New Company Selling Knives from Crete

John Linker · 26th January 2007, 04:54 AM

Hello, I have read the forum rules carefully and hope that I am not in breach of any by giving a quick mention to my new business here.

The Link is www.goldenhornknives.com and we have knives by the last surviving traditional bladesmith in Crete.

Each of our knives is individually handmade and are a beauty to behold.

The Cretan Knife is particularly interesting to fans of ethnographic edged weapons as it shares characteristics with the Yataghan, Pesh Kabz, and even with medieval venetian daggers, though it is uniquely Cretan.

Please have a look, and if this breaks any forum rules I heartily apologise.

Yours,
John Linker

www.goldenhornknives.com

Yannis · 28th January 2007, 11:06 AM

As a Greek, I thank you for bringing a traditional art to world public. But there is a mistake on your first page. Apostolis is not the only traditional bladesmith on the island. There are few more. Very few indeed. Less than one hand’s fingers.

John Linker · 28th January 2007, 06:24 PM

Khairete,

Efxaristo yia tin apantisi.

I am really amazed to hear of other traditional bladesmiths in Crete as I have spent much time there and am not aware of any others than Apostolis. Years ago there were 7 left in Chania, but as I'm sure you know, of those 7 Apostolis is sadly the only one still living.

I would be very happy to hear of other smiths though as the thought of the Cretan Dagger disappearing is a very sad thought indeed. I am curious though as to who else you think qualifies as a traditional Cretan Bladesmith. There is one very popular smith in Heraklion but there are many who would not count him as a traditional smith.

I have also heard of a Mr. Kostis Sapounakis in Malia, though when I was last in Crete (about one month ago) I heard that he was no longer making knives.

If you know of any others then please do tell me and I will try and get their knives on my website.

I am aware that you are a collector of Cretan knives Yiannis, whereabouts in Greece are you? and would you be interested in doing a review of some of Apostolis' knives?

Me Ektimisi,
John

Andrew · 23rd August 2007, 04:29 AM

Just bringing this up to the top for John.

He brought his site to my attention on another board, and they look nice.

kronckew · 26th August 2007, 11:43 AM

i have what appears to be a type 1, with a 15.5 cm blade & a wooden grip. it's well made and properly hardened & will shave an elephant if such was needed....
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../Cretan001.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../Cretan002.jpg
not sure what the inscription says tho. (the blade is actually highly polished steel, the reflection makes it look blued.

negative image is clearer.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../cretanenh.jpg
the scabbard is synthetic tho & i'll make it a better one at some stage that is more in keeping.

i gather the 'armenis' designation is because the xanians thought apostolis was armenian when he moved there from turkey...

i like it alot & will eventually be looking to get a type 2a

26th January 2007, 04:54 AM	#1
John Linker Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 7	New Company Selling Knives from Crete Hello, I have read the forum rules carefully and hope that I am not in breach of any by giving a quick mention to my new business here. The Link is www.goldenhornknives.com and we have knives by the last surviving traditional bladesmith in Crete. Each of our knives is individually handmade and are a beauty to behold. The Cretan Knife is particularly interesting to fans of ethnographic edged weapons as it shares characteristics with the Yataghan, Pesh Kabz, and even with medieval venetian daggers, though it is uniquely Cretan. Please have a look, and if this breaks any forum rules I heartily apologise. Yours, John Linker www.goldenhornknives.com Last edited by John Linker; 26th January 2007 at 11:05 AM.

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28th January 2007, 11:06 AM	#2
Yannis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Athens Greece Posts: 479	As a Greek, I thank you for bringing a traditional art to world public. But there is a mistake on your first page. Apostolis is not the only traditional bladesmith on the island. There are few more. Very few indeed. Less than one hand’s fingers.

28th January 2007, 06:24 PM	#3
John Linker Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 7	Khairete, Efxaristo yia tin apantisi. I am really amazed to hear of other traditional bladesmiths in Crete as I have spent much time there and am not aware of any others than Apostolis. Years ago there were 7 left in Chania, but as I'm sure you know, of those 7 Apostolis is sadly the only one still living. I would be very happy to hear of other smiths though as the thought of the Cretan Dagger disappearing is a very sad thought indeed. I am curious though as to who else you think qualifies as a traditional Cretan Bladesmith. There is one very popular smith in Heraklion but there are many who would not count him as a traditional smith. I have also heard of a Mr. Kostis Sapounakis in Malia, though when I was last in Crete (about one month ago) I heard that he was no longer making knives. If you know of any others then please do tell me and I will try and get their knives on my website. I am aware that you are a collector of Cretan knives Yiannis, whereabouts in Greece are you? and would you be interested in doing a review of some of Apostolis' knives? Me Ektimisi, John

23rd August 2007, 04:29 AM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Just bringing this up to the top for John. He brought his site to my attention on another board, and they look nice.

26th August 2007, 11:43 AM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	i have what appears to be a type 1, with a 15.5 cm blade & a wooden grip. it's well made and properly hardened & will shave an elephant if such was needed.... http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../Cretan001.jpg http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../Cretan002.jpg not sure what the inscription says tho. (the blade is actually highly polished steel, the reflection makes it look blued. negative image is clearer. http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s.../cretanenh.jpg the scabbard is synthetic tho & i'll make it a better one at some stage that is more in keeping. i gather the 'armenis' designation is because the xanians thought apostolis was armenian when he moved there from turkey... i like it alot & will eventually be looking to get a type 2a