Fête du Couteau de Nontron

A must-attend event for artisanal cutlery

The Fête du Couteau de Nontron was born in the late 1990s in this town in Périgord Vert, the historical cradle of the Nontron knife, one of the oldest French knives still in production. Organized by the Pôle Expérimental des Métiers d'Art de Nontron et du Périgord-Limousin under the aegis of the association « Nontron Ville et Métiers d'Art », the festival has become over nearly thirty years one of the most renowned cutlery shows in France.

A hundred cutlers from around the world

Every first weekend of August, about one hundred cutlers, artisans, creators, and resellers take over the town center of Nontron to exhibit and sell their creations. Visitors can discover exceptional pieces, from traditional knives to the most daring contemporary creations, and interact directly with the artisans about their techniques and know-how.

Demonstrations and workshops for everyone

Throughout the weekend, numerous demonstrations liven up the festival: live forging, iron making in a bloomery furnace, engraving, scrimshaw, knife cutting, and assembly. The public can also participate in three family workshops: assembling a Nontron knife, making a leather sheath, and creating an aperitif board, supervised by passionate artisans.

Throwing shows and world champions

Thrill-seekers can watch knife and axe throwing demonstrations with world champion Pascal Boucreux, as well as shuriken throwing with martial arts champion Mickaël Auger. These shows are among the highlights of each edition.