New Indication Géographique for Laguiole knives

For years, the name Laguiole has stood for French knives with character. That recognition also has a downside: the name is often used for poor imitations and cheap copies. The new Indication Géographique “Couteau de Laguiole”, or IG Couteau de Laguiole, brings much-needed clarity. This official designation of origin shows that a knife meets strict requirements for origin, production and finishing, and is genuinely connected to the region around Laguiole.

What is the Indication Géographique?

Laguiole knives now have an official French designation of origin: the Indication Géographique “Couteau de Laguiole”. It strengthens the link between the name Laguiole and the place it comes from: the area around the village of Laguiole in North Aveyron.

You may recognise similar protections from products such as Champagne or Roquefort. The name reflects not only the product’s style, but also where it comes from and how it is made.

The same now applies to Laguiole knives. A knife may only carry this designation if it meets clear rules. For example, it must be entirely produced within a 30 km radius of the village of Laguiole, in North Aveyron. This goes beyond final assembly. The production of parts, assembly, handle finishing and blade sharpening must all take place in this region according to official guidelines. The recognisable bee or fly on the spring must also be forged and filed by hand.

The manufacturer must meet requirements as well. Only knives from certified makers affiliated with the SFACL (Syndicat des Fabricants Aveyronnais du Couteau de Laguiole) may carry the label. On 14 April 2025, Certipaq, an independent organisation approved by the French INPI, granted the first certification to a manufacturer within this association.

So this is not a self-created label, but an official and controlled designation of origin. For customers, that makes things much clearer: a Laguiole knife with this marking meets strict standards for origin, production and finishing.

Why is this important?

The name Laguiole is known worldwide. That is a good thing, but it also creates confusion. Not every knife labelled “Laguiole” actually comes from the Laguiole region. Some are made elsewhere while using the same name or style. In fact, many so-called Laguiole knives are inexpensive copies from China. They use the recognisable name and look, but have no connection to the French craftsmanship Laguiole is known for.

The new Indication Géographique helps clear this up. It protects the craftsmanship of makers in the region and helps you better understand what you are buying. A ‘real’ Laguiole knife is more than a familiar shape with a bee on the spine. It represents French knife-making tradition, made with care, skill and a significant amount of handwork.

How do you recognise the new designation?

The Indication Géographique is not only shown on the certificate supplied with the knife. The knife itself also receives a physical marking. This is permanently applied in the steel at the heel, between the edge and the handle. That way, the origin is immediately visible and verifiable on the knife itself.

For now, you will mainly see this marking on Laguiole knives from Forge de Laguiole. This brand is based in the village of Laguiole and produces its knives in its own workshop. The new designation fits perfectly with what Forge de Laguiole has represented for years: genuine local craftsmanship. Other Laguiole brands, such as Laguiole en Aubrac, may follow with this identification on selected models. Step by step, the origin of authentic Laguiole knives becomes more transparent.

Why doesn’t every knife have this marking yet?

A change like this doesn’t happen overnight. Production, stock and deliveries continue as usual, and some series and product types are excluded from this marking. As a result, you may receive a Laguiole knife without the new marking.

That does not mean the knife isn’t genuine. Especially during this transition period, it’s important to keep this in mind. The marking is being introduced step by step. We are also updating our product images so they clearly show the new marking where possible. This takes time as well. The absence of the marking on the knife, or in the product photos, does not automatically indicate anything about the knife’s authenticity.

What does this mean for your Laguiole knife?

Buying a Laguiole knife from Knivesandtools means you are buying an authentic Laguiole knife. We purchase directly from Forge de Laguiole, so we know exactly where the knives come from.

Your knife may already feature the new Indication Géographique marking, or it may not yet have it. In both cases, we guarantee that you receive a genuine Laguiole knife.

An important step for French craftsmanship

The official recognition of the IG Couteau de Laguiole did not come without debate. There was also a competing project by the CLAA, which proposed a geographical indication covering two different regions. In July 2024, the Court of Appeal in Aix-en-Provence ruled in favour of the SFACL, the association of Aveyron Laguiole knife makers. The CLAA has since appealed, so the legal discussion is not entirely settled.

Still, this does not diminish the importance of the designation. It marks a meaningful step forward. For makers, because their craftsmanship is better protected. For enthusiasts, because the origin of a Laguiole knife will become even clearer. The label protects not just a knife, but also a region, a craft and an identity.

Would you like to learn more? Read more about how to recognise a fake Laguiole knife.

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