Genuine Laguiole vs. Counterfeit: How to Recognize French Craftsmanship

The Laguiole knife is the pride of French knife towns, recognizable by its sleek lines and the iconic bee on the back. However, the success of this design has a downside: the name 'Laguiole' is not protected as a trademark. This has led to a huge influx of cheap Asian knives that copy the look but lack the quality.

To avoid investing in a copy, there are four essential ways to recognise an authentic French copy.

1. The steel and the finish

A true Laguiole is made from high-quality French steel (often 12C27 Sandvik or T12 steel).

• Genuine: The blade is razor-sharp, perfectly polished, and stays sharp for a long time. The locking mechanism operates smoothly, and the handle finish (horn, wood, or bone) is seamless.
• Fake: The steel is often soft and dulls quickly. The finish is rough; you often see gaps between the steel and the handle scales.

2. The iconic 'Bee' (L'Abeille)

Many people think that any knife with a bee is a genuine Laguiole. Nothing could be further from the truth.

• Genuine: In an authentic, handmade knife, the bee (or the spring it sits on) is often forged from a single piece with the rest of the backspring. The carving is refined and detailed.
• Fake: The bee is often welded or glued on afterward. It looks "flat" and lacks the depth and craftsmanship of a forged piece.

3. The Shepherd's Cross (La Croix du Berger)

In the handle of many traditional Laguiole knives you will find a pattern of small pins that form a cross.

• History: In the past, shepherds would stab their knives into the bread; the cross would then serve as a small altar for their prayers during the lonely hours in the pasture.
• Real vs. Fake: On a real knife, these pins are perfectly centered and evenly finished. On fake knives, this cross is often missing entirely, or it's placed askew.

4. The Origin: "Made in France"

Laguiole is a village in France, but most real knives come from the region around Laguiole or the knife city of Thiers.

• Genuine: Look at the stamp on the blade. Brands like Forge de Laguiole , Fontenille Pataud , or Laguiole en Aubrac guarantee top quality.
• Fake: If the blade is blank, or if it says "Laguiole" without the name of a specific forge, there's a 99% chance it came from a factory in Asia.

Why choose a refurbished laguiole?

A new, handmade Laguiole from France is a significant investment. By choosing a refurbished model from The Second Standard , you get that same French craftsmanship at a more affordable price. We inspect each knife for authenticity, clean the steel, and ensure the mechanism works like new again.

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Ready for the real thing? Avoid a bad purchase and choose a knife with a story. Browse our current collection of original Nele Laguiole knives and bring a piece of French heritage into your home, technically in top condition.