Capital of the knife-making industry
Au Sabot is a company based in Thiers, in the Auvergne region, recognized as the French capital of cutlery. For several centuries, this city has been home to France’s main cutlery production hub and has served as a benchmark for this craft.
The presence of the Durolle River encouraged the establishment of workshops and mills from very early on, enabling the gradual development of an industry specialized in knife manufacturing. Over time, the city organized itself around this industry, bringing together all the trades necessary for cutlery production, from forging to finishing.
Even today, Thiers remains a major hub of French cutlery production, bringing together manufacturers, artisans, and specialized workshops.
It is within this historical and industrial context that Au Sabot continues its work, at the heart of a region deeply rooted in the history of blades and metalworking.
Standing proud on its rocky spur, facing the Chaîne des Puys, visitors to Thiers are amazed by the town’s Medieval architecture.
Wandering down small streets and alleyways, you come across half- timbered, corbelled and even turreted buildings… not forgetting its charming look of Tuscany in the setting sun.
For centuries now, Thiers has been the most important French centre of cutlery manufacture.
Origin
The industry charts its origins back to the Middle Ages. According to legend, crusaders from the Auvergne brought the secrets of knife manufacture back with them from the first Crusade. However, the metal industry in Auvergne actually dates back to the 14 th century.
The development of the cutlery industry allowed the town to begin exporting its products as early as the 16 th century to Spain, the Netherlands and Lombardy. All sorts of blades were ground on whetstones powered by hydraulic energy from the River Durolle.
Modernisation
Since then, the cutler’s work has been modernised and you no longer see grinders lying flat on their stomachs above their whetstones, their faithful dog lying on their legs to keep them warm. Today, Thiers still counts nearly 300 cutlery manufacturers or artisans.
In addition to traditional cutlery manufacture, production also includes surgical instruments, plastic articles, cutlery, kitchenware and stainless steel dishes, as well as machining and spare parts for the automotive industry.
The Birth of the Le Thiers® Knife
For many years, Thiers produced knives for other regions and export markets, including the London, Aurillac, Laguiole, and Langres models. Despite this rich heritage, Thiers cutlers did not have a knife that truly represented their own identity. It was from this realization that the Le Thiers® knife was born, becoming a symbol of local craftsmanship and expertise.
Le Thiers®: The Soul of French Cutlery
Created in Thiers in 1994, Le Thiers® is much more than a knife—it has become the living emblem of the French capital of cutlery. Designed by a group of cutlers united by a common ambition, this iconic model was created to showcase the heritage, character, and excellence of the Thiers cutlery region.
Manufactured exclusively in Thiers, the historic cradle of French cutlery for more than seven centuries, Le Thiers® is the result of exceptional craftsmanship. Nothing is left to chance: every component, every stage of production, and every finishing detail is carried out locally according to strict specifications. Quality, traceability, and authenticity are at the very heart of the Le Thiers® knife.
Registered with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) by the Confrérie du Couté de Tié, this unique model is governed by strict rules designed to preserve its origin and authenticity. Any manufacturer within the Thiers cutlery region wishing to produce their own interpretation of Le Thiers® must first submit a prototype to the Conseil de Jurande for approval before production can begin. Protected by the Confrérie and monitored by the Conseil de Jurande, Le Thiers® guarantees manufacturing carried out entirely within the Thiers cutlery basin.
Instantly recognizable by its elegant silhouette, flowing lines, and distinctive double-wave design, Le Thiers® embodies the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Precise fitting, meticulous polishing, and harmonious proportions reveal the skill and passion of Thiers cutlers. Both modern and timeless, it possesses a unique visual identity that sets it apart at first glance.
As a historic manufacturer of pocket knives, Au Sabot naturally embraced the mission of creating the flagship model of its region.
Involved in the Le Thiers® adventure from the very beginning, the company continues to uphold this heritage through its own creations. From pocket knives to table knives, Au Sabot interprets Le Thiers® through its inspirations while remaining faithful to the values that have made this model renowned.
Tours on the theme of cutlery and knife manufacture
A true place of memory and transmission, the Thiers Cutlery Museum invites visitors to discover more than six centuries of cutlery history through an exceptional collection of nearly 800 rare, remarkable, and unusual pieces. Throughout the exhibition, the museum retraces the social, economic, and technical history of the Thiers cutlery industry, from the first artisan workshops established in the Durolle Valley to the industrial development that brought worldwide recognition to Thiers. The museum also offers demonstrations and workshops, allowing visitors to observe traditional craftsmanship and gain a deeper understanding of the various stages involved in knife making. This vibrant center dedicated to cutlery expertise provides an immersive experience at the heart of a living heritage that remains active today. Thanks to the richness and quality of its collections, the Thiers Cutlery Museum is now considered one of the finest museums dedicated to cutlery in France and Europe. It is an essential visit for anyone passionate about heritage, craftsmanship, and fine blades.
Just a few kilometers from Thiers, the Rouets Valley immerses visitors in the history of the Thiers cutlery industry. Along the trails that follow the Durolle River, you can discover the former rouets—water-powered grinding mills once used to sharpen knife blades. In this preserved natural setting, visitors follow in the footsteps of the grinders, highly skilled craftsmen whose expertise contributed significantly to the reputation of Thiers. The visit also includes a restored and fully operational rouet, offering a living testimony to several centuries of cutlery tradition. Combining industrial heritage with a scenic nature walk, the Rouets Valley is an essential destination for understanding the origins and history of the Thiers cutlery industry.
The Cité des Couteliers is a space dedicated to showcasing contemporary cutlery and the innovations shaping the profession in the 21st century. Created through the collaboration of the City of Thiers, the French Cutlery Federation, Esprit de Thiers, the Brotherhood of the Le Thiers® Knife, and numerous local craftsmen and manufacturers, it highlights the vitality and excellence of modern Thiers cutlery.Through its exhibition and information spaces, the Cité des Couteliers promotes traditional expertise, new technologies, innovative materials, and the diversity of products that continue to make Thiers famous today.Free to visit, the Cité des Couteliers is an essential stop for discovering the modernity, creativity, and high level of technical expertise that define contemporary French cutlery.