{"id":22872,"date":"2019-02-06T22:10:39","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T21:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ausabot.com\/?page_id=22872"},"modified":"2026-06-18T18:25:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:25:07","slug":"thiers-capital-of-the-knife-making-industry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ausabot.com\/en\/know-how\/thiers-capital-of-the-knife-making-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Thiers, capital of the knife-making industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”4″ bottom_padding=”4″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”196743″][vc_column_text el_class=”titleseparator” uncode_shortcode_id=”240674″]<\/p>\n

Capital of the knife-making industry<\/h2>\n

Au Sabot is a company based in Thiers, in the Auvergne region, recognized as the French capital of cutlery<\/strong>. For several centuries, this city has been home to France\u2019s main cutlery production hub<\/strong> and has served as a benchmark for this craft.<\/p>\n

The presence of the Durolle River encouraged the establishment of workshops and mills<\/strong> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even today, Thiers remains a major hub of French cutlery production, bringing together manufacturers, artisans, and specialized workshops.<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image media=”44098″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”sixteen-nine”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”4″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]Standing proud on its rocky spur, facing the Cha\u00eene des Puys, visitors to Thiers are amazed by the town\u2019s Medieval architecture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Wandering down small streets and alleyways, you come across half- timbered, corbelled and even turreted buildings\u2026 not forgetting its charming look of Tuscany in the setting sun.<\/p>\n

For centuries now, Thiers has been the most important French centre of cutlery manufacture<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”4″ bottom_padding=”4″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”accent” heading_semantic=”h3″ text_size=”h3″]Origin[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text]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<\/strong> in Auvergne actually dates back to the 14 th century.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”accent” heading_semantic=”h3″ text_size=”h3″]Modernisation[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text]Since then, the cutler\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ el_class=”categoriesrow”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-100980″ medias=”633,632,44098,636″ gutter_size=”0″ media_items=”media|lightbox|original” screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”3″ images_size=”four-three” single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_overlay_anim=”no” single_text_anim=”no” single_padding=”2″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”528536″][vc_column_text el_class=”titleseparator” uncode_shortcode_id=”386265″]<\/p>\n

The Birth of the Le Thiers\u00ae Knife<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u00ae knife was born, becoming a symbol of local craftsmanship and expertise.<\/p>\n

Le Thiers\u00ae: The Soul of French Cutlery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Created in Thiers in 1994, Le Thiers\u00ae is much more than a knife\u2014it 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.<\/p>\n

Manufactured exclusively in Thiers<\/strong>, the historic cradle of French cutlery for more than seven centuries, Le Thiers\u00ae 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\u00ae knife.<\/p>\n

Registered with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) by the Confr\u00e9rie du Cout\u00e9 de Ti\u00e9<\/a>, this unique model is governed by strict rules designed to preserve its origin and authenticity<\/strong>. Any manufacturer within the Thiers cutlery region wishing to produce their own interpretation of Le Thiers\u00ae must first submit a prototype to the Conseil de Jurande for approval before production can begin. Protected by the Confr\u00e9rie and monitored by the Conseil de Jurande, Le Thiers\u00ae guarantees manufacturing carried out entirely within the Thiers cutlery basin.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instantly recognizable by its elegant silhouette, flowing lines, and distinctive double-wave design<\/strong>, Le Thiers\u00ae 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<\/strong> that sets it apart at first glance.<\/p>\n

As a historic manufacturer of pocket knives, Au Sabot naturally embraced the mission of creating the flagship model of its region. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Involved in the Le Thiers\u00ae 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\u00ae through its inspirations<\/strong> while remaining faithful to the values that have made this model renowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tours on the theme of cutlery and knife manufacture<\/h2>\n