Laguiole knives

Every Laguiole knife offered on this site is handcrafted in France by the workmen of the Laguiole Le Fidele workshops.

Laguiole knives are made entirely by hand with utmost respect for tradition, involving 170 manual operations, making every laguiole knife a unique piece.

The brand name is engraved on the blades : laguioleLe Fidèle
Each laguiole knife is an original.
All handles are crafted from high-quality raw materials (such as genuine horn or wood) and assembled manually, pieced together like a puzzle.

The laguiole knife blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, highly resistant to wear over time.
The blade is perfectly smooth, impeccably sharpened, and exceptionally shiny.
The bolsters are made of brass or brushed steel, and the steel bee is either welded to the knife or forged with the spring.

Lastly, the shepherd's cross (five rivets) on the handle is the result of manual assembly on this traditional knife.
The laguiole knives are made using traditional methods and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Click here to recognize a genuine laguiole knife



History of the Laguiole Knife

Origins (Early 19th Century)

The Laguiole knife first appeared around 1829 in the village of Laguiole, in the Aveyron region of France. Originally, it was a simple folding knife inspired by the capuchadou, used by shepherds and farmers in the Aubrac region for various everyday tasks.

Foreign Influence: The Spanish Navaja

In the mid-19th century, seasonal workers returning from Spain brought back the navaja, a folding knife with a locking mechanism. This influenced both the shape and mechanism of the modern Laguiole knife.

The Famous Bee (or Fly)

On the spring of the knife, there is a small decoration often called the bee, although it was originally just an ornamental feature. According to legend, Napoleon granted the right to use the bee symbol to the people of Laguiole as a reward for their bravery.

Growth and Decline (19th - 20th Century)

The knife became very popular among rural communities in central France. However, in the 20th century, rural depopulation led to a decline in local knife-making, and much of the production moved to Thiers, the traditional cutlery capital of France.

A Non-Protected Name

The name "Laguiole" is neither a registered trademark. As a result, many knives labeled "Laguiole" are produced outside of France, often without regard to traditional methods. This has led to efforts to protect the craft, such as the "Laguiole Origine Garantie" label.

Laguiole Today

Today, genuine handcrafted Laguiole knives are made in Aveyron and Thiers by renowned manufacturers such as Laguiole Le Fidele. Each knife is often unique, handcrafted with noble materials, and has become a prestigious gift or collectible item.