"In art, all that counts is excellence". This statement by Henry James sums up perfectly the century-long tradition of the Cutlers of Maniago who have been practising their art of metalworking since late Medieval times. Nowadays, the cutlers' consortium Consorzio Coltellinai, with its fifty or so member companies, guarantees the production of top-quality cutting tools which are exported and appreciated worldwide. In response to the challenge of market globalization, the consortium has "sharpened its cutting edge\" with the entrepreneurial spirit of young blood, new marketing strategies and the constant improvement of production standards. Its main objectives include the drafting of a self-certification protocol for product quality, in line with the European regulations, and the creation of the "made in Maniago" trademark. Particular attention has been placed on creativity and design, evidence of which is to be found in the International knife design competition held in Maniago, and in the development of new sales channels over the Internet. The supply of new services and excellent creative and qualitative levels are a source of pride for the Consorzio Coltellinai and its members at the world\'s most important trade shows, marking the progressive expansion on international markets with an image which aims to be worthy of a place amongst the sector\'s top Made in Italy "labels".