Forged Blades - What's the Catch?
Many manufacturers use terms or place stickers reading "Acier Forgé" (forged metal) on their knives. The catch? This label often refers only to specific parts of the handle, such as the bolsters, while the sticker is misleadingly placed directly on the blade.
By using the word "forged" as a blanket term, they avoid disclosing that the blade itself—the most critical component of the knife—is actually cut from stamped sheet metal, typically stainless steel (such as 12C27 in higher-end models). While stamped blades made from high-quality stainless steel are perfectly functional, a genuinely forged blade offers far superior strength, durability, and edge retention, which is exactly why they are more expensive to manufacture.
Forge de Laguiole is proudly the only Laguiole manufacturer in France that forges all of its pocket knife blades entirely in-house. They own and operate their own forge, true to their namesake. If you happen to be driving through the southwest of France, you can stop by for a free guided tour. We highly recommend visiting on a Thursday—this is the dedicated day of the week when Forge de Laguiole fires up the forge to craft their exceptional blades.
The Superiority of T12 Laguiole Blades
Instead of standard stainless steel, Forge de Laguiole pocket knife blades are crafted from a proprietary French metal alloy known as T12. Developed exclusively for Forge de Laguiole, this unique forged alloy will not rust or tarnish. The result is an extraordinary blade that combines the anti-corrosive qualities of modern stainless steel with the effortless sharpening and cutting strength of a traditional high-carbon blade.
Learn more details about our authentic forged blades here.
