Couteaux du Sü Sol
The knifemaker of the Moulin de Murat
Louis Blanchet-Kapnist forges pocket knives at the Moulin de Murat, four kilometres from the estate. One-off pieces, blades in carbon steel or Damascus steel.
He didn't learn the trade at school. He worked in graphic design, then video production, before a knife made him change his life. He trained in Thiers, France's capital of cutlery, with specialists, then with knifemakers from the Creuse.
The workshop is set up on a family property he's known since childhood. Gas and coal forges, anvils, power hammers. He works Damascus steel, the layering technique that draws patterns into the metal, and precision shaping. He won a prize at the Thiers international show in 2017.
He only makes one-off pieces. Folding knives, handles in ebony, leather, rosewood, walnut, boxwood. The kind of object you keep for thirty years.
He is not Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and makes no claim to be.
How it works
- What happens
- We arrange a time slot with him. He shows you the forge and what he's working on. He also offers to make your own knife, over a full day.
- Duration
- An hour for the visit, a full day to make your own knife
- Price
- Price on request
- Season
- All year round
- Notice
- Request at least a week before your arrival
Service billed by 9 La Roche, price includes tax.