Italy book created the bond.
He called his son, who arrived in a few minutes and spoke a little English. I’m sorry, but I forgot to write down Frank’s sons name. Someone please help me out.
Even being unexpected, I was given the grand tour and treated like a privileged guest. His daughter Sara arrived who works the office. She spoke English beautifully, and was very friendly and helpful. I’m sorry I don’t have a picture of her. When I asked Frank if I could photograph his vintage knife collection, this is all he had. I had to giggle inside when I saw this knife. Frank never kept any knives. He sold them all.
Here are shots of Franks shop.
Inspecting some damascus.
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