the undisputed French capital of cutlery!
content list
Intro:
When looking for a kitchen knife in France, you definitely won’t want to miss the chance to explore the glorious history of Thiers—the undisputed French capital of cutlery, a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne in central France. It would be a shame not to visit and admire the fruits of their hard work!
Thiers has forged its reputation as France’s unrivalled and exceptional knife-manufacturing centre. For centuries, Thiers’ cutlers have made numerous knife models for towns, villages, and regions throughout France. They have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft and skills, producing high-end “Made in France” cutlery collections.
French gastronomy would not be the same without the expertise of Thiers’ cutlery manufacturers. Thiers is a major historic centre of knife manufacturing, with around one hundred companies and a cutlery museum; seventy percent of French pocket knives, kitchen knives, and table knives are manufactured in Thiers. For centuries, Thiers has played a pivotal role in producing high-quality utensils, from professional knives to scissors and novelty knives, and in writing some of the most beautiful pages of France’s cutlery history.
Undoubtedly, it’s no surprise that when you visit Thiers, the first thing you won’t want to miss is the abundance of knife shops in the medieval town centre. Not surprisingly, Thiers is home to many cutlery museums, where knife lovers and curious visitors can admire displays filled with numerous cutlery models and exceptional pieces!
If you get the chance to visit Thiers in May, you can enjoy the Festival du Couteau d’Art, also known as Coutellia. It’s a renowned knife trade fair in Thiers and an international festival celebrating art and traditional knives. You can discover the art of cutlery through activities and hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. From forging demonstrations to knife sharpening and corkscrew making, Coutellia has immersed visitors for years in a world of knife-making expertise and tradition. Throughout the festival, knife lovers can enjoy numerous activities in the knife-making village, showcasing cutlers’ expertise and their passion for this tool, which can become a true work of art in expert hands.
During your stay, make sure you get at least one knife—it can also be the perfect gift for your family or friends—and it is an absolute must. Take a look at the best places to shop in this undisputed French capital of cutlery with our list of the top kitchen knife stores in Thiers.
Whether you intend to visit other cities in France or plan an extensive tour of Europe to explore stores where you can find amazing, professional local kitchen knives, there are helpful guides to help you locate the top local kitchen knife stores. So get ready to find the best places as we delve into the following:
Intro:
COUTELLERIE FRANÇOIS 1ER offers a wide selection of knives: utility, folding, kitchen, table, leisure, collectible, pocket, handmade Le Thiers ® knives, as well as hunting and hiking knives. They also provide advice and guidance to help you choose the knife best suited to your needs. The pure, elegant lines of the THIERS make it an excellent table knife. The forged range features handles in various woods, horn, or all stainless steel. The selection of forged kitchen knives is made from high-quality Z50CD15 steel with cade wood handles.
Store information:
(1)Address:5 Rue du Bourg, 63300 Thiers, France
(2)Open hours:
Monday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Tuesday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Wednesday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Thursday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Friday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Saturday 10AM-12PM 2-6PM
Sunday Closed
(3)COUTELLERIE FRANÇOIS 1ER Details
(4)Phone:+33473801306
Customer review:
One reviewer says: “A very pleasant encounter and experience. A lovely knife shop well worth a visit. There are many models, but don’t worry—the very friendly owner will be able to advise you. Many thanks to him for taking the time to guide us in our search for a Thiers knife!”
One reviewer says: “This cutlery shop offers excellent knives (P. Cognet, Le Fidèle, etc.), and the welcome is both simple and warm. It is the ideal place to discover, exchange ideas about what fascinates us, and of course buy beautiful objects if you wish. Without a doubt, my favorite place in Thiers. Even my seven-year-old daughter loves going there with me. Thank you!”
One reviewer says: “My favorite cutlery shop—wonderful meeting and very beautiful knives. Thank you for the welcome.”
SINCE 1835 The Cognet Cutlery Factory has been based in Thiers, the world capital of cutlery. All our knives are entirely handmade in our workshops, following the purest cutlery tradition. This heritage of more than 180 years of cutlery expertise enables us to offer you the best of our production.
The Manufacture offers table knives directly inspired by the famous Douk-Douk©, suitable for special occasions, as well as sober, refined designs for every circumstance. True to its reputation, the Manufacture signs these different models, guaranteeing impeccable quality.
Store information:
(1)Address:54 Rue des Horts, 63300 Thiers, France
(2)Open hours:
Monday 9:30-11:30 AM
Tuesday 9:30-11:30 AM 2-5 PM
Wednesday 9:30-11:30 AM 2-5 PM
Thursday 9:30-11:30 AM 2-5 PM
Friday 9:30-11:30 AM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(3)Manufacture Coutellerie Cognet Details
(4)Phone:+33557876540
Customer review:
One reviewer says: “An extraordinary knife to have at all costs if you are a true enthusiast. A perfect success from Ets Cognet... It comes with a superb case and a collector’s sticker.”
