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A brand-new product has joined the Artisans du Couteau’s catalogue: the Nontron knife. Yet, it cannot really be considered as new for it is, on the contrary, one of our oldest French knives. This knife, originating from Dordogne, has therefore kept its traditional manufacturing but still remains an exceptional piece which has crossed the ages to embellish our tables today! Among our selection of French regional knives, it definitely deserves to be known. And you are actually at the right place to learn everything you need to know about the Nontron knife!
The Nontron knife: the oldest knife
The Nontron knife, a traditional French regional knife, was named after the little village of Dordogne, where blades have been produced since the dawn of time! Cutlery is an integral part of the village of Nontron. The latter is narrowly linked to cutlery with the presence of forges during the Roman Empire. In 1788, there were already 35 cutlery factories for 2,800 inhabitants, which makes it one of the most important manufacturing centres of the French cutlery. The origins of the Nontron knife are deeply rooted in history, which makes it difficult to know the exact moment when it was born. It is considered as the oldest knife in France and there are many legends about it…
A few things about the history of the Nontron knife
At the end of the 18th century, the Bernard and Petit families entered the history of the Nontron knife. The workers at the Petit and Bernard cutlery factories engaged in the Nontron flick-knife production, at the request of the war minister during World War I. Ten years after the end of the Great War, only the Petit cutlery factory was still standing. If we do not know when the blade was created, we do know that the Nontronnaise cutlery factory as we know it was created in 1928. Alphonse Chaperon, the owner of a garage in Nontron, acquires the company in 1931. In 1943, Gérard Chaperon, Alphonse’s son, takes the Nontron cutlery over. The Bernard Faye company acquires the company in 1986, and then sells it to the Forge de Laguiole company in 1992. The latter commits to preserving this savoir-faire on its ancestral land. In June 2000, Luc Arsène Henry designs the shape of the wooden and aluminium Nontron knife. Since then, the company has been collaborating with international designers to adapt this unique local blade to modern times. Their modifications have allowed it to keep its traditional and authentic aspect.
Each knife is made by over 20 cutlers from beginning to end. With precision, they achieve the 35 processes necessary to the creation of a blade, from wood cutting to its distinctive decoration. The Heritage knives pay tribute to the ancestral savoir-faire of the Nontronnaise cutlery factories.
The characteristics of a Nontron knife
What does the Nontron knife look like?
The Nontronnaise cutlery factory (certified “Living Heritage Company”) produces and distributes pocket knives, table knives and kitchen utensils, according to an ancestral manufacturing process. Making a knife requires 35 stages, from wood cutting to finishing. The handle of the Nontron knife is generally made with wood, and especially box tree wood. As for the blade, it is made with stainless steel. It is appreciated for the precision and the efficiency of its cutting-edge. This knife from Dordogne can also be equipped with Damascus blades. The unconventional shape of its handle shall please the handcrafted knives lovers!
The fly spring: its signature
Its handle, which looks like a “hoof”, is reputed for displaying a distinctive symbol carved in wood. This symbol is composed of a “fly spring”, a kind of inverted V surrounded by 3 dots and several lines of small dots. This symbol has been the source of many speculations for over a century. It can be a religious symbol, a reference to the Compagnons du Devoir’s compass, or something else. Whatever it is, speculations are rife. The village and region of Nontron is proud of it.
Where can you buy a Nontron knife?
Les Artisans du Couteau is a website which sells 100% French handcrafted knives. Designed by highly-qualified artisans, our products shall please all the cutlery lovers, but also the amateurs of beautiful tables and objects. Among that wide range of regional products, discover the Nontron knife from the heart of the Dordogne region. For its past, history, evolution and design, it is worth the greatest knives, and we are truly happy to have it in our catalogue! You are only a few clicks away from your purchase! The Nontron knife is available in boxes of 6 table knives. The handle is made from box tree wood, the Yatagan blade is smooth and satiny, and made with T5MOS steel. But what shall really make the difference is its pyrography on the handle which gives it all its personality and originality. Both light and easy to handle, it has it all. What are you waiting for to succumb to its charms?
