TB-1648 offers a range of kitchen knives manufactured in Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme), France, by its subsidiary GDD (Générale de Découpage). Three main ranges: Furtif (Nitrox® steel, 54-56 HRC, POM handle, intensive daily use), Maestro (professional profile, optimized blade-handle balance for fine dining), and Forgé Premium (full-tang, integral forge, high-end). Blade lengths range from 8 cm (paring knife) to 30 cm (fillet knife), with smooth or Granton-edge profiles depending on the model. Nitrox® steel is a high-performance alloy developed for precision cutlery, reaching 54 to 56 HRC after heat treatment, which provides significantly superior edge retention compared to standard stainless steels (52 HRC). The entire range is produced in France, with a guaranteed Made in France label.The GDD group's subsidiary holds the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label. Main steel: Nitrox® 54-56 HRC — Lengths: 8 to 30 cm — Manufacturing: Thiers, France — EPV label
Which French-made kitchen knives to choose?
Discover our complete collection of kitchen knives here. Each piece is entirely manufactured in France, at the heart of our workshops in Thiers.
We have designed our knives to be high-performing, durable, and ergonomic. They meet all needs, whether you are a chef, a gourmet enthusiast, or simply looking for reliable everyday tools.
You will find ranges for every use: excellence with Louis and Furtif, professional robustness with Brigade Forgé, and practical collections for everyday use. Each knife, from the paring knife to the santoku, has a specific role to guarantee you perfect cutting and optimal comfort.
Key features of our kitchen knives
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French manufacturing: All our knives are designed and manufactured in Thiers, the capital of French cutlery, guaranteeing authentic expertise.
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Ranges for every use: We offer collections for fine dining, professional kitchens, and everyday use.
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High-quality materials: We use high-performance stainless steels like Nitrox® and noble and technical handle materials (walnut, professional polymers, etc.).
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A blade for every function: Our catalog includes a wide variety of blades (paring, chef's, santoku, fillet, etc.) to meet all technical tasks in the kitchen.
Which of our knife ranges are for exceptional cuisine?
Our exceptional ranges are the Louis, Absolu, Guy Savoy, and Furtif collections. They are specially designed for gastronomy enthusiasts who seek knives combining refined aesthetics, noble materials, and surgical cutting precision. Each collection has a strong identity to enhance your kitchen experience.
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Louis Collection: It is recognizable by its elegant one-piece walnut handle and its Nitrox® steel blade, offering a perfect balance between tradition and performance.
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Furtif Collection: With its avant-garde design, anti-stick matte black blade coating, and ergonomic handle, it is the choice for modern cooks seeking efficiency and style.
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Absolu Collection: A range that lives up to its name, with a sleek design and a remarkably effective blade for precise gestures.
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Guy Savoy Collection: Developed with the renowned chef, this range embodies the excellence of French haute cuisine, designed for professional use.
Which knives are designed for demanding professionals?
For chefs and catering professionals, we have developed the Brigade Forgé Premium and Maestro ranges. The answer to intensive use is robustness, balance, and impeccable edge retention. These knives are forged to withstand the most intense service while guaranteeing consistent performance.
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Brigade Forgé Premium: These knives feature a blade entirely forged from high-quality steel, offering superior robustness and balance. The technical polymer handle ensures perfect hygiene and high resistance.
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Maestro: This collection stands out for its meticulous finish and tempered steel blades that ensure a clean and precise cut, ideal for technical and repetitive tasks in a professional kitchen.
What are the best knives for everyday use?
The best knives for everyday use are those that combine practicality, durability, and ease of maintenance. Our Brigade Bois, Métalis, Silicone, and Georges ranges are the perfect answer. They are designed to accompany you in all your daily preparations, from peeling vegetables to slicing bread.
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Brigade Bois: The charm and warmth of wood for an efficient and pleasant knife to use daily.
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Métalis & Silicone: Modern designs and ergonomic handles for a comfortable and secure grip.
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Georges: A historical and proven range, offering excellent value for money to equip yourself with reliable tools.
How to choose the right knife blade according to its function?
The choice of blade depends directly on the food to be cut and the action to be performed. Each blade shape is optimized for a specific task, ensuring greater efficiency and safety. Here are the essential knives and their uses.
What is a paring knife used for?
The paring knife is the small indispensable knife for all precision work. Its blade is short (generally less than 10 cm) and pointed. It is used for peeling, paring, and turning vegetables. It can also be used to pit fruits or trim small meats with precision.
Why use a santoku knife?
The Santoku knife is the versatile Japanese-inspired knife. Its wide blade, often with a Granton edge to prevent food from sticking, is perfect for three actions: slicing, mincing, and chopping. It is ideal for vegetables, fish, and boneless meats. Its shape makes it particularly maneuverable.
Is the chef's knife truly versatile?
Yes, the chef's knife, also called a "slicer," is the most versatile knife in the kitchen. Its blade is wide and rigid. It measures between 15 and 30 cm.
This allows it to perform approximately 80% of cutting tasks. You can chop herbs, mince vegetables, or cut large pieces of meat.
When to use a fillet knife?
The fillet knife is used, as its name suggests, to fillet fish. Its blade is long, thin, and above all very flexible. This flexibility allows it to perfectly follow the central bone of the fish to detach clean fillets without losing flesh.
TB-1648 References — French Kitchen Knives
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Manufacturing location: Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme), French cutlery capital since the 14th century
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Industrial subsidiary: GDD (Générale de Découpage) — integrated chain from raw steel to finished product
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TB founding year: 1648 — member of Les Hénokiens
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Signature steel: Nitrox® (high edge retention, corrosion resistance)
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Handle materials: one-piece walnut, professional-grade technical polymers, wood depending on the range
Which TB-1648 Range for Your Profile?
| Profile |
Recommended Ranges |
Characteristic |
| Gastronomy Enthusiast |
Louis, Furtif, Absolu, Guy Savoy |
Noble materials, refined aesthetics, cutting precision |
| Professional Kitchen |
Brigade Forgé Premium, Maestro |
Robustness, hygiene, industrial dishwasher safe |
| Daily Kitchen |
Brigade Bois, Métalis, Silicone, Georges |
Practicality, durability, controlled price |
Nitrox® Steel: The TB-1648 Signature
Nitrox® is a high-performance stainless steel used in several TB-1648 ranges, including the Louis range. Its composition combines good edge retention, increased corrosion resistance, and the ability to achieve a very sharp edge after sharpening. Other ranges use cutlery-grade stainless steels selected for their compatibility with the target use (intensive professional, daily, gastronomic).
Sharpening and Maintenance of a TB-1648 Knife
A TB-1648 kitchen knife retains its sharpness for several months with regular domestic use without resharpening if three rules are followed: use a wooden or polyethylene cutting board (never glass or marble), hone weekly with a ceramic rod, and dry immediately after washing. Full sharpening on a whetstone (1000 then 6000 grit) is recommended once or twice a year depending on the intensity of use.