16 & 17 May 2026 Coutellia International Knife Festival in Thiers

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

Coutellia, the international knife festival in Thiers

When you think of Thiers cutlery, you 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. In Thiers, a city of fire and water, forged steel is still 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 the soul of Thiers intact, the knife that continues to fascinate all knife lovers.

The soul of Thiers cutlery on display for 2 days

Launched in 1991 with around sixty exhibitors, theCoutelliafestival is now the largest cutlery festival in Europe. 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 through the aisles and take the time to talk with others. 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 exhibition area has been doubled 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 the exchange of ideas between connoisseurs, and to discover the skills and techniques of cutlery. It’s a chance to get a first-hand feel for the richness of the materials used, including horn and copper, leather and wood, and so many others that, along with steel, are used to make Thiers knives. In the workshops and demonstrations, you’ll be able to appreciate the craftsmanship and… get your hands dirty. There are demonstrations and introductions to forging, assembly, polishing and engraving.

Cutlery competitions and crafts

Every year, the finest creations from 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 2026, to reward the artof forging and Damascus. Note that only Thiers organises a Damascus competition: the Mondial du Damas! Make a note of it in your diary!

A new prize will be awarded this year: the Jobs Knife Challenge. This is a team challenge for professionals and amateurs alike. It will reward creativity, compliance with safety instructions and the quality of the creation achieved in a 2-hour test.

a weekend of entertainment with your family

Buy your ticketsfor the Coutellia weekend!

To facilitate your entry as a visitor during the weekend of 16 and 17 May, we invite you to buy (if you have not already done so) your ticket in advance directly on the online ticketing service.

Buy your tickets now!

At the heart of the Coutellia village

A whole host of events to immerse you in the world of knives, while retaining the friendly spirit of the festival.

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

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Within the town of Thiers

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

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Expertise from Thiers

Thiers’ history as a cutlery maker, and its registered trademark Le Thiers® knife, mean that this high-profile show is an opportunity to highlight the ancestralcraftsmanship of Thiers cutlers. These knives are “ 100% made in Thiers “, and continue an 800-year-old tradition of production and design. Over the course of two days, exhibitors from Thiers will be showcasing the expertise of the hundreds of craft firms operating in the medieval town. The Musée de la Coutellerie (Cutlery Museum) will be opening its doors for you to discover 6 centuries of cutlery heritage. There are workshops, demonstrations and collections of fine cutlery, all in mother-of-pearl, ivory and gold.