DRAGONFLY & CRÉATIONS GALANT
Metalsmith
According to certain specialists, the Nontron, a traditional knife from the “Périgord Vert”, is the oldest knife in France. Since the 13th century, its blade has been composed of three types of steel while its handle is carved from a single piece of wood that has dried for at least four years. This long history gave rise to a custom… It used to be said that you shouldn’t give a friend a knife at the risk of severing the ties of friendship. According to custom, in order to ward off bad luck, the recipient should give the gift bearer the smallest coin from his or her wallet. Hence the gift becomes a purchase and the friendship is preserved. We asked Coutellerie Nontronnaise, under the art direction of designer Christian Ghion, to create the “Lame ailée” knife inspired by the dragonfly, the symbol of the Domaine des Etangs. The wood handle, available in oak or walnut, has been sculpted into the insect’s slender and delicate body while its wings rest in the casing.
