Today we thought that we would pay homage to excellent craftsmanship and enduring design by taking a sneak peek behind the French cutlery powerhouse, Forge de Laguiole. Yes, Christmas is a couple of weeks away and yes, these fine items are a lust-worthy gift for a foodie fan, but more than that, they are a hall of fame triumph so lend us your ear…
Forge de Laguiole
The small town of Laguiole in South Central France is the home of the world-famous Laguiole knife, first constructed by Pierre Jean Calmels in 1829. Originally an obscure local tool, this knife has grown in stature to become a symbol of living well and an icon of incomparable quality. In 1987 a group of visionaries formed Forge de Laguiole as a means to restore the art of knife-making and reintroduce the famous knives in the small town where they originated.
Cheese Knife, £75
And why is this of significance, you may ask? Well call us sentimental, but in an age where mass production is common, The Conran Shop believe in championing the masters of craftsmanship, the traditions and the expertise that go into creating beautiful and timeless design and quality. Despite being a relatively new company, there is nothing new about the processes and techniques used by Forge de Laguiole artisans. Combining creativity with rich tradition, each knife is crafted by one pair of worn and weathered hands from start to finish, and each bears the exclusive logo and traditional trademark ‘bee’ on the back spring and ‘shepherd’s cross’ made of rivets. It goes without saying that the materials are of superior quality, for a long and illustrious lifespan.
Set of 6 Steak Knives, £310
Respecting a rich heritage of nearly 200 years of knife making tradition, Forge de Laguiole has continued to improve and advance the manufacture of exquisite cutlery so that it may last for centuries to come in a range of products that far exceed the original singular knife. Ensuring continuity and solidarity with the past, by respecting traditional methods of hand assembly, this pioneering company deserves praise for reintroducing the famed Laguiole knife and its symbolic representation of the individuality and character of the region.
Sommelier Corkscrew, £150
The Conran Shop is proud to stock these cutlery movers and shakers and we urge you to consider their dominant steel in all its stature. A set of world-class steak knives or a restaurant standard Sommelier corkscrew would make even Gordon Ramsey smile. The perfect gift for the ultimate kitchen buff, Forge de Laguiole craft beautiful pieces to be loved and cherished for a lifetime, not to mention earning you major brownie points as you recite a little of the history behind this iconic brand. Check out our collection here.
