How to recognize a genuine Laguiole knife

How to recognize a genuine Laguiole knife: anti-counterfeit guide

The name “Laguiole” is widely used and often copied. This guide helps you identify a genuine Laguiole knife by checking the key details: materials, assembly, blade steel, bolsters, the bee, rivets (shepherd’s cross), finishing quality, and maker’s engraving.

Genuine Laguiole knife example with authenticity certificate (cocobolo handle, 2 stainless steel bolsters)

Contents

Origin of the Laguiole knife

The first Laguiole knife is often dated to 1828, in Laguiole, a village in southern France. Over time, the Laguiole became one of the most iconic symbols of French cutlery craftsmanship.

Why “Laguiole” is often copied

Laguiole is not a registered trademark (the name is very old and considered part of the public domain), which means it can be used by many manufacturers. This is one of the reasons why the market contains many low-cost “Laguiole-style” knives, including counterfeits imported from Asia.

To avoid disappointment, focus on maker identification, materials, and build quality rather than the “Laguiole” name alone.

Trusted makers & the engraving on the blade

Several French workshops follow a traditional approach and produce high-quality Laguiole knives. On our website, we sell knives made by recognized makers such as Laguiole Le Fidèle, Claude Dozorme and Laguiole en Aubrac.

A key authenticity signal is the maker’s name engraved on the blade. If there is no clear maker identification, be cautious.

Price warning: a genuine Laguiole is handcrafted with premium raw materials. That’s why it is rarely sold at a very low price.

How to recognize a genuine Laguiole knife: key parts, fit and finish, bee, spring work and bolsters

Checklist: 8 ways to recognize a genuine Laguiole knife

  1. Premium handle materials
    Real horn, carefully selected woods (olive, walnut, ebony, juniper, etc.), or other high-end materials. Cheap plastics or poor finishing are warning signs.
  2. Hand assembly (not glued)
    Genuine knives are fitted and assembled with precision. Many fake knives are glued.
  3. High-grade blade steel
    A true Laguiole typically features a well-finished blade with excellent polish and sharpness, built to last. Low-quality steel dulls quickly and ages poorly.
  4. Clean blade finish
    Look for smooth grinding lines, clean bevels, and a consistent finish. Rough edges and uneven sharpening often indicate a counterfeit.
  5. Bolsters in brass or stainless steel
    Traditional bolsters are generally brass or stainless steel (polished or brushed). Many counterfeit knives use cheaper, lighter materials.
  6. The bee (welded or forged)
    The bee is steel and either welded to the spring or forged with it (depending on the range). On many fake knives the bee is glued and can detach.
  7. Spring work and guilloché
    Traditional Laguiole knives often feature decorative filework (guilloché) on the spring. Counterfeits may show shallow, “stamped” looking patterns or rough finishing.
  8. Weight, balance & fit
    A genuine Laguiole usually feels more solid, better balanced, and shows no blade wobble. The opening/closing action should be clean and precise.

Our Laguiole knives are crafted using traditional methods and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Why the shepherd’s cross is not present on every knife

The “shepherd’s cross” is formed by 5 rivets arranged into a cross pattern on the handle. Here is an assembly plan:

Laguiole knife assembly plan showing parts and rivets forming the shepherd’s cross on the handle

1) Additional decorative rivets

Some models feature extra rivets (for example 9 rivets in a star pattern), which adds strength and a more “designer” look.

Laguiole handle with 9 decorative rivets arranged in a star pattern (diamond-style rivet layout)

2) Fragile handle materials: cross may be hidden

For brittle materials (ram horn, mammoth tooth molar, etc.), drilling visible rivets can weaken the handle. In such cases, the rivets still secure the knife, but only the main rivet may be visible on the outside.

Genuine Laguiole knife with a mammoth tooth molar handle where the rivets (shepherd’s cross) are less visible

Our Laguiole knife ranges

Laguiole knives – 1 stainless steel bolster

Traditional Laguiole knives with 1 stainless steel bolster (range overview image)

See all our traditional Laguiole knives (1 stainless steel bolster)

Laguiole knives – 2 stainless steel bolsters

Traditional Laguiole knives with 2 stainless steel bolsters (range overview image)

See all our traditional Laguiole knives (2 stainless steel bolsters)

Laguiole knives full handle

Laguiole knives full handle (range overview image)

See all our Laguiole knives full handle

Laguiole knives Prestige

Laguiole Prestige knives (range overview image)

See all our Laguiole knives Prestige

Laguiole hunting knives

Laguiole hunting knives (range overview image)

See all our Laguiole hunting knives

Laguiole knives with Damascus blade

Laguiole knives with Damascus blade (range overview image)

See all our Laguiole knives with Damascus blade

FAQ: genuine Laguiole vs fake

Does the bee guarantee authenticity?

Not by itself. Many counterfeits have a “bee”. Look for welded/forged construction, clean finishing, blade steel quality, and a clear maker engraving.

Is the shepherd’s cross mandatory?

No. Some models may include additional rivets or hide rivets to protect fragile materials. The absence of a visible cross is not enough to declare a knife fake.

Why are genuine Laguiole knives not very cheap?

They are handcrafted, fitted precisely, and made from premium materials. Skilled labor and high-quality parts result in a higher price.