Artzaina - Basque knife made from medlar wood, inspired by the makila

Folding knives

Artzaina - Basque knife made from medlar wood, inspired by the makila

€225.00

VAT included

Echoing the spirit of the Makila, the ancestral staff carried by Basque shepherds, the Artzaina folding knife combines sharp lines, medlar wood, and delicately chiseled metal.

Product customization

Engraving

char. max. For any other engraving request (company logo, etc.), contact our customer service.

Blade

12c27 - Stainless steel

XC75 carbon steel

RWL34 stainless steel blade (+ €100)

VG10 (+ 150 €)

Stainless steel damascus blade (+ 250 €)

Size

12 cm

10.5 cm (Women favourite)

Engraving

None

On spring (+ 30 €) (20 car. max)

Quantity

Details

Artzaina – The Shepherd

Registered design and trademark

Proudly representing our artisanal heritage, Artzaina is both a reliable companion for everyday use and a refined accessory with timeless elegance. This traditional Basque folding knife pays tribute to the Makila, the ancestral staff of Basque shepherds, through its every detail.

Crafted with scarified medlar wood for the handle, engraved steel liners that echo the Makila’s decorative metal rings, and a rounded pommel-shaped spring tip, Artzaina captures the essence of this iconic object. Its slender, elongated silhouette mirrors the graceful lines of the shepherd’s staff.

Each knife is delivered in a custom cardboard case, accompanied by a full-grain taurillon leather sheath (available in brown or black) and a certificate of authenticity.

Dimensions :

Large model – Closed: 12 cm / Open: 21.5 cm / Blade: 10 cm
Small model – Closed: 10.5 cm / Open: 19 cm / Blade: 8.5 cm

🇫🇷 100% handmade in our workshop in Bidart, in the heart of the Basque Country.

Fabrics

HANDLE

The authentic version of the Artzaina knife features a scarified medlar wood handle, following the traditional technique used in the making of the Makila, the ancestral Basque shepherd’s staff.

BLADE OPTIONS

Choose from five different blade types, each with its own character and performance qualities:

12C27 Sandvik stainless steel blade – A high-end stainless steel rich in chrome and carbon. Known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance.
XC75 carbon steel blade – The steel of our forefathers: easy to sharpen with a classic feel, but prone to natural oxidation over time.
RWL34 stainless steel blade – A modern, high-performance steel produced using powder metallurgy. Extremely pure, durable, tough, and offers an exceptional edge with high corrosion resistance.
VG10 or Suminagashi stainless Damascus blade – A VG10 core clad in 33 layers of Damascus steel on each side, combining rigidity, beauty, and an outstanding edge.
160-layer stainless Damascus blade – A fusion of RWL34 (bright) and PMC27 (dark) steels, forge-welded at 1220°C, then hammered, stretched, and folded multiple times. The pinnacle of modern blade-making — nothing rivals the craftsmanship and performance of this Damascus steel.

Maintenance

Medlar wood doesn’t like water!
To clean your knife, rinse the blade briefly under warm running water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, you can gently clean the blade using the soft side of a sponge with a drop of dish soap.

The handle will develop a natural patina over time. If needed, you may nourish the wood with a drop of colorless vegetable oil — but never use olive oil, as it can become sticky or rancid.

If you chose a carbon steel blade:

Dry the blade thoroughly after each wash to avoid moisture marks. You can prevent oxidation by applying a thin layer of food-safe oil (such as sunflower or olive oil) from time to time. That said, we recommend allowing a natural patina to form — it acts as a protective layer and does not affect cutting performance.

Not dishwasher safe.