May 18 & 19, 2024 Coutellia Thiers International Knife Festival

Coutellia is Europe’s leading knife festival. Every year in Thiers, it brings together professionals and amateurs from France and around the world. Over the course of a weekend, the entire cutlery industry assembles in the heart of its world capital: 300 art cutlers and cutlery manufacturers from 22 different countries, as well as some twenty suppliers of raw materials and equipment for the cutlery industry.

Coutellia, the international knife festival in Thiers

When we think of Thiers cutlery, we think of eight centuries of history. As the historical and economic capital of French cutlery, Thiers remains the beating heart of a tradition that has never really lost its strength. As far back as 1220, there were dozens of cutlery workshops, and time has not changed a thing. Indeed, in Thiers, city of fire and water, forged steel remains king.

Today, there are 80 production units and around 30 subcontractors in the Thiers area. Not without difficulty, the cutlers of Thiers have managed to overcome successive industrial crises and keep intact the soul of Thiers, the knife that continues to fascinate all knife lovers.

The soul of Thiers cutlery on display for 2 days

Launched in 1991 with some sixty exhibitors, theCoutellia festival is now Europe’s largest knife show. The Festival International du Couteau d’art et de tradition (International Festival of Art and Traditional Knives) features a wide range of exhibitors. At Coutellia, knives are more than just utilitarian objects: they are works of art. The Coutellia festival is an opportunity to discover, learn and share with manufacturers, craftsmen and collectors. Stroll the aisles and take the time to exchange ideas. You’ll understand the passion and history that have kept this show alive for over 30 years. Created in 1990 by theThiersChamber of Commerce and Industry, the festival has been a real success. To ensure that the “Coutellia” experience continues to grow, the surface area doubles to 4,000 m2, offering twice as much choice. Good news for the ever-growing number of lovers and enthusiasts of fine blades!

A unique experience

To come to Coutellia is to experience exchanges between connoisseurs, and to discover the skills and techniques of cutlery. It’s a chance to touch the richness of these diverse materials – horn and copper, leather and wood, and so many others that, along with steel, are used to make Thiers knives. Around the workshops and demonstrations, you can appreciate the sleight of hand and… get your hands dirty. You’ll find demonstrations and introductions to forging, assembly, polishing and engraving.

Cutlery competitions and crafts

Every year, the finest creations of our exhibitors are submitted to our exceptional jury. Exhibitors registered with the festival are invited to present their finest pieces. The theme of the competition is left open to allow everyone to express their creativity and originality in making the most beautiful cutting tool.

To encourage and showcase developments in the cutlery industry, the “supplier” exhibitors also have their own prize, the ” Coutellia Innovations Awards “. The lucky winners are those who stand out for their technological innovations.

The Damascus World Cup will return in 2025, to reward theart of forging and Damascus. It’s worth noting that only in Thiers is a damascus competition organized: the Mondial du Damas! Make a note of it in your diary!

a weekend of entertainment with your family

Buy your ticketsfor the Coutellia weekend!

To facilitate your entry as a visitor on the weekend of May18 and 19, we invite you to buy (if you haven’t already done so) your ticket in advance directly from the online ticketing service.

Buy your tickets!

In the heart of the Coutellia village

A host of events to immerse you in the world of knives, while retaining the festival’s spirit of conviviality.

Blacksmithing demonstrations
Knife assembly for young and old
Introduction to corkscrew making
Cutting demonstrations
Treasure hunt for children

Within the town of Thiers

At the Musée de la Coutellerie, over 700 exhibits await visitors: lockable knives, folding knives, razors and tableware.

Thiers know-how

Thiers’ history as a cutlery maker, and its trademarked Le Thiers® knife, make it possible to mark and highlight theancestral craftsmanship of Thiers cutlers with a high-profile trade show. This “ 100% made in Thiers ” production continues an 800-year tradition of design and manufacture. Over two days, exhibitors from Thiers showcase the expertise of the hundreds of craft businesses present in the medieval town’s basin. The Musée de la Coutellerie (Cutlery Museum) opens its doors to you to discover 6 centuries of cutlery heritage. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations and collections of fine cutlery in mother-of-pearl, ivory and gold.