Forge De Laguiole

Many people immediately recognize the style and design of a Laguiole knife, even if they do not know the origin. The slender, traditional blades with the bee (or fly) on the backbone. We often hear people refer to them as "grandfather's pocket knife" or table knives in classy restaurants. The sommelier pocket knives, with an equally iconic corkscrew. It is an unmistakable design. So much so, that it is regularly imitated.

Where does Forge De Laguiole come from?

The name Laguiole is derived from the village where these knives come from. The village of Laguiole in Aubrac, France. Each knife made at the Forge de Laguiole is created, assembled and finished by a single master knifesmith.

Are Forge De Laguiole knives handmade?

That means that every knife is made by hand in France. The knives are known for using natural handle material, such as wood, horn or bone. Although today there are models available with more modern materials for those who like it.

The history of the cutlery industry in Laguiole dates back to 1828, when the first knife maker settled in the village. The knives were originally made as simple pocket knives for farmers. Today Forge de Laguiole has about 100 employees and is an established value. The knives are not only pocket knives, but also a trusted name and a symbol of beauty and quality among collectors.

Take a look at our renewed collection of Forge de Laguiole. Even though we are slowly but surely creeping towards 2023, these knives are still handmade in the village of Laguiole according to their knife tradition that dates back to 1828.

Where does Forge de Laguiole steel come from?

Forge de Laguiole has a specific criterion for the steel, namely that the steel is of French origin. This leads to them using T12 steel. It is a steel hot rolled by the Aciéries de Bonpertuis (next to Grenoble) and an alternative between carbon steel and full stainless steel with a good balance between carbon and chromium. The grain structure of the steel is very fine, which guarantees excellent cutting ability, durability and good resistance to oxidation.

The bolsters are forged and mounted on a metal liner, which is drilled and polished before mounting the blades. The bolsters are solid and are made of brass or steel. Their function is to help protect the scale handle during daily use and thus reduce wear and tear.

The scales are made of a wide variety of materials, ranging from wood, horn, bone and micarta to more exotic materials such as coral or even mammoth ivory. Upon arrival, they first prepare the parts received (remove burrs, adjust parts, sculpt…). Then the master knifesmiths chisel the bee and guilloche the feather. All these parts are put together to form the folding blade. Finally, the knife maker makes the final design with sanding belts of different grain sizes.

Each part of the knife is done by eye and by hand by their own Master Knifesmiths, making each knife a unique piece.