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

The History of the laguiole knives

The first Laguiole knife was made in 1828 by Mr. Moulin, a cutler in Laguiole, a village in southern France that would lend its name to the famous knife brand. Since then, Laguiole knives have primarily been crafted in France, in Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme) and their original village in Aveyron.

Laguiole is not a registered trademark because it is too old. The name is part of the public domain, which allows it to be freely manufactured. Unfortunately, this has led to many counterfeit versions originating from Asia. The expert workmen of Laguiole Le Fidèle create their knives by hand, adhering to tradition and performing 170 manual operations.

How to Recognize a Genuine Handcrafted Laguiole Knife Made in Its Place of Origin

The Laguiole Knife: An Icon of French Craftsmanship

The Laguiole knife, an icon of French craftsmanship, is globally renowned for its elegance and quality. However, a surprising fact for many is that "real" Laguiole knives are not exclusively made in the town of Laguiole, in the Aveyron region. Here are the historical, legal, and cultural reasons explaining why authentic Laguiole knives can be made outside the town of Laguiole.

The history of the Laguiole knife begins in the early 19th century in the small town of Laguiole, located in the Aubrac region. Born from the ingenuity of local farmers, this folding knife is distinguished by its elegant design and the iconic "bee" sculpted on its spring. Over the decades, the reputation of these knives extended beyond regional borders, attracting the attention of artisans from other areas.

The first reason for the geographical expansion of Laguiole knife production is economic. In the 19th century, faced with growing demand, Laguiole artisans alone could not meet the entire market’s needs. Thus, other cutlery hubs, notably Thiers in Auvergne, began producing these knives.

Legally, the "Laguiole" brand has been the subject of many controversies. Over the years, numerous companies registered the name "Laguiole" for various products, including knives made outside the original region. Despite attempts by the town of Laguiole to protect the name, French and European legislation has long considered "Laguiole" a generic term that cannot be restricted to a specific geography or group of artisans.

However, a significant turning point came in 2022 with the approval of the geographical indication "Couteau Laguiole" (Laguiole Knife). This IGP specifies that the knives must be made in several designated municipalities across the Aveyron, Lozère, Cantal, Puy-de-Dôme, Loire, and Allier departments. This decision recognizes the quality and craftsmanship of these knives without limiting production to the town of Laguiole alone.

The decision to allow the production of Laguiole knives in these regions is primarily based on the history and tradition of cutlery in these areas. Historically, Laguiole knife production expanded beyond the town of Laguiole due to growing demand and the need for specialized labor and expertise. For instance, Thiers, known as an important center for cutlery in France, has played a significant role in the production of these knives. The IGP decision reflects this historical reality and acknowledges the expertise and traditions of cutlery in these regions alongside those of Laguiole. After World War I, Thiers’ cutlery workshops began producing Laguiole knives, with some evolving toward industrial manufacturing.

The "Couteau Laguiole" IGP, established in 2022, aims to protect not only the name but also the quality and traditional manufacturing methods of the Laguiole knife, ensuring that knives produced in these regions meet strict standards of quality and authenticity. This protection seeks to shield local manufacturers from counterfeits and cheap imports, primarily from Asia. The IGP ensures that consumers can trust the authenticity and quality of Laguiole knives, regardless of their specific place of manufacture within the designated regions.

The cutlers officially authorized to produce Laguiole knives under the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) approved on September 23, 2022, include several companies and individual artisans across various municipalities in the Aveyron, Lozère, Cantal, Puy-de-Dôme, Loire, and Allier departments. Notable names include Laguiole Le Fidèle and Dozorme, among others.

It is essential to understand that the quality and authenticity of a Laguiole knife are not solely defined by its place of manufacture but rather by the traditional manufacturing methods and high-quality materials used. Artisans in Thiers, for example, are renowned for their expertise in cutlery, contributing to the legacy of quality associated with Laguiole knives.

In conclusion, "real" Laguiole knives are not exclusive to the town of Laguiole. Their production, extended to other regions, stems from a complex history of economic necessity, legal battles, and recognition of artisanal expertise. The "Couteau Laguiole" IGP is a step toward preserving this heritage, ensuring authenticity and quality, regardless of where they are made within the designated region.

On laguiole-french-knives.com, you will find knives from the finest Laguiole workshops. The price of a Laguiole knife depends on the quality of the materials, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the time required to create each knife, making each Laguiole unique.

Investing in a high-quality Laguiole knife guarantees you an authentic and exceptional piece of craftsmanship.