French knives manufacturing
Handcrafted cutlery
On an ongoing basis, we would say ! Like its fixed counterparts, the folding knife also serves as kitchen knife, table knife or outdoor knife. The large models are useful for hunting or camping. Go into survival mode with the XL Morta knives, worthy of the best armouries, thereby meeting the challenges of dry sausage, bread and other picnic battalions. As French artisanal knives directly native to the Brière region, Morta folding knives will make you the representatives of a living heritage. Because yes, after a sleep of 5,000 years, Morta has come back to life.
Stemming from the range of traditional knives, the folding knife has many advantages. As it’s compact, it fits easily in your pocket, backpack or picnic basket filled with delicious lunches. Its excellent grip is comfortable and practical. Whether out hunting, fishing or walking in the forest, draw your folding knife as quickly as your good spirits. More of a stay-at-home ? No problem, folding knives are indiscriminately useful for doing little jobs around the house, cooking and gardening.
Only about 10 to 20% of a Morta trunk is usable. Working solely on the most beautiful elements guarantees excellent quality. The same is true for the steel. Morta Knives only selects the best steel to ensure the blade’s solidity. Sandvik, Damascus or carbon steel have between 59 and 61 HRC Rockwell hardness. Each stage is performed manually by professional cutlers: forge, hammering, patina, etching. This ancestral traditional know-how is the pride of Atelier JHP and all Brière.
The folding pocket knife appears around 500 BC with a bone handle. The oldest was discovered in Austria, in Hallstatt. Then the Romans made the bronze-based friction folding knife which they used as a multi-tool. A simple push of the thumb held it open. The Vikings, on the other hand, preferred clasp knives with a latch, although the friction folding model remained in use.
Centuries pass, 17th century soldiers now fight with the Gully, perhaps for its evocative name: the pistol grip knife. Peasants and workers armed themselves with a less expensive tool, the Penny knife, made in Sheffield, England. The year 1660 marks the arrival of the switchblade. Many models then follow. Butterfly knife or “balisong”, Japanese Higonokami knife, Defender pocket knife, Stiletto, Spyderco, Linerlock, Laguiole or Opinel remain the most famous.
Did you know ? The principle of the Swiss army knife dates back to antiquity. The Romans equipped it with a spoon, a fork, a point, a spatula and a pick.
These little jewels of French craftsmanship come in several models classified according to their size and type of steel. The common denominator ? The precious wood handle, the Morta, oak from the Brière marshes. Nourished with vegetable oil, it is enhanced on request with mammoth ivory inlays for a perfect marriage of black gold and white gold. Want to be colorful ? Opt for a blue border in vulcanized fiber. Their length varies between 16 cm and 24.4 cm (open knife, i.e. 9 to 13.5 cm folded).
All are made in the JHP workshop located in Saint-André-des-Eaux. Too far for you ? Find all our products (straight and folding knife) and accessories (cases, goodies) on our shop. The prices and delivery conditions (France or abroad) are detailed there.
Want to offer an exceptional gift ? Engrave the first name of the happy owner, 4 types are available for a tailor-made and unique knife.
Stainless steel makes this range versatile. Tides, winds and storms do not stop him. In the kitchen or on the go, the knife does the job wherever it goes.
The Mini Morta Massif, one of the smallest pieces in the Morta Knife collection. It measures only 9 cm, folded. In the bottom of your pocket or in its case attached to your belt, it follows you everywhere.
The Morta Massif, simple and effective, tackles slightly larger enemies thanks to its blade with a total length of 11 cm.
The Morta Massif XL, the eldest of the Massif series, pays homage to the old large hunting folding guns of Thiers from the middle of the 20th century.
Sandvik carbon steel gives these knives strength, purity and authenticity. Worthy of the local heritage they represent, they draw all their strength of character from Morta.
The Forge Mini Morta Brut fits everywhere. Hikes, hunting parties or scouting weekends, he adapts without ever complaining.
Morta Massif Brut de Forge sees a wider range and tackles slightly larger game. Rosette or porcini mushrooms, it does not make anyone jealous. All will taste his cup.
The Morta Massif Brut de Forge is not joking, we are entering the big leagues here. Will you be tall ?
