On Monday, I stopped by a Laguiole knife store on Île Saint-Louis and bought myself a knife (pictured below).
After appreciating the craftsmanship of the knife, I looked into the origins of this style of knife in France.
Laguiole knives are a style of folding knife named after the town of Laguiole, located in Occitania about 289 miles / 465 kilometers from Paris. Laguiole knives were being produced in the early 19th century, but their popularity took off around 1860. Larger scale production began in the town of Thiers, which has a history of cutlery production.
The style of knife was thought to have been introduced to southern France by shepherds from Catalonia who would migrate seasonally between northern Spain and southern France and Laguiole style of knife remained popular with shepherds. There is a story that explains the cross-shaped pins in the knife grip (seen in first photo) as being used by shepherds as a means to pray while out in the wilderness with their flocks. This story is just a myth and the design is just an aesthetic choice.
Another interesting design feature is the bee (or fly) motif on the spring of the knife joint (seen in second photo). The technical term for the flattened part at the end of the spring in French is “la mouche” (the fly) so usually the spring is decorated with a fly. Bees are also very common to depict on the spring because of their association with Napoleon.
Today, Laguiole knives are produced around the world as they are very popular, but authentic production continues in Thiers and Laguiole. I definitely recommend you buy one for yourself if you like knives or as a gift for someone who does.
Laguiole knives are my favorite, though other French knives are also great. Laws on what you can carry are very restrictive here but that doesn’t mean knives can’t be beautiful and useful.