Nino Nista Nino Nista – Rara Saracca Romagnola 25 cm - Manico finemente lavorato – Esemplare unico - Kitchen knife - Traditional Italian Knife - Saracca Romagnola - Steel, Horn - Italy

Nino Nista – Saracca Romagnola out of production – Unique example in buffalo horn – Italy, early 2000s

Description

Rare and fascinating Italian artisanal knife Saracca Romagnola, crafted by master cutler Nino Nista in the early 2000s.

This is a unique specimen, made out of catalog, particularly interesting for collectors: this Saracca stands out from normal productions of the model both for the special horn of black buffalo grip and for the shape of the terminal part, slightly different from other pieces made by the craftsman.

The Saracca Romagnola is one of the most characteristic popular knives of the central-northern Italian tradition and its roots go back to the daily life of rural Romagna between the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The curious name derives from the “saracca,” the salted and dried herring that once constituted a simple yet valuable food in the countryside. The long, slender, tapered shape of the herring is said to have inspired the name given to this particular type of knife.

In Romagnol tradition it is also known as “curtel cun el riz,” a designation referring to the distinctive “crest” on the spring, a feature that facilitates unlocking the mechanism by lever action.

The offered specimen features an elegant black buffalo horn handle, characterized by beautiful interwoven work. A meticulous job that adorns this knife and makes it RARE.

The blade bears the characteristic signature “Nino”.

Specifications
Artisan: Nino Nista
Model: Saracca Romagnola
Era: early 2000s
Production: Italian artisan
Uniqueness: unique specimen made out of catalog
Total length when open: about 25 cm
Blade length: about 11.5 cm
Handle: black buffalo horn with piece-like sculpting
Characteristic traditional locking system with crest on the spring for lever release

Nino Nista’s Saracche Romagnole are still recognized as artisanal interpretations of the historic regional type; ordinary specimens of the model are documented in various sizes, while the one presented here holds particular interest precisely for its out-of-catalog realization and for its non-standard aesthetic characteristics.

A piece of great charm for enthusiasts of Italian regional cutlery, traditional knives, and knife-making craftsmanship, combining the history of Romagna’s rural culture with the craftsmanship of a renowned Italian artisan.

Conditions: excellent overall condition, as clearly documented by the photographs, which form an integral part of the description. Any minor signs are compatible with the piece’s age and artisanal workmanship.