| The Laguiole knife has been a big part of the | | | | the Legend, Napoleon had a camp just outside the |
| cutlery industry. The expert craftsmanship | | | | village of Laguiole. When he found out about the |
| portrayed in the production of each knife is a | | | | knife and used it, he gave the people permission |
| shining example of the elegance that a knife could | | | | to affix it with his seal of approval – the bee |
| portray. It is now a very popular name, but | | | | that adorns the knife’s bolster. |
| where did it come from? | | | | However, it was only in 1981 when the Laguiole |
| Contrary to what most think, Laguiole knife is not | | | | Knife Association was formed. The aim of this |
| a trademark or brand name. Laguiole is not a | | | | association is to promote and develop the cutlery |
| name of a company. Rather, it is a small village in | | | | industry in the village. This association has grown |
| France where the production of these handmade | | | | since then, helping the knife industry flourish. |
| knives originated. | | | | Today, the production of the Laguiole knife has |
| The origin of such knife was said to have | | | | expanded to other parts of the country, most |
| originated from Spain. The Capuchadou, a fixed | | | | prominently to the nearby city of Theirs. This city |
| knife with a handle made of beech wood, was | | | | is also known for its cutlery industry. It continues |
| brought into France by migrant workers back in | | | | its production of these handmade knives to keep |
| 1892. The knife was then developed by Jacques | | | | up with the growing demand all over the world. |
| Calmels, son of an innkeeper in Laguiole, into the | | | | The humble knife has come a long way since its |
| folding Laguiole knife that is known today. This | | | | introduction. It is now offered in various designs, |
| became the knife of choice for the shepherds | | | | using different materials for the handles, such as |
| because of its durability, portability, and practical | | | | different kinds of wood, steel, and animal horn. Its |
| use. | | | | blade has gotten better as well. Every blade is |
| The bee found on the bolster of the Laguiole | | | | now fashioned with either stainless steel or high |
| knife has its own history as well. This bee signifies | | | | carbon steel for that unmatched sharpness. |
| that Napoleon approved the knife. According to | | | | |