Named after the renowned Great St. Bernard Hospice, a haven for travelers navigating the perilous St. Bernard Pass in the Alps, which connects Switzerland and Italy, these diligent dogs share their namesake with their founder, Bernard of Menthon, the monk who established the hospice a millennium ago.
Originally bred as a working dog, the Saint Bernard later became a rescuer for those lost in the snow. The dogs were believed to wear a small barrel of brandy around their necks to revive frostbitten mountaineers. Chronicles by Napoleon’s soldiers recount numerous lives saved by the Saint Bernards. This heroic behavior inspired the motto “Nobility, dedication, sacrifice,” which embodies the St. Bernard knife. Its enduring strength, humble origins, and impeccable craftsmanship pay homage to the noble breed.
Consider this: This knife was masterfully crafted in Thiers, Europe’s cutlery capital. Fontenille Pataud’s “Gilles®” collection boasts some of the finest pocket knives. Each Gilles knife is the sole work of an individual artisan, guaranteeing distinct pride in ownership. This knife is entirely Made in France.