They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but at Citadel the opposite is true. Looking at the variety of handcrafted knives, it’s easy to be drawn not only by their beauty and functionality but also the history behind them. Words by Ka Ea Lim.
Established ten years ago by Dominique Eluere, Citadel is a name familiar to knife aficionados all around the world. Ninety percent of the products produced in the workshop, close to the airport, are for export. Some customers have even travelled to Phnom Penh just to have the privilege of purchasing a Citadel from its birthplace, claim the owners.
“We are ready to fulfil our customers’ dreams,” explains Christian de Saint Hilaire, a partner in Citadel. Expect to pay a minimum of US$80, although prices reflect customers’ requirements. “If you want something really special on a knife, diamonds for example, we’ll get it done. No problem.” However at Citadel, knives are prized for their aesthetic rather than monetary value. “We’re looking at perfection and quality. Anything below that, we’re not interested.”
Passionate About KnivesAlthough the shop is small, it still takes a long time to look through its collection of folding, combat, hunting, kitchen and table knives. There are even a few katana, more commonly known as samurai swords. When you look at any knife in Citadel, you’ll notice that all parts are made to fit in perfect harmony. The blades are accompanied by intricate, hand-carved handles made from the skin of stingrays, buffalo horns, cow bones, local wood and even traditional Chinese ivory seal. According to Christian, it takes six to ten hours to make a simple knife but two and half months for a katana.
Citadel’s creator, Christophe Hiriart de Saint developed a passion for knives when he was a child. He created his first knife at the age of 12. Now he trains and supervises a team of 55 Cambodians to produce about 800 knives with 40 to 50 different models a month. Knives have a long history in France where young boys often go fishing in the villages carrying hunting knives, according to Citadel’s manager, Catherine Sauvaget. It also has a symbolic meaning associated as a gift to mark the rite of passage for boys.
Not Just for BoysSurprisingly, some of Citadel’s best customers are American women. They often request smaller and more delicate folding knives to fit in their handbags. Not used for self-defence, women buy them to perform simple tasks such as peeling an apple or just to cut pieces of paper when scissors are not available. “You see, it becomes an indispensable part of you,” Catherine smiles as she pulls a knife from her handbag.
Despite all the French involvement in the company the knives are Cambodian. “The only French thing is the steel and the only reason is because you can’t find good quality steel in Cambodia,” explains Catherine. “Other than that, it’s hundred percent made in Cambodia.” What was once an unknown art in Cambodia is now being transferred to the skilled workforce busy in the workshop. If knives are not your cup of tea, a visit to the factory might just spark new interest.
Citadel, 11 Street 110. Open 11am – 6pm, closed Sundays. To visit the workshop near Phnom Penh International Airport, make an appointment with Christophe, Tel: 092 313 961. 
