In the small town of Teramo, a tradition that was at risk of disappearing has found a stronghold in Dario Di Attanasio, the youngest knife-grinder in Italy. At only 20 years old, this young man is not just perpetuating an ancient craft, but renewing it with passion and modernity, attracting distinguished clients such as celebrity chefs and professional hairdressers. A story of dedication and talent that shows how Italian craftsmanship can still find space and prestige in the contemporary world.
All photos from Instagram. The meat on the cover is from Macelleria Properzi
A family tradition since 1843
Dario carries on a legacy that dates back to 1843, when his grandfather founded the sharpening business. A small store located in the historic center of Teramo, where the art of making knives and scissors sharp has been handed down for generations. Growing up watching his father Alessandro work with patience and precision, Dario developed a deep admiration for this craft from a young age. “I chose this path to value Italian craftsmanship and pay homage to my family's history,”, he tells the Messenger here, which reported on the story. Despite his young age, Dario decided to go against the grain, embracing an art that, in the age of digital, is in danger of being forgotten. “Many young people do not approach craftsmanship because there is a lack of masters who teach patiently, and you live in a world that is always in a hurry,”, he reflects. But for Dario, the appeal of this profession is irreplaceable.
The balance between craft and innovation
Working alongside his father is not only an opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade, but also to enrich it with a modern twist. Alessandro, who raised Dario within the walls of the store, fondly remembers his son's first steps: "When he was 6 years old, he used to come here to help me with receipts. As he grew up, he started learning sharpening techniques, and now he puts incredible passion into what he does". This synergy between generations is the secret to the Di Attanasio family's success: on the one hand, his father's experience and precision; on the other, Dario's enthusiasm and focus on the latest in the industry. "The world of cutlery is constantly evolving, with more and more high-performance materials. That's why I'm always keeping up to date,", explains the young knife grinder.
A clientele of excellence
Dario's work is not just limited to restoring old tools: each sharpening becomes a quest for perfection, essential for those who use knives or scissors as precision tools. Chefs and hairdressers, in particular, rely on his mastery to achieve flawless performance from their tools. For a chef, for example, a well-sharpened knife is essential to ensure a precise, contamination-free cut, while for a hairdresser, a flawless scissor can mean the difference between a mundane cut and a work of art. Dario's dedication has enabled him to win the respect of discerning professionals, turning his store into a point of reference not only for Teramo, but for an increasingly wide audience.
The future of Italian craftsmanship
Dario's story is an example of how craftsmanship can once again become a mainstay of the local economy, especially if supported by new generations ready to pick up the baton. “I hope that more and more young people will enter this world,” , he says. “I love this job because you never stop-there is always something to learn and improve.” The knife-grinder's trade, which many might consider a relic of the past, turns out instead to be extraordinarily relevant today. Not only because it meets concrete needs, but also because it embodies precious values: attention to detail, dedication to work and respect for traditions. With Dario, the ancient art of sharpening finds a custodian capable of taking it into the future. And in an Italy where craft workshops are gradually disappearing, his example is a sign of hope, an invitation to rediscover and enhance our cultural heritage.
