New Initiatives Revitalize Tradition

Smoothly peeling the foil from a bottle, piercing the screw into the cork, and effortlessly extracting it without strain—even if you're not a professional sommelier, surely you'd be intrigued by the mastery of this sequence of actions. This is made possible by the Laguiole company's sommelier knives. Many have recounted searching for one ever since being captivated by the gesture of a garcon using it in a Parisian cafe. However, while finding a cheap souvenir is one thing, locating a product from the Laguiole company in Japan was not an easy feat.



Rumors offers a considerable lineup, including the sommelier knives, as well as pocket knives—the origin of it all—along with pipe smoker's knives and golfer's knives. The pocket knife, with its beautifully curved handle, also has a sophisticated feel when used as a table knife. The gesture of cutting cheese and then spearing it to bring to your mouth is entirely logical, considering its origins.

While cherishing tradition, the Laguiole company also boldly embraces new endeavors. For example, a sommelier knife designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Stepping away from natural materials, its acrylic glass body is a contemporary reimagining, yet it remains the ultimate form of the sommelier knife. He also designed a set of table knives, just as designer Philippe Starck has designed knife sets.



Laguiole evolves not only by preserving the old but also by greedily incorporating new "blood." Even if you're not knowledgeable about wine, or even if you simply admire the blade without opening it, why not experience the "beauty of utility" of these tools for daily life?