Is it of good quality?
'Qualità' — 'kwa-li-TA'. Three syllables, stress on last (with accent). The 'qu' = 'kw'.
Before buying anything at a market. Asking about quality triggers the vendor's sales pitch — useful for understanding what they claim about the product.
'Di buona qualità' = of good quality. 'Buona' = good (feminine, agreeing with 'qualità'). Italian market vendors are usually honest about quality when directly asked — especially locals buying from locals.
È di alta qualità?
Is it high quality?
'Alta qualità' = high quality — more emphatic
Come è fatta?
How is it made?
Open question about construction — reveals materials and craftsmanship
Quanto dura?
How long does it last?
Durability question — practical quality indicator
Coltellerie (knife workshops) of Scarperia (near Florence) and Pattada (Sardinia) are Italy's famous knife-making centres. Italian market knife vendors often source from these areas. A genuine handmade Italian knife is a serious purchase worth investing in.