We are excited to interview Mauro Chiostri, a 100% Italian, a knife maker, a co-founder and owner of the brand “Extrema Ratio”, and just a stylish and fashionable person, as the majority of Italians who have it in their blood. Is there any connection between knives and fashion, and what knife should you have in your purse if you are a high fashion model — you will get to know the answers to these and other questions in our interview.
The Fashiongton Post: What was the first knife ever owned by you? Was it a gift from anyone or the one you purchased?
Mauro Chiostri: I received my first knife as a gift from my father when I was a child. Growing up in the countryside near Florence, it was common to carry a knife in your pocket. It was a traditional knife from our region, a folding knife with a carbon steel blade and a horn handle. Unfortunately, I no longer have that knife, but I still have two similar ones that my father gave me.
F.P.: As we know, you founded the brand together with Maurizio Castrati. Whose idea from the two of you was it initially? And is Maurizio Castrati still being a co-founder of the brand or you are a single owner of Extrema Ratio as for now?
M.C.: Maurizio and I have been friends since school. One day, we had the idea to combine our skills and passions to create a knife manufacturing company from scratch. Our families were not in the knife business, so we had to build everything ourselves. It has been a long and challenging journey, but we have achieved success. While we have taken different paths now, Extrema Ratio will always reflect our work together.
F.P.: Do you always carry a knife in your pocket as EDC (Every Day Carry) these days? If yes, which one?
M.C.: Today Italy has strict laws on knife carry, so I can’t always have one with me in the city. However, I always carry a knife when I’m in the countryside. My favorite ones are compact folding knives like the ‘BD1’. I also often use the ‘Kreios’ and ‘Venom’. I always have a knife with me at work, and sometimes I study knives produced by other manufacturers to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
F.P.: Do you consider yourself fashionable?
M.C.: I consider myself up to date and having a good taste in fashion, which comes naturally growing up in Italy with its many fashion brands and artistic heritage.
F.P.: What is your favorite everyday outfit?
M.C.: I generally prefer casual clothes for everyday wear, except for special occasions.
F.P.: What was the last thing you cut with your knife today?
M.C.: I opened a package from an online purchase by cutting its tape.
F.P.: The most unusual thing you had a chance to cut with your knife?
M.C.: I once had to cut a friend’s necktie when he got married. Normally, scissors are used for this, but at that moment we didn’t have any.
F.P.: Knife culture and fashion. What connects those two major industries, as you see it?
M.C.: Fashion is a form of design expression. Design is also essential in activities that men use to express themselves, such as knives. When design combines with functionality, the result is exceptional. Knives seamlessly integrate into our daily lives and routines, so I believe that a knife with a sophisticated design should be everyone’s everyday companion, matching their personal style.
F.P.: At what age did you become interested in knives?
M.C.: I received my first knife when I was six, but my passion for knives developed later, around the age of 25, when I realized that my passion could become a career.
F.P.: There are many celebrities who collect knives, like Angelina Jolie, Sylvester Stallone, Nicolas Cage, Steven Tyler, Ted Nugent, etc. Have you ever had the opportunity to create knives for fashion or movie celebrities?
M.C.: I haven’t had the chance yet, but we are currently working on a project with a Hollywood star. However, our knives have been featured in many movies and TV series, including “Mission Impossible III” (Tom Cruise carries a ‘TFS Pilot’ knife), “Lost” (featuring our ‘K1 Dobermann’ knife), “24” (a ‘Fulcrum’ knife model can be seen on Kiefer Sutherland’s jacket), and many others.
F.P.: Has a knife ever saved your life?
M.C.: Fortunately, I have never been in a situation where a knife has saved my life.
F.P.: What is your favorite knife produced by other brands?
M.C.: There are many great knives, but the one that always stands out to me is the ‘Randall Model 1’.
F.P.: What is the best type of knife lock?
M.C.: I believe the Liner Lock system is very practical and functional. However, I personally prefer the Back Lock for its solidity. When properly crafted, it provides an extremely secure locking system.
F.P.: Do you sleep with a knife?
M.C.: I have a knife near me, but with a young daughter, I keep it hidden.
F.P.: What is the best knife for a high fashion model for everyday carry?
M.C.: I would suggest a small knife that fits in a purse. Our ‘BD1 R Satin’ would be perfect. It is basic but has its own style.
F.P.: What is the best knife for self-defense?
M.C.: A folding automatic knife, such as our ‘Caimano Nero’, would be a good choice. It was designed for the special forces of the Italian navy.
F.P.: What is your favorite knife made by Extrema Ratio?
M.C.: My favorite knife from Extrema Ratio changes over time, but currently, I am struck by the ‘Requiem’. It represents the perfect combination of technique, design, and usability. Every time I see it, I feel a connection with it, making it a top contender for my favorite.
F.P.: If you were to give a knife to your child as a gift, which one would you choose?
M.C.: When my daughter was born, I set aside a small folding knife, the ‘BD0’. Although she is still a child, I hope that one day she will experience the same joy I felt when my father gave me a knife.
