FAQ
Do you have a question about our products or services? Find answers to frequently asked questions here to guide you in your TB 1648 experience.
Who is TB-1648?
TB-1648 is the cutlery brand of SE Tarrerias Bonjean, founded in 1648 in Thiers (Puy-de-Dôme), the French capital of cutlery. A member of the Hénokiens—an international association of family businesses over 200 years old—TB-1648 embodies an unbroken artisanal tradition spanning nearly four centuries. Its kitchen and table knives are manufactured in France by the industrial subsidiary GDD (Générale de Découpage), which controls the entire production chain, from raw steel to the finished product. Its cutlery and flatware sets are designed in-house and manufactured by selected industrial partners.
Where are your knives manufactured?
Our kitchen and pocket knives (Expression, Suricate, etc. ranges) are manufactured in Thiers, in our GDD subsidiary, the French capital of cutlery. Our cutlery sets, flatware sets, and the Laguiole Héritage® brand are designed in France and manufactured by selected industrial partners whom we audit regularly. The Blue/White/Red pennant on our knives attests to their French manufacture.
What types of products do you offer?
We offer a wide range of products:
- Kitchen knives
- Table and kitchen knives
- Kitchen accessories
- Dishes and utensils
How do I choose the right knife for me?
The choice depends on your needs:
Table knives: for everyday use or refined meals.
Kitchen knives: suitable for cutting meat, vegetables, bread… you can read our dedicated article
Cutlery sets: ideal for creating an elegant and harmonious service.
If you need advice, our customer service is available to assist you!
Are your knives dishwasher safe?
It depends on the model:
Handles in ABS or stainless steel : dishwasher safe.
Wooden handles : hand washing is recommended to preserve their shine and durability.
To ensure a long lifespan for your knives, we recommend drying them immediately after washing .
Are your knives guaranteed?
Yes, all our knives come with a manufacturing defect warranty. Should you notice any issues upon receipt or under normal use conditions, please contact our customer service by email at contacttb@tb-groupe.fr or via online chat with your order number.
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear of the blade, damage due to improper use (glass cutting boards, dishwashers for non-compatible models, impacts), or unsuitable maintenance.
What are your delivery times?
Delivery times vary depending on your location and the delivery method chosen:
Metropolitan France : 2 to 5 working days.
Europe : 5 to 10 working days.
International : 10 to 15 working days depending on the destination.
A tracking number will be provided to you as soon as the shipment is dispatched.
What are your delivery charges?
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the order and the destination. We offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount (see our terms and conditions on the shipping page).
Can I modify or cancel my order?
If your order hasn't shipped yet, you can contact us quickly to modify or cancel it. Once shipped, you'll need to follow our return procedure.
What are your payment methods?
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) // PayPal
Can I return an item?
Yes, you have 14 days after receipt to return a product if it doesn't suit you. Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging. See our return policy for more details.
Where can I buy your products?
Our products are available on our official website and at select specialist retailers.
Do you offer collaborations or partnerships?
We are open to collaborations with restaurant professionals, distributors, or influencers. Feel free to contact us via our form.
How can I contact customer service?
You can contact us:
By email, by chat
By phone: Monday to Thursday, from 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM
Via our contact form on the website
I wrote on the chat but I didn't get a reply
We have chosen to respond to you personally, which is why we cannot respond in the evenings and on weekends.
Should knives be sharpened?
Your knife comes sharpened. However, you must regularly maintain the edge depending on the intensity of use.
- For HRC 52-54 steels (Expression range): a steel or ceramic honing steel is sufficient for realigning the edge.
For Damascus blades: prefer a sharpening stone over a honing steel, which could damage the blade.
A well-maintained knife rarely needs a complete sharpening — regular maintenance prevents this.
You can consult our dedicated article
How to avoid damaging your knife
To preserve your knife:
- Washing: By hand is preferable, even for dishwasher-safe models. Detergent and heat dull the edge and damage wooden handles.
- Drying: Immediately after washing, especially for wooden handles (Olivewood, raw Pakkawood).
- Storage: Use a wooden block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. Avoid storing loosely in a drawer — blades will knock against each other and chip.
- Cutting board: Wood or food-grade plastic only. Glass, ceramic, or marble boards will destroy the edge in just a few uses.
- Sharpening: Regularly with a ceramic honing rod or a stone suitable for the steel's hardness (see dedicated question).
Maintenance and usage tips are available via this dedicated article
What is the difference between a forged knife and a stamped knife?
A forged knife is made by heating and hammering steel, which aligns the metal molecules and gives the blade greater strength and a sharper edge. The process is long and costly.
A stamped (or cut) knife is cut from a sheet of rolled steel.
At TB-1648, both processes coexist depending on the product ranges.
What is Laguiole Heritage®?
Laguiole Héritage® is a brand of table knives and cutlery marketed by TB-1648. It incorporates the aesthetic codes – a tapered blade, worked bolsters, and the characteristic bee on the spring – in a high-end table version. The brand is registered and guarantees manufacturing in accordance with the standards of the Tarrerias Bonjean company.
What is Thiers cutlery?
Thiers, in the Puy-de-Dôme region (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), is the French capital of cutlery. The city produces approximately 70% of the knives manufactured in France. Its expertise dates back to the Middle Ages and is based on historically favorable natural conditions: waterways to power the grinding wheels, access to iron ore, and a tradition of artisanal transmission. The company has been established there since 1648, making it one of the oldest cutlery houses still operating in the region.
What is Pakkawood?
Pakkawood is a composite wood made by impregnating natural wood with synthetic resins under vacuum. This treatment makes it resistant to moisture, thermal shock, and warping. Unlike raw wood, a Pakkawood handle can withstand intensive use in the kitchen without cracking or deforming over time. It retains the appearance and warmth of natural wood while being significantly more robust.















