Scarperia, (the town of knives) a former Medici garrison town, was the center of the knife industry production. The earliest document found which mentions the knives of Scarperia is a Florentine bank's inventory from 1479. The Saladini family began their business as a knife and sword makers for the Medici Army. In the 1800s when the kingdom of Italy was established the Saladini family then found their market in specialty knives and cutlery which continues today.