My favorite knife | Scala Murgasse

Nestled in the charming old town of Graz, just steps from Europe's largest collection of medieval weapons, is Matteo Scala's shop. Here, at Murgasse 1, the tradition of knife making and selling has been kept alive since 1873. The Scala family's history is inextricably linked to a passion for knives, passed down from generation to generation.

Matteo Scala is the fifth generation to run the business. The family's roots stretch back to 1873, when his ancestors came to Graz from Friuli, Italy, as traveling grinders. In 1943, Matteo's grandfather, Rino Scala, opened the shop on Murgasse. In 1981, his father, Rino P. Scala, and his mother, Mercedes, took over. In 2013, the family expanded to Vienna with the "Klingen-Boutique" (blade boutique), and since 2018, Matteo has managed the Graz location, while his brothers, Pietro and Fabio, run the Vienna business.

Matteo's passion for knives was instilled in him from childhood. He received his first knife, a folding knife by Friedrich Hartkopf, from his father. "I can't even remember how old I was when I got it, but the fascination with knives has always been there," Matteo says. Even at school, he always carried a Swiss Army knife in his pocket and delighted in every blade he could get his hands on.

The connection to the renowned knife manufacturer Böker has existed for over 65 years. "The collaboration began modestly, as there weren't any good photos of the knives at first," recalls Matteo. But over time, a close, friendly, and professional relationship developed. Regular visits to Solingen and exchanges at trade fairs such as the "IWA" and "Ambiente" have further strengthened the relationship.

Matteo's personal favorite knife is the Böker " Damascus Gent 1." "The design combines modern and classic elements and is suitable for any occasion," he explains. The excellent Sanmai Damascus steel and the fantastic price-performance ratio make it one of the best everyday carry (EDC) knives for Matteo. A special anecdote about this knife: "I've owned it for about ten years. When it was once out of stock, I sold it twice from my pocket and immediately reordered it." The knife is very popular with customers of all ages and is often chosen as a gift. The " Damascus Gent 1's" strongest feature is its lightness and simplicity, which also makes it a real eye-catcher. "The edge is very sharp and, thanks to the high carbon content in the cutting edge of the blade, it's easy to keep sharp," says Matteo.

Matteo Scala's shop is not just a place to buy high-quality knives, but also a place where a passion for precision work and craftsmanship is palpable. The Scala family has made it their mission to continue this tradition and pass on their fascination with knives to the next generation.