History

More than a knife it is a "folding dagger" with an olive leaf blade (fronda d'auliv), it takes the name of " Crossbow " precisely for the fixed and elastic spring like the bow of a crossbow, in the vernacular it is pronounced " v alestra" .

Legend has it that the first knife was created by a blacksmith who on the eve of his wedding learned of the intentions of the local squire to make use of the "Jus primae noctis", desperately forged a thin and deadly blade that the girl hid between her clothes and used Without hesitation.

It was therefore born as a love knife to be given to the bride for the wedding, designed not to offend but to defend herself.

The handle is obtained from the solid black buffalo horn, in which the decorations are engraved and threads in silver, gold and brass are inserted; the blade, engraved in the central shell (blood drain) is obtained from carbon steel, on the back of the blade there are three notches which, in the spring opening, in three times, cause the three latches with a symbolic meaning: with the first one threatened, after the second the challenge was accepted and with the third the blade became fixed and not closable.

The crossbow, the undisputed queen of artisan history, reflects the proud spirit and combative nature of the Aviglianese people.