Vanitas, a remarkable expression of Forge de Laguiole Art Cutlery

The Vanitas folding knife belongs to the Forge de Laguiole Art Cutlery collection, a selection of rare creations that represent the highest expression of the expertise cultivated within our manufacture since 1987. Each piece is conceived as a work of cutlery art, where technical mastery meets artistic inspiration.

This 12 cm one-piece folding knife stands out through its powerful aesthetic inspired by the symbolism of vanitas. Replacing the traditional Laguiole bee, a finely sculpted skull adorned with a brass band gives the knife its distinctive identity. The hand-chiselled backspring, engraved with a vertebrae-inspired motif, extends this theme with remarkable precision and elegance.

A creation by Stéphane Rambaud

Born in Lyon in 1968, Stéphane Rambaud trained at the Nogent School of Cutlery, where he was awarded the Gold Medal for Best Apprentice in 1987. He joined Forge de Laguiole in 2005 and has since dedicated his talent to creating exceptional knives inspired by his imagination or commissioned by discerning collectors.

Vanitas perfectly illustrates his approach, where every detail is designed, crafted and finished by hand to create a knife with a unique personality and exceptional character.

The Forge de Laguiole know-how in the heart of Aubrac

Located in the heart of the village of Laguiole, on the Aubrac plateau, the Forge de Laguiole manufacture perpetuates the knife-making tradition that has shaped the reputation of the Laguiole knife for generations. Every knife in the Art Cutlery collection is entirely handmade within our workshops.

The blades are hot-forged on site before being assembled, adjusted and polished with meticulous attention to detail. Mastering every stage of production allows us to create unique pieces distinguished by their precision, balance and exceptional finish.

Exceptional materials and refined finishes

This Art Laguiole knife combines a full ebony handle, prized for its deep black colour and remarkable density, with elegant brass liners that enhance the silhouette of the knife.

Its carbon Damascus blade reveals a unique pattern created through the forging and layering of multiple steels. No two Damascus blades are ever identical. The blade and backspring are entirely hand-chiselled, showcasing the precision and creativity that define the Forge de Laguiole Art Cutlery collection.

Why choose this Forge de Laguiole knife?

The Vanitas is an exceptional folding knife designed for collectors, fine knife enthusiasts and admirers of French cutlery excellence. Handmade in the Forge de Laguiole manufacture in the village of Laguiole, it combines an ebony handle, a carbon Damascus blade, brass liners and intricate hand-chiselled details. Its distinctive vanitas-inspired design, exceptional materials and uncompromising craftsmanship make it a unique collector's piece and a remarkable example of contemporary French knife-making.