What makes a Laguiole knife?

LAGUIOLE, Aveyron, is famous for its knives, but watch out: not all “Laguiole” knives are from there as there is no appellation contrôlée for such objects.

The slim knives, with their bee symbol, include pocket knives as well as cutlery sets. They are traditionally made in either Laguiole or in Thiers, to the north-east.

However, courts have ruled that the shape and bee mark are in the public domain, and lesser-quality imports are found.

Even so, the name should not be used for knives neither from Laguiole nor of the traditional design.

Check to see if the knife is by a famous maker, such as Honoré Durand, or ask to see a bon d’origine et de garantie showing where it was made.