Poisson-Culot pocket knife Faith Love Hope Macassar ebony

Poisson-Culot translates as “cheeky fish,” which exactly describes the shape of the knife. It has been known and loved on the northern coasts of France for many generations, probably since the turn of the century. The vernacular affectionately gave it a second name: Kenavo (“goodbye” in Breton), because it was often a farewell gift from women when sailors went on a long voyage, which was supposed to bring them luck and remind them of the loved ones they left behind. Let's not forget, such journeys across continents could take years.
The POISSON-CULOT does not have the "English" or "sheep's foot" blade with a lowered tip that is usually found on maritime knives, but rather a so-called "Bourbonnaise" blade, the tip of which is higher and in the longitudinal axis of the knife. Why is not yet clear, but it does not make the knife any less suitable for work and activities on board or for taking meals.
There is another detail that makes the POISSON-CULOT unique: it is the flat metal plate attached to the end of the handle, which could be engraved with initials or simply allowed the pipe smoker to fill his pipe with it.
As always with maritime knives, they are not just reserved for sailors. Their beauty, versatility and usefulness were also recognized on land and they were used as well. And in the end they find themselves in the pockets of everyone who appreciates a good knife.
The POISSON-CULOT with handles made of hard boxwood were created in the traditional PARAPLUIE forge in Thiers, where these knives have been made for generations for the fishermen's markets on the northern coast. At our request, it was made with the plaque “Faith-Love-Hope”, the old wish and greeting of sailors. As a sign of its authenticity, it bears the blacksmith's mark on the blade.
Since 2021 we have been producing them with great care and in small series in our studio in Thiers. We only use very rare and exclusive woods such as Amboina, Gaboun ebony or Arizona desert ironwood. This means that they are not only at the level of workmanship of real gentlemen's knives, but also largely resist the influence of moisture and are therefore suitable for use on a boat or yacht.
The blades of our models are made of Inox Sandvik 12C27 and are impact-free thanks to Poncetage. They have a precise, cleanly placed back bevel "à l'entablure" that corresponds to the nail cut. For us, it is details like these that, in addition to the quality of workmanship, give our knives charm and special elegance. They carry our heraldic animal, the Coq, on their blades.

Manufacturer: PassionFrance
Blade: Bourbonnaise blade Sandvik 12C27, impact-free through poncetage
Blade length x width x thickness: 88 x 21 x 2.8mm
Handle with a front jaw and rear plate. Gaboun ebony with plaque. Length: 112mm
Total length open: 200mm
Weight: 100g

Comes in a box, with a cleaning cloth and a detailed description.