The folding Knife from laguiole

These legendary knives from Laguiole, France are as quintessentially French as that bottle of wine on your dining room table. First designed in 1829 by Jean-Pierre Calmels, these Occitane-styled pocket knives are known for their slim, elegant shape and the forged bee that rests atop the locking mechanism.

Commonly used by the shepherds and farmers of Southern France, the style of knife has it's roots in the 'Navaja Fighting Knife' that was carried by the Moors in Southern Spain. The decorative cross inlay on the handle was included by early makers so that farmers and shepherds away from home would have a cross to pray to. Legend has it they would take the knife, stab it into a loaf of bread, and pray beneath it as a sort of field expedient sacrament.

One of the most distinctive features of a Laguiole knife is the carved metal bee that sits at the top of the handle. Although debated for centuries, historians believe that Napolean granted the bladesmiths of Laguiole permission to ornament their knives with his iconic sigil as a declaration of gratitude for their unrivaled sword making during his reign.

We collaborated with the craftsmen at Forge de Laguiole to bring this iconic knife in three distinctive handle materials.

Briar Wood Handle. Brass Bolsters.

Made in Laguiole, France.

$120

Bone Handle. Steel Bolsters.

Made in Laguiole, France.

$220

Ebony Wood Handle. Brass Bolsters.

Made in Laguiole, France.

$120