Marzitelli Custom Knives

Peter is an excellent craftsmanship with awesome knife designs. I have his Protosoar from the limited release a few years back. It's leather sheath has aged nicely with colouring but shows no sign of integrity deterioration. The D2 blade holds an edge nicely and is the perfect size for small game, birds and fish.

I've been collecting pocket knives for some years. I enjoy many of the well-made, mass production numbers, from the brands you will recognize. I also, fortunately or unfortunately, have an appreciation for well-designed fine things that will never be seen in mass production. It was that taste that lead me to several well-known artisan knife makers, and among them, Pete Marzitelli is my favourite. For those who have not held, owned, or used a specimen from a top knife maker, you will find it hard to imagine the difference. It is like the difference between a poster you saw at the mall and an actual Van Gogh you saw up close in a museum. I was disappointed when, recently, I lost one of my custom pocket knives by another maker. The truth is I treasure much more my Red Raptor folder made by Pete Marzitelli. I've had this knife for years, yet still come to notice and appreciate different aspects of its design more and more as time goes on. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is like nothing I've ever owned or seen, except perhaps my Leica M3 rangefinder camera. Just google that, and you'll see what I mean. The form and function of my Marzitelli Red Raptor is something to behold. The fit and the finish is beyond exquisite. The feel in the hand just superb. The smoothness of its operation when opening and closing . . . no other knife compels you to say "oooooh" and "aahhhhhh". . . but this one does. I would dare anyone to take hold, open, then close this knife and then say "so what." You would laugh out loud at what an unconvincing liar you are.

Here is the down side of this knife. I lost another custom folder because I didn't hesitate to take it out and about, but my Marzitelli is heirloom quality, a real "cut above" the the others. I hope my great great grandson will own it one day with pride and delight. As such, I rarely take it anywhere. It's ashamed it doesn't get regular use as the good, rugged (though understatedly beautiful) pocket knife it is. So I take it out to sharpen it, once in a while, or just to hold it. The only use it gets is to cut steak. If Professor Marzitelli still made folders, I'd use this for everything, everywhere, and get another for posterity. But at the moment, he only makes fixed blades, making my folder too precious to risk losing. Perhaps one day I can tempt him to make a one-off folder for me. Surely the man has his price.

Pete's sense for design and the quality of his craftsmanship make him a stand out in this field. He may be peerless, in fact. If you are a collector, a knife hobbyist, or just someone who appreciates things designed and made to exceptionally high standards, I cannot give a higher recommendation than Pete Marzitelli. More than that, dealing with Pete Marzitelli was a pure pleasure. The man is as much gentleman as he is an artisan, and from the moment he greets you on the phone, you will know you are in good hands. I have no connection with his business, except as a satisfied customer. I don't know Mr. Marzitelli personally, though I have to say I would like to. He is a rare individual who is a delight to deal with, and who delivers far more than you had hoped. I have no reservation in giving Marz Knives my highest recommendation as a vendor you can have confidence in placing your trust.

Peter's work is fantastic. Great fit and finish and great response times over email. He always got back to me within 24 hrs. Would recommend for anyone looking for a high quality local knifesmith.