One reviewer says: “Thank you for your warm welcome. Very thorough explanations of how your knives are made. Very beautiful products that we would really like to own or give as gifts.”
One reviewer says: “The appearance of your products highlights their quality and history, and I am very impressed by what you offer. Unfortunately, I cannot find any Douk-Douk knife parts. Would you send me one of the pieces? Thank you, knowing that I am in Tunisia. Kind regards.”
The Atelier Perceval manufactures and markets high-end kitchen, table, and pocket knives. Based in Thiers, the historic capital of French cutlery, our knives embody the expertise of this cutlery tradition.
The Atelier Perceval manufactures and markets high-end kitchen, table, and pocket knives. Based in Thiers, the historic capital of French cutlery, our knives embody the expertise of this cutlery tradition. This “Made in France” artisanal production is recognized by the EPV (Living Heritage Company) and Ateliers d'Art de France labels.
Store information:
(1)Address:20 Av. des États Unis, 63300 Thiers, France
(2)Open hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-5PM
Thursday 8:30AM-5PM
Friday 8:30AM-4PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(3)Atelier Perceval Details(4)Phone:+33749987565
Customer review:
One reviewer says: “After buying a French folding knife from Perceval more than 10 years ago, I bought one of their latest creations yesterday, the 10 cm office knife with a bevel. I’ve been trying office knives for years and was never completely satisfied. This one is perfect in every respect: its finish, balance, aesthetics, accessible price, and, of course, its cutting performance.”
One reviewer says: “This paring knife is perfect!!! The beginning of a collection... Congratulations to the entire workshop team for delivering it before the holidays. THANK YOU.”
One reviewer says: “My L08 had stains on the blade after a few cuts that could not be removed. After consulting an employee, I was sent a tube of polishing paste. The result is very good. The knife is spotless and a pleasure to use. Thank you very much for the straightforward and highly competent customer service. Merci.”
Intro:
Istyl specializes in selling table knives, professional and high-end kitchen knives, and their accessories (sheaths, honing steels, stones, sausage cutters, bread knives, etc.). The company also offers a complete range of chef’s knives, made possible through a partnership with the great knife-making houses of Thiers. Above all, Istyl offers knives made in France, manufactured according to the cutlery tradition of Thiers by leading houses and renowned artisans. They are committed to promoting local expertise and preserving the value of craftsmanship. In this way, they guarantee you a purchase with meaning and style.
Store information:
(1)Address: Chochat, 63300 Thiers, France
(2)Open hours:
Monday 8AM-6PM
Tuesday 8AM-6PM
Wednesday 8AM-6PM
Thursday 8AM-6PM
Friday 8AM-6PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(3)Istyl - Online Cutlery Details
(4)Phone:+33184160375
Customer review:
One reviewer says: “Lots of choices in this cutlery range. I bought a box of six table knives. They are beautiful, high-quality, durable, and cut very well. In addition, they were made in France, which I favor when making purchases.”
One reviewer says: “At last, a website where French-made products are in the spotlight. Brands such as Laguiole and Pradel have entered the public domain for many, but on Istyl, which is based in Thiers, you can buy products made here by French artisans and small and medium-sized businesses. Istyl repairs old knives—a testament to its expertise!”
One reviewer says: “I bought six Coursolle pieces. (I have about fifty knives.) I am so satisfied that I ordered the same set for a friend. Unbeatable quality-to-price ratio.”
Intro:
Manu Laplace combines meticulousness and refinement to create exceptional knives: Damascus folding knives, high-end kitchen knives, pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, and more. Made in France and the product of know-how passed down from generation to generation, Manu Laplace knives embody a history linked to mastery of precision steel technology.
Manu Laplace, constantly seeking beauty and excellence, brings refinement and technical precision to every detail and every element of the knife. Offering Damascus blades—true steel laminates with unique, ever-changing reflections that set them apart—his workshop stands out through its singularity. To offer you beautiful French-made creations, the Manu Laplace workshops in Thiers welcome you to discover our collections and expertise. We are eager to share our passion for cutlery and related arts and crafts, such as leather goods, to offer you exceptional boxes and belt cases, for example.
Store information:
(1)Address:4 Rue Camille Joubert, 63300 Thiers, France
(3)Phone:+33473514493
Customer review:
One reviewer says: “Manu Laplace and his wife gave us an unforgettable day. Having traveled to Thiers from Germany, I wanted to visit his workshop and was lucky that both of them were there despite the holiday week. Unparalleled hospitality, warm and genuine kindness—wonderful! We learned a great deal about the meticulous approach he takes to everything he does. Manu thinks through every knife and leaves nothing to chance. So the knife I bought is a work of art and much more than a mere craft. We wish you all the best and good health (!) Goodbye!”
One reviewer says: “A very warm welcome and superb, exceptional knives.”
One reviewer says: “Excellent team and exceptional knives.”
