The Cretan Knife – A symbol of Crete




The Cretan Knife is definitely the symbol of the island of Crete with a long history dating from the Minoan era.

For Cretans their knife is a symbol of honor. It is made of steel blade and the handle is covered by animal horn, which in many cases is decorated with various motifs. Its case is wooden or leather.

Characteristic of the Cretan knife is the end of its V-shaped handle, the engraved “mandinades” (verses) on its blade as well as the shape of the cross on the top of the case.


Nowadays it is still used by all Cretan traditional dance clubs around the world, combined with the Cretan costume. 

Σχόλια

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