Atelier JHP perpetuates the art of French artisanal cutlery in the heart of the Brière region. Each handcrafted knife we create is the result of renowned expertise and an exceptional raw material: Morta, a thousand-year-old oak tree in the process of fossilization, extracted from the Brière marshes.
We extract this noble wood ourselves and craft our French knives from rigorously selected materials. This is why we offer a lifetime guarantee. Recognized as a Living Heritage Company and awarded at the 2021 Stars and Crafts Awards, we embody the excellence of French cutlery.
The Morta Knife is more than a regional knife. With him, you go down in history.
JHP Workshop
The Morta
5,000 years ago, an immense forest of oaks reigned in place of the current marshes By a geological upheaval, the trees fell and were literally swallowed by the peat soil of Brière.
Trapped in this natural sarcophagus, with no air or oxygen, the trunks became loaded with silica and wonderfully preserved.
This very noble wood that has endured for millennia is called Morta.
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Frequently asked questions about our handcrafted knives
What is Morta?
Morta is a swamp oak in the process of fossilization, buried for approximately 5,000 years in the peat of the Brière marshes. Trapped in this natural sarcophagus, deprived of air and oxygen, the trunks have become rich in silica and remarkably well-preserved. This exceptionally fine wood is only called "Morta" if it comes from Brière, a term derived from the local dialect of the region.
Where are your handcrafted knives made?
Our knives are handcrafted in our workshop in Saint Nazaire from Morta wood that we extract each year from the Brière marshes.
Are Morta knives guaranteed?
Yes, absolutely. We make our knives from rigorously selected materials, which is why we guarantee them for life. If you have any problem with your Morta, whatever it may be, we will be happy to repair it.
Can we visit your cutlery workshop?
Yes, we'd love to have you! The workshop is open every day except Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 7 pm without interruption. You'll discover our unfiltered work environment: noise, dust, and good cheer. No pretense, you'll be welcomed with a presentation of the material, extraction techniques, and the different models.
What types of handcrafted knives do you offer?
Our handcrafted cutlery workshop offers a complete range: folding knives, fixed-blade knives, table and kitchen knives, Damascus steel knives, and forged knives. Each piece is unique, handcrafted with a handle made of Morta wood, an ancient wood that gives our creations an inimitable character.
Can a Morta knife be customized?
Yes, we offer personalized engraving on our knives. You can have a name, a date, or even your handwriting reproduced to create a truly unique gift.
