SCIP FRANCE, based in Thiers, perpetuates the excellence of French cutlery through its kitchen knives that combine tradition and performance. The collection is available in two distinct ranges: LAGUIOLE TRADITION® for versatile everyday use, and L'ÉPICURE® in Damascus steel for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of quality.
Each piece reflects a globally recognized artisanal expertise, the fruit of a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages that continues to shine internationally.
The Kitchen Knife Ranges
LAGUIOLE TRADITION®: Performance and Versatility
The LAGUIOLE TRADITION® range is distinguished by its hardened 14C28N stainless steel, a very high-quality material offering an ultra-fine edge that is easy to resharpen. This technical characteristic guarantees long-lasting use, as the blade retains its effectiveness over time while remaining simple to maintain. 14C28N steel offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear, essential qualities for intensive daily use in the kitchen.
The models are available with a variety of handle materials to suit individual preferences: red stamina, pearlescent plexiglass, pearlescent blue plexiglass, pearlescent pearl gray plexiglass, ebony, natural stamina, coral stamina, and olive wood. Stamina is particularly well-suited to modern kitchens thanks to its high resistance and rot-proof properties, making it dishwasher-safe, as is plexiglass.
L'ÉPICURE®: The Excellence of Damascus Steel
For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of quality, the L'ÉPICURE® range offers knives made of Damascus stainless steel, composed of 67 layers. The core of the blade is VG10 steel, which provides an exceptionally sharp and long-lasting edge. This very high-end stainless steel belongs to the "Cobalt steel" class, containing vanadium for a high hardness of 58 HRC.
The micarta handle on this range is a very durable and rot-proof material, also dishwasher safe. The combination of Damascus steel and micarta gives these knives a remarkable aesthetic while guaranteeing optimal cutting performance for the most demanding uses.
The Three Essential Models :
The Carving Knife
The carving knife is the most widely used model in the kitchen thanks to its almost universal functionality. With a 20 cm blade length and a total length of 34 cm, it offers remarkable versatility for most culinary tasks. Its 3 mm blade thickness ensures the necessary robustness for precise cuts while maintaining optimal maneuverability. This model is available in the LAGUIOLE TRADITION® range with different handle materials.
The Slicer
The slicer knife is essential for trimming and slicing meat and fish. Its dimensions, identical to a carving knife (20 cm blade, 34 cm overall length), provide a similar grip, but its specific shape makes it particularly effective for butchery and fishmongering. This model allows for clean and precise cuts on pieces of meat and fish fillets. Discover the LAGUIOLE TRADITION® slicer knife or its premium version, the L'ÉPICURE® carving knife in Damascus steel.
The Paring Knife
The paring knife is indispensable in the kitchen and also has its place on the table. With its 9 cm blade and 20 cm overall length, it offers perfect maneuverability for precision work: peeling, slicing, and trimming vegetables and fruits. Its compact size makes it the perfect everyday tool for all preparations requiring precision and control. Choose between the LAGUIOLE TRADITION® paring knife or the L'ÉPICURE® paring knife, depending on your needs.
Artisanal Expertise
Each kitchen knife is the result of a complex, multi-step artisanal manufacturing process. The first step is stamping the metal, followed by straightening, bending, and splitting. The steel is hardened to achieve the desired mechanical properties, while grinding and polishing progressively refine the blade until it reaches the desired sharpness.
Assembly requires specialized expertise to ensure the overall balance and strength. The final polishing provides the finishing touch, whether a matte, glossy, or satin finish. Each piece requires several hours of work and undergoes rigorous quality control. This attention to detail explains the exceptional longevity of the knives and their ability to maintain their quality over time.
Materials and Quality
The selection of materials is a fundamental element of the final quality. The high-quality stainless steels used for the LAGUIOLE TRADITION® range guarantee strength and durability. 14C28N steel offers an excellent balance between hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
For the L'ÉPICURE® range, Damascus steel with its VG10 core represents the pinnacle of metallurgical technology applied to cutlery. The 67 layers not only create a unique aesthetic pattern but also contribute to the exceptional properties of the blade.
As for the handles, stamina steel is distinguished by its strength and rot resistance, ideal for professional or intensive home kitchens. Pearlescent plexiglass handles add a touch of elegance with their shimmering reflections, while ebony and olive wood captivate with their natural beauty. The micarta used in the L'ÉPICURE® range combines modern aesthetics with maximum strength.
Choosing Your Laguiole Kitchen Knife
Choosing a LAGUIOLE kitchen knife depends primarily on its intended use and frequency of use. For versatile everyday use, the LAGUIOLE TRADITION® range in 14C28N steel offers excellent value for money with its durable edge and ease of maintenance. Professional chefs or enthusiasts seeking absolute excellence will naturally gravitate towards the L'ÉPICURE® range in Damascus steel.
The choice of handle material involves both practical and aesthetic considerations. Materials like stamina or micarta prioritize ease of maintenance with their dishwasher compatibility, while fine woods like ebony or olive require more careful care but develop a unique patina over time.
Building a complete collection with the three essential models—carving knife, slicing knife, and paring knife—covers all your kitchen needs. This approach ensures that you always have the most suitable tool for each task, thus optimizing precision and working comfort. The carefully considered dimensions of each model reflect centuries of evolution and optimization of culinary techniques, a legacy of the THIERS cutlery tradition.