First time user looking for translation

[KeddyBos]

Is this engraving translatable or just tourist fodder? Looking for a translation of engraving on a Crete knife, please.

[kronckew]

It is a traditional Cretan mantinada (poem) used on knives.
In Greek, it rhymes.

In English: "It is an old tradition of mine to gift knives to people whom I appreciate and stand out".

In Greek: Έθιμο το 'χω από παλιά μαχαίρι να χαρίζω σ' ανθρώπους που τους εκτιμώ και τους ξεχωρίζω.

How to to pronounce: Éthimo to 'cho apó paliá machaíri na charízo s' anthrópous pou tous ektimó kai pou tous xechorízo.

Many were made by an Armenian immigrant to Crete who made knives for over 60 years. I have one of his made in his latter years - not sure if he is still alive. last I read, his sons did not want to carry on the business. The knife maker trade there is pretty much extinct. Not many makers/shops left, tho there are a few. The 'Armenian' as he is know there, made the best ones.

[Ian]

Hi Keddy,

Welcome to the forum and I hope we hear more of your collecting interests. It would be helpful for our archives if you could post a picture of your knife.

Thanks Wayne for your thorough answer to Keddy's question. I like your knife made by the Armenisn.

Ian.