Do you want to play between old-fashioned beauty and an alliance of wood and steel materials? Will you choose them neutral or personalized ?
The Mini Morta Damas is fearless. It proudly wears the colors of Brière and Damascus.
The Morta Massif Damascus, imperturbable in all circumstances, is matched only by the number of opportunities to use it.
The Morta Massif Damas XL combines the marks of nobility all in natural. Big brother of the collection, it does not balk at anything. Will you be up to it ?
At Couteaux Morta, the 90mcv8 carbon steel has a hardness of 60 HRC Rockwell, i.e. of very high quality. The excellence of its cutting edge is a perfect alliance with the nobility of the Morta that makes up the handle. You will find it on the Brut de Forge ranges.
Steel highly prized for its ease of maintenance, the quality of its cut suits all kitchen professionals. Jobs in the open air or in the aquatic environment particularly appreciate it. Morta knives chooses one of the best steelmakers to equip its “Massive” models: Sandvik 14c28n for its hardness of 59 HRC Rockwell.
Resulting from flexible metallurgy technology, its moire appearance sets it apart from all others. Its typical arabesques give it a character as strong as that which La Brière gives to Morta. The shades of black of Morta associated with those of Damascus reinforce the artisanal soul of these exceptional knives.
They open by simply pressing a button on the handle. If the blade ejects forward, it is called OTF (Out The Front).
Otherwise called semi-automatic, this system requires manual assistance to eject the blade.
Logically, this process consists of a button placed on the blade so that the thumb presses it. Exists on one side of the blade for right-handed or left-handed people, but also on each side. It is therefore suitable for any user.
As its name suggests, a hole (or opening) in the blade allows the thumb to hook it to manipulate it.
The blade protrudes from the handle when the knife is closed. The thumb activates this small tab to release it.
It consists of a small notch in which to insert the thumb to release the blade. It is precisely this device that you will find on the creations of JHP cutlery. Flagship of local regional craftsmen.
Namely that a folding knife can combine several opening mechanisms.
The blade is deployed, very good! From now on, it is better to secure the opening mechanism with a locking system. Several processes exist.
The liner-lock allows a frame to block the blade by resting on its heel.
The frame-lock uses the entire handle to immobilize the blade.
The back-lock involves pressing the pump located at the rear to activate the locking rod. Conversely, the front-lock pump is at the front.
The ferrule, made up of a fixed part and a sliding part, is positioned between the handle and the blade to lock the latter.
The Piedmontese (or Vernantin) system is distinguished by the tip at the heel of the blade.
The forced notch (slip-joint) uses a spring which presses on the heel of the blade.
Even if the folding knife is easier to handle, it is still advisable to store it in a case. Thus, you protect it from external aggressions. We offer ebony black leather cases, straight, horizontal and vertical.
Detail: it gives you a very nice little adventurous side that you can reinforce with a choker. To go on a hike or picnic, slip your Morta mug or your belongings into the Tote Bag with the image of the JHP workshop.
The scabbard, on the other hand, is designed for fixed knives. In the kitchen, on the workbench, in any cupboard or drawer, it avoids the unpleasant encounter of the hand with the blade. Like any sharp object, it requires a minimum of security. Morta knives have chosen to offer it in leather for a natural and traditional look. Let’s stay between noble materials.
Sheaths and cases, stamped with the JHP workshop logo, take on an even more chic and authentic character.
Respect for materials takes precedence. So you can clean the stainless steel blades with a damp cloth and soapy water. For Damascus and Raw forge steels, it is recommended to use a soft, dry cloth. The Morta handle does not suffer from any humidity. It has been carefully oiled in the workshop, so it is perfectly protected. Remember, the Morta, comes out of five millennia at the bottom of the Brieronne peat. He is eager to stay dry. Ivory or vulcanized fiber, like all natural materials (horn, etc.) react in the same way. Sweetness, above all.
Clean the gaps well. Dirt, dust can get into the opening or locking mechanism of your knife.
Like its peers, the folding knife is sharpened with a gun or a natural stone. Your cutler offers you the whetstone on the shop.
Other accessories are waiting for you : mug, neckerchief, etc.
Morta knives are premium pieces, traditional craftsmanship. Made in France, please !
