Ital-Cutlery Services has its roots firmly in the traditions of knife grinding. Our ancestors originate from a small, and mostly unknown valley in the Brenta Dolomites of northern Italy called Val Rendena. It is here that the far-reaching trade guide known as knife grinders (moletas or arrotini) was born.
The first wave of moletas left this remote valley in search of a better life elsewhere, and with it new opportunities, in 1893.
The area then was a vast and mainly barren land, and day-to-day life was a struggle. This is a far cry from today, which sees Val Rendena prospering in both the tourist and industrial sectors. With only the few possessions that they could carry and their trusty Mola (portable grindstone), our ancestors set about on their journey that would eventually lead to London.
They walked the whole way, sharpening knives as they went to pay for their food and keep.
Life was still hard, especially since most only spoke their native tongue. However, through sheer determination, hard work and legendary stubbornness, they improved little by little and finally succeeded in laying the roots that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Through the advancement of technology, the Molas may have been replaced by machinery, the pushcart by vans, but Ital Cutlery Services still maintains the original ethos of the moletas, and will strive to improve it.
We aim to establish ourselves as the premier sales and services company supplying and sharpening quality knives to the catering industry.
The area then was a vast and mainly barren land, and day-to-day life was a struggle. This is a far cry from today, which sees Val Rendena prospering in both the tourist and industrial sectors. With only the few possessions that they could carry and their trusty Mola (portable grindstone), our ancestors set about on their journey that would eventually lead to London.
They walked the whole way, sharpening knives as they went to pay for their food and keep.
Life was still hard, especially since most only spoke their native tongue. However, through sheer determination, hard work and legendary stubbornness, they improved little by little and finally succeeded in laying the roots that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Through the advancement of technology, the Molas may have been replaced by machinery, the pushcart by vans, but Ital Cutlery Services still maintains the original ethos of the moletas, and will strive to improve it.
We aim to establish ourselves as the premier sales and services company supplying and sharpening quality knives to the catering industry.
THE MOLETA’S PRAYER
O Lord, guide my pushcart along Thy way.
Help me in my work, and protect me from life’s wounds.
Make my faith in Thee as secure as the knife in my hand.
And be always near me until I may return to my village, to my home, with my loved ones.
Amen