Renaissance Travel Cutlery Set "Tavern" (15th–17th C.) – Knife and Pricker

Renaissance Travel Cutlery Set "Tavern" (15th–17th C.) – Knife and Pricker

Thanks to its small dimensions, this set is ideal as travel cutlery that takes up almost no space in your belt pouch but performs essential work at the table.

Before Forks Were in Fashion

While the knife was used to slice morsels, the pricker (historically known as an eating awl) served the function of the modern fork. It was used to spear pieces of meat, cheese, or bread and transport them to the mouth. The pricker was also useful for extracting marrow from bones or opening nuts and shellfish.

Design and Craftsmanship

The set features an elegant and functional design. The handles are finished with a decorative pointed tip resembling a Gothic arch, ensuring not only a stylish look but also a secure grip when drawing from the sheath. The transition between the blade/spike and the handle is formed by a steel bolster decorated with three fine engraved lines.

Depending on your taste and your character's status, you can choose the handle material:

• Hardwood: Ideal for earthy, simpler costumes of rangers or townsfolk.
• Bone: A light-colored variant that looks clean and noble.
• Horn: A dark, luxurious variant with unique grain, suitable for wealthier merchants or nobility.

Both the knife blade and the pricker are made of carbon steel. The knife features a full-tang construction, meaning the steel runs the full length of the handle, with the scales firmly riveted in place. The package includes a practical leather scabbard that holds both tools simultaneously (with separate pockets).

Technical Specifications

Care Instructions

This set is made from authentic materials that require your care. Carbon steel is not rust-proof! Clean and dry the metal parts immediately after every use (especially after contact with acidic foods like fruit). For long-term storage, coat them with oil (e.g., mineral oil or clove oil).

Products with handles made of horn, bone, or wood must never be put in a dishwasher. Hot water and aggressive chemicals would irreversibly damage the materials. Keep the leather sheath dry and treat it occasionally with leather balm. Do not leave the knife in the sheath for long periods, as leather can trap moisture and cause corrosion.

Important Notice

Although the set is fully functional, for legislative reasons, it is sold primarily as a historical prop. The product is not certified for food contact according to modern hygiene standards.