Handle on history: Knives embedded with rocket parts honor 45 years of Ariane launches

The metal embedded in the handles of SpacePep's knives comes from the production process of Ariane 5 rockets.

A French company that crafts knife handles from leftover rocket metal and the wood from trees surrounding the rocket's launch pad has created a limited-edition piece celebrating the anniversary of Europe's venerable expendable heavy-lift vehicle.

SpacePep's has introduced its "45 Years of Ariane" folding knife. Each of the 100 individually-numbered knives is made with metal from the production of an Ariane 5 rocket, which is embedded in the snakewood handle.

"It was indeed on Dec. 24, 1979, that the first Ariane launcher in history took off from the ELA1 launch pad, giving Europeans autonomous access to space," read SpacePep's description of the anniversary knife. "We therefore wanted to create a unique piece worthy of this galactic success."

To mark 45 years of Ariane rockets, SpacePep's has designed and produced a limited edition knife; just 100 available, each numbered, and made with a piece of Ariane 5 in the handle. (Image credit: Spacepep's)