The Bread Knife in Ebony

##Laguiole is more than a manufacturer or brand The word itself also refers to a provenance in the Aubrac region of France, where these exquisite knives are forged, as well as a style of knife. Forge de Laguiole carries a story steeped in tradition, dating back to 1828 when this historic manufacturer and its Master Knifesmiths first began their tradition of quality and excellence in the world of cutlery. The "Forge" in the name refers to their workshop in the village of Laguiole where they ensure all steel meets the strict criteria required to make their knives. Specifically: excellent cut, abrasion resistance, ability to sharpen and polish, and credible resistance to oxidation. The final details of every piece are hand-crafted and shaped by a Master Knifesmith down to the handle, which is selected for each individual piece from an offering of horn, wood, and bone. The brand Forge de Laguiole is known worldwide and is often imitated. But similar to champagne which can only be found in one region of France, a true Laguiole blade must be crafted in the village of Laguiole itself by a true Forge de Laguiole Master Knifesmith.

##Forged by 1000°C "fire" The Master Knifesmiths at Forge de Laguiole accept absolutely nothing but the best; French sourced stainless steel forged in their own manufactory located in the region of Aubrac. Majority of Laguiole cutlery is crafted from corrosion-resistant martensite steel, which is extremely tough. Consequently, it is expected to live up to specific standards. Namely: resistance to corrosion, the cutting edge of the blade, its ability to sharpen, and its ease of polishing and resistance to etching and scratching. As one piece of cutlery must undergo different treatments to achieve all of these qualities, the Master Knifesmiths apply the process for each piece based on its type and use.

The handles that ground the stainless steel are selected and crafted just as carefully. Made from bone, horn, wood, and even mammoth molar, they arrive in their raw state and are undergo the process of cutting and sawing in the Forge workshop. Similar to a leather pattern that is programmed and cut for symmetry and consistence, the handles are treated much the same way. The final step of the process, however, is done by hand by a Master Knifesmith.

##Crème de la crème Don’t be fooled, there are a lot of imitation Laguiole cutlery pieces floating around in the world. That’s because this house, dating back to 1828, has made an insurmountable mark on the industry. And just what sets them apart? They make knives for every occasion but accept nothing but the best. Those are the standards to which the Master Knifesmiths at Forge de Laguiole hold themselves accountable. Their French sourced, forged-in-house stainless steel must meet several standards of excellence, which is why they choose a steel made from a combination of high percentage of chromium, carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium. These elements lend the qualities of corrosion resistance, durability against scratching, and ease of polishing and sharpening. The handles are selected for each individual piece and hand shaped. Laguiole proudly stands behind their product and places their logo on every blade to show their mark of excellence.