Trinxets

Trinxets are traditional [...] tools and pocket knives that are used by every Mallorcan peasant. It is not unusual to find peasants on Mallorca. carrying one of these traditional knives on them, or an assortment of them, depending on the task in hand.

Trinxets are made by a trinxeter. The number of trinxeters are descending. There are fierce competence from Chinese production.

Traditional country folks in Mallorca always have a job to do, be that hunting, fishing, vine grafting, sheep or goat herding, harvesting, what have you. For such tasks and similar jobs, you need at times a sharp knife and you better have one on you, just in case.

Together with Gatzolles, Ganivets, Porquers, Etxurats and Talós, all are the names for some of the traditional Mallorcan peasant pocket knives.

Knife-like tools were used at least two-and-a-half million years ago. Many cultures have their unique version of the knife. Their blade patterns and styles are varied.

Materials, features, and construction

Today, Trinxets are used as pocket knives. The typical Mallorcan pocket knife comes either with a wooden handle, often in Ullastre, the Wild Olive tree, or in goat horn finish.

Parts of a knife

Trinxets consist of a blade (1) and handle (2). The blade edge is usually plain. The handle, used to grip and manipulate the blade safely, may include the tang, a portion of the blade that extends into the handle.

Blade

Trinxets blades can be assembled from a variety of materials, but currently are generally manufactured in Stainless Steel, beautifully hand-crafted. High carbon stainless steel blades of Trinxets do not discolor or stain, and maintain a sharp edge.

Steel Trinxets blades are commonly shaped by forging or stock removal. Forged Trinxets blades are made by heating a single piece of steel, then shaping the metal while hot using a hammer or press. Stock removal Trinxet blades are shaped by grinding and removing metal. With both methods, after shaping, the steel must be heat treated. This involves heating the steel above its critical point, then quenching the blade to harden it. After hardening, the Trinxet blade is tempered to remove stresses and make the blade tougher. Trinxets are never mass produced.

Trinxets are sharpened in various ways. A prominent feature on many Trinxets is the opening mechanism.

Trinxets as utensils or tools

There are seven different models in differing shapes and specific functions for Mallorcan pocketknives. When used to cut bread it is specially called the Trinxet. There is a knife for fishermen, a knife for shepherds, one for hunters and a very special one for pruning vines. Some are more well-known, like the made near the San Salvador sanctuary.

Legislation

Knives are typically restricted by law, although restrictions vary greatly by country or state and type of knife. For example, some laws restrict carrying knives in public while other laws restrict private ownership of certain knives, such as switchblades.

Further reading

  • Everybody's Knife Bible by Don Paul, ISBN 0-938263-23-4

See also

  • Dirk
  • Knife fight
  • Sword

References

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