Toledo is a City full of knives, both physically and historically. So during Gayle and my recent trip to Spain, this is one souvenir that I really wanted. And if you show up here with a Rick Steves' Spain Tour Guide, there's a 10% discount in it for you. The Toledo streets wind around a lot and if you keep walking, you'll eventually find Mariano behind the counter of his long and narrow shop (with his workshop behind). It's right "behind" the Ayuntamiento/City Hall in a fairly nondescript store front. Judging by what's left of Mariano's hands and a few knicks I picked up along the way, his knives are very sharp. He was also very honest about materials, quality, and use of the various grades that he sells. A few of the knives defied my immediate sense of logic on how they worked, and Mariano was very patient and helpful in explaining the mechanisms. I gave up on one of them and figured that if I couldn't safety work the thing, I wasn't going to buy it. Gayle ended up purchasing that one for one of her sons who does have that skill. I was happy with a more decorative pocket knife choice with a nice 2-tone bone inlay. read more

See all

An outstanding visit to a sword making shop. The owner took time to talk to us about swords and explain how the swords were made, the significance of the metal being used and how the swords were used in the past. Fact I learned - swords made in Europe were prized for the hardness of the steel thus the blade is dull on purpose. Highly recommended taking a look at this store and buying a blade if it strikes your fancy. The skilled craftsmanship is on display as is the patient demeanor of the owner. It made my kid's day to see this shop! read more

What an awesome little place. As the other reviewers stated there are LOTS of swords in Toledo. But these are legit. His family has been making swords for 150 years. That's quite the accomplishment. When in the storefront you'll notice the difference between the ones he has made and the factory ones. While the factory ones are quite a bit cheaper than his handcrafted ones, but they are just that cheap souvenirs. Buy one of his, when you get home and look at it you won't regret it! If you want a real lasting memory visit with the man. Ask him questions about swords, ask him about the jewelry, make it more of an experience than a shopping stop. My only caution is know where you are going. It's a little tricky to find. If you are at the cathedral, the visitors center is right there. It's up the little hill and a block or two away. Google it. That's how we found it. Also, he ships to you back home. And if you buy something small enough for your suitcase make sure you check it in at the airport. read more

We visited Toledo and stumbled upon this store, such an awesome little shop, so many different designs of swords, knives and pocket knives. I bought a very unique piece of handcrafted pocket knife made with white mother of pearl handle with two knives that can be use separated or fused together, all my friends found it very gorgeous piece of work and one of a kind. When in Toledo a definite place to visit. Highly recommended read more

See all

During our trip to Madrid, Spain...we made a day trip to Toledo. One of the sole purposes was so that my son could visit the Zamorano workshop of Mariano Zamorano. We were not disappointed at all by this lovely man. As we visited on Columbus Day, a holiday, the workshop was not in operation. Senor Zamorano did, however, take us on a tour of his workshop (small, but authentic), and answered all questions and explained many things to my son who is a knife /sword enthusiast. He purchased a sword (which will be shipped to us in the U.S. ) And a pocket knife, which he checked in his luggage. He was warm and gracious and was well worth our time and efforts. read more

You can easily get lost in the streets of Toledo but if you're looking for steel this is the place to go if you can find it. It's a modest little shop off the beaten path but they clearly have super high quality goods. They have a selection of machine made and hand made goods (please spend a few extra euros and buy the hand made). If you buy something ask if you can see the studio in the back where artisans are perfecting their craft! read more

I recently visited this shop and purchased a plaque with swords along with several pieces of jewelry. Swords were confiscated at customs and I was left with only plaque. I am desperately trying to contact store by phone to replace missing pieces as well as return a bracelet that is broken. I have been calling them daily but to no avail. Do you have a web address for store? Please help. read more