Third Lithuanian custom knives exhibition 2018

A knife is one of the first tools human ever used. A lot of people are still using it every day without even thinking about it. Because of prohibitions introduced in the 20th century, some of us might think of the knife as a dangerous and forbidden item. However, it is just a tool. A very useful tool with handle and blade made for cutting. The usage of which depends on its user, but the tool on its own is never dangerous. That is why a knife is not treated as a gun (with 2 exceptions) and circulation of it is not restricted in Lithuania.

Nowadays, knives are categorized based on what they are going to be used for: cooking, hunting, fishing, tourism or other. Knife purpose determines the size, shape, construction, and materials, even finish and decorative elements of the knife. However, it always has to be a comfortable and a good quality tool.

The oldest known flint knives were made half a million years ago, so it is not surprising that since then a lot of things have changed, including materials used to make knives, style, and even purpose. As time passed, primitive bone and stone knives were replaced by brass knives and once we learned how to process metals, steel has become the absolute favorite material for knife making.

With the help of current metallurgy as well as advanced technologies and the broad range of materials, knife crafting has become accessible not only for professionals.

Unfortunately, knife making industry did not develop in Lithuania as in the rest of Europe. Although we always had individuals who enjoyed making knives for cooking, hunting or tourism, they shared their masterpieces only within a small circle of their friends and families.

The upcoming Lithuanian custom knives exhibition is initiated by the Lithuanian knife association for the 3rd time (previous ones organized in 2012 and 2014). Its purpose is to introduce people to handmade Lithuanian knives made by 22 different amateur and professional knife makers.

The event takes place at “Vilniaus ginklai” shop in Vilnius, Laisvės square 60, from 2st May until 31st May. Working hours are from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 10 am until 3 pm on Saturdays.