ALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff
Handmade knives are a way of life in Argentina and are built to last.
For Gisella Morassu and her partner Chris Benitez, a knife is much more than just a knife.
For them, a knife is a handmade and treasured family heirloom that speaks of their Argentinian heritage. It is used in barbecues and for cooking in family occasions.
In 2020, they had a business idea.
“The idea was to bring these beautiful knives to New Zealand,” says Morassut.
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“In Argentina it is not a knife, it is tradition and culture. It’s more than a knife.
“When grandparents die, we fight over who will hold the knife. My husband has a knife his father gave him with his name on it.
“It’s something you keep forever.”
The knife has a deep cultural history in Argentina that goes back to the gaucho, a South American cowboy who tended cattle from the 16th century and became an almost mythical folk figure.
The gaucho traditionally carried a long knife for fighting, hunting, eating and carving meat. Later, this knife was used less for fighting and more for carving meat in traditional Argentine barbecue, where large chunks of beef are slowly cooked over charcoal and wood.
“We are serious about meat and knives in Argentina,” says Morassut.
The couple moved from Argentina to New Zealand in 2014, with Benitez working in rebuilding construction in Christchurch and Morassut becoming a teacher. They moved to New Zealand for the people and scenery. Also, Benitez is an avid hunter and fisherman.
“And everything is so safe.
“In Latin America, sometimes it’s not safe, especially being a woman.
“It’s amazing here, I have this amazing feeling of freedom.
New Zealand is not perfect, but the people are very kind.
The couple wanted to bring the proud tradition of their homeland to New Zealand and so The Knife Boutique NZ was born.
ALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff
For Gisella Morassu and her partner Chris Benitez, a knife is much more than just a knife.
“In New Zealand, not everyone has something handmade at home.
“We couldn’t find anything like it in New Zealand. They are not part of tradition or culture
“We wanted to bring this world-class capability to New Zealand and see how people reacted. We weren’t sure because it’s a very old school thing.
“People loved it.”
The couple sell their knives at various farmers’ markets around Canterbury and on their website. Their catalog includes everything from kitchen knives to hunting knives with unique antler handles.
They also sell handmade barbecue knives. This is a long knife designed to handle the large cuts of meat used in traditional Argentine barbecue.
“In Argentina, we are very big fans of barbecue.
“When we first arrived in New Zealand, we were invited to a barbecue and we couldn’t wait. Our first Kiwi BBQ.
“When we arrived, we saw some sausages and hamburgers on the barbecue. We thought it was just to start, but this was the whole barbecue.
“We were shocked. To us, a barbecue is a massive piece of meat.”
Knives are built to last, but there are a few tips Morassut has for keeping them in good condition. She says you should never put any knife in the dishwasher because it destroys the handle. You should also keep your knives in a leather sheath.
The new business was also motivated by the desire to make and sell something that would last.
“We wanted to make something that you wouldn’t put in the trash or give to the opp store.
“It will stay in your family for generations”
