Antonini
Founded 1945 · Maniago, Italy · The Antonini family
Antonini is an Italian cutlery house from Maniago, the Friulian town that has been forging steel since the fifteenth century. It is known above all for the Old Bear, a wooden-handled knife with a bear silhouette that is to Italy what the Opinel is to France.
History
The Antonini family has been manufacturing in Maniago since 1945, in the same valley where cutlery has been a trade for more than five hundred years. The Old Bear was born as a field knife, with a beech or olive handle and a simple lock, and in time became the most recognisable traditional Italian knife. The house keeps production entirely Italian, increasingly rare in the trade.
Iconic models
Old Bear
A wooden handle with the bear silhouette stamped into it; made from the keyring XS up to the XL.
Old Bear in olive
The olive-wood version, with a different grain on every piece.
Worth knowing
Maniago has been forging knives since 1453, when the local lord brought in smiths to make use of the river's water power. Antonini is one of the houses still there.
Antonini at Reserva de Marcha
See all 10 in the catalogue →
Professional Search and Rescue Knife Black Handle by Antonini
01OB001 Old Bear Knife by Medium
Old Bear L Pocket Knife with Blade 3-5/8", 8-1/4"
ANT91720 Caltagirone Steel Folding Knife Pocket Folder
Old Bear Knife, Small
Bear XL Antonini, 01OB005 Old Bear XL Knife
Bear Knife by Antonini Olive Wood Handle Small
Bear Pruning Knife by Antonini Walnut Handle