Forge de Laguiole

By the early 1980's, the knowledge of how to properly make a Laguiole had practically disappeared. In 1981, however, the mayor of Laguiole founded the association "Couteau de Laguiole" with the goal of reintroducing traditional techniques for making Laguiole knives in his town. Later, this association registered the trademark "Laguiole Origine Garantie", and announced that it would grant this trademark only to those artisans and workshops which made folding knives in the town of Laguiole itself, according to rigorous standards of quality and workmanship.

Forge de Laguiole opened its doors in 1987, the product of a group of passionate visionaries dedicated to reintroducing the manufacture of this famous knife in the town of its birth. The design of this workshop was entrusted to Philippe Starck, who perfectly embodied the philosophy of the enterprise: to combine creativity with the rich Laguiole tradition. Now, every step of knife fabrication once again takes place here in Laguiole. This has renewed authenticity and brought the Laguiole knife back to its birthplace.

In addition, Forge de Laguiole has never ceased improving the manufacture of cutlery, ensuring quality by respecting traditional methods of hand assembly. From its early days in the early 19th century as an obscure local tool, the Laguiole knife has evolved into a highly respected object of culture and taste recognised throughout the world. As a symbol of continuity and solidarity with the past, or as a statement of contemporary creativity, Laguiole continues to inspire designers. Philippe Starck, Yan Pennor's, Eric Raffy, Hermès, Sonia Rykiel, Pierre Hermé and Matali Crasset, Courrèges, Jean-Michel Wilmotte... all have lent their particular talents to the interpretation of the Laguiole.

Today, Forge de Laguiole is highly respected ambassador of French creativity and ability, designing and manufacturing a select group of objects regarded worldwide as "haute couture". The trademark engraved on the blade guarantees the cutlery's origin and quality. This trademark is absolutely exclusive and ensures that the piece is manufactured by Forge de Laguiole.

As a mythic and unifying symbol of time-honoured traditions, the Laguiole represents values such as friendship, solidarity and fine workmanship. It plays an important role in gatherings with friends and family. As an object designed to be passed from generation to generation, Laguiole cutlery provides great pleasure to all who give and receive it.

If you receive a Laguiole knife as a gift, you must offer a small coin in exchange. This will prevent your friendship from being cut.