The history of the Laguiole knife dates back to 1828 when the first cutler settled in the village, creating the first folding knife with a simple design. By the 1850s, the knife evolved, becoming more refined, and by 1880, the three-piece knife with a corkscrew and awl emerged. The corkscrew symbolized Aveyron’s people in Parisian cafés, while the awl served in agriculture. In 1909, the iconic bee appeared on the knife, with some legends claiming it was a tribute from Napoleon. However, World War I devastated the workforce, leaving only three craftsmen and nearly leading to the disappearance of the craft.

In 1985, a group of visionaries from the Aubrac plateau, including the mayor of Laguiole, came together with a mission to revive the craft. This led to the creation of Forge de Laguiole in 1987, bringing the art of Laguiole knife-making back to where it all began and ensuring the legacy of this iconic knife would live on.

The manufactory quickly became a cornerstone of the village, not just for its exceptional knives but also for its striking architecture. Designed by the iconic Philippe Starck, the building combines modern design with a nod to tradition. The sleek aluminum and glass structure is crowned by an imposing 18-meter-long blade that proudly reaches for the sky.

Visitors to Forge de Laguiole are invited to witness the intricate, step-by-step process that goes into creating each knife—from forging the steel blades to shaping the handles from horn and wood. This dedication to quality is rooted in the use of French steel sourced from Aciéries de Bonpertuis, ensuring every blade is a work of precision and beauty.

The Forge de Laguiole logo, designed by Yan Pennor, echoes the shape of the iconic blade, symbolizing the blend of innovation and heritage that defines the brand. More than just a manufacturing process, Forge de Laguiole represents the revival of a time-honored tradition, ensuring that the Laguiole knife continues to be a cherished piece of French craftsmanship for generations to come.