André LamandinAs a blacksmith and cutler based in the southern Cévennes, I offer a wide range of folding knives as well as a selection of fixed blade knives. Each piece is unique, designed, forged, and assembled by me personally, with meticulous attention to detail.
In an effort to promote the use of local woods, I have chosen not to use any exotic woods in my production. I select species such as strawberry tree, terebinth pistachio, mock privet, plum, boxwood, etc. As you explore my creations, you will see that these species are every bit as beautiful as exotic woods!
With a vocational diploma in foundry work and a bachelor's degree in metallurgy, I worked for six years as a quality control inspector in a heat treatment subcontracting company in the Haute-Loire region. It was an intellectually satisfying job, but I missed the creative aspect I had experienced during my foundry studies. I was looking for a way to reconnect with my hands-on work in my daily life, but unfortunately, having a foundry in my backyard wasn't an option. That's when I met a blacksmith and cutler at a market. Having been passionate about knives since my youth, I did an apprenticeship to learn the basics of forging and cutlery making.
Little by little, I practiced knife making as a hobby for 4 years.
Life's twists and turns led me to Le Vigan, where my degrees and professional experience were of no help in my job search. I then decided to try to make a living from my passion and become a professional cutler in early 2013.
