The art of French cutlery between tradition and innovation.

Francéclat is committed to promoting the creativity, craftsmanship and excellence of French timepiece, jewellery and tableware brands. These brands owe their success to the people who guide, shape and inspire them behind the scenes. To celebrate their valuable contribution, we are hosting a series of interviews that share insights from brand leaders.

Atelier Perceval designs, manufactures and sells high-quality table knives, pocketknives and kitchen knives. Based in Thiers, the historic capital of French cutlery, its knives embody the expertise of this cutlery tradition.

Can you tell us about the birth of Atelier Perceval?

The story of Atelier Perceval is, above all, the story of an encounter between two enthusiasts. Emmanuel Chavassieux, a master cutler, and Éric Perceval, are equally passionate about exceptional knives. Together, in 1996, they decided to found Atelier Perceval with a strong conviction: at a time when Chinese imports were beginning to flood the market, it was essential to defend French manufacturing and quality.

This philosophy still drives us today. If I had to sum up the brand in three words, I would say craftsmanship, creativity, and quality.

How would you define your creations and your identity in the cutlery market?

Our products are distinctive without being ostentatious. We cultivate a form of restraint in design, which has always been our strength. At Perceval, a knife is not a gimmick; it is a noble, elegant, and durable tool. We aim for precision of movement and beauty in the details, without ever falling into the superfluous. This simplicity, combined with the accuracy of handcraftsmanship, has become our signature.

Can you introduce your team to explain how the workshop operates?

We currently have 22 team members, more than fifteen of whom work in production. The workshop operates like a small hive where everyone has their own speciality: assembly, sharpening, polishing, fitting… Above all, we have always been committed to training the next generation. We regularly welcome apprentices from the Thiers Training Centre, which is a true benchmark in French cutlery. They come from all over France, and sometimes even across borders, to learn this craft of excellence. We integrate them into the team from the moment they arrive, as knowledge transfer is a core value at Perceval.

And what was your own journey before joining the company?

I have always valued French manufacturing. Before joining Perceval, I spent several years at De Buyer, a prestigious brand of cookware and pastry utensils. It was there that I developed a deep conviction: defending “Made in France” is not merely a slogan; it is a way of working, thinking, and respecting those who create. Joining Perceval was therefore a natural continuation of this commitment.

What are your flagship products? Is there an iconic model for the company?

Without hesitation, it is our 9.47 knife. This is our iconic model, the one that embodies the spirit of Perceval. It was designed to combine performance, comfort, and elegance. We later adapted this knife for the kitchen, using new materials, new colours, and always maintaining the same exacting standards of craftsmanship.
We enjoy exploring different materials: natural woods, stabilised and dyed woods, composite materials… Some are French, others more exotic. We play with textures and finishes, and we regularly create limited editions. This work with materials has become a true engine of creativity.

Where can your products be found today?

We’ve had an ecommerce site for many years, which was quite innovative for a small artisanal house. It is a channel that allows us to maintain a direct connection with our customers.
We are also present in specialised cutlery shops and in select department stores, such as Le Bon Marché in Paris. We collaborate with renowned retailers like Maison Simon in Rennes, which shares our values of quality and authenticity.
The distribution network has changed significantly, particularly in tableware, where there are now a few independent retailers left. It is an evolving environment, but it constantly pushes us to reinvent ourselves. .

Atelier Perceval now shines beyond France. What are your priority markets?

The United States is currently our main export market. Despite sometimes uncertain conditions, we continue to invest there, convinced of its long-term potential.
We also operate in Europe, in a more opportunistic manner, without a structured strategy for the moment. Asia is part of our future considerations.
We favour a partnership approach: for example, we have a strong collaboration with Revol USA, the American subsidiary of the renowned Revol manufacture. Together, we uphold a shared vision of French craftsmanship.
Abroad, we work extensively with chefs, hotels, and gourmet restaurants. It is a demanding but exciting environment that truly highlights the quality of our knives.

What is your approach to social and environmental responsibility?

At Perceval, we did not wait for CSR to become a buzzword. From the very beginning, our approach has been local and responsible.
Almost all of our suppliers are located within 20 kilometres of Thiers. We work with trusted partners, often small businesses with whom we have a genuine relationship.
We are not seeking to accumulate labels: our pride lies in transparency and consistency. When a curious customer comes to visit us, we do not hesitate to show them our entire local ecosystem. To me, this is a true responsibility: knowing where things come from and how they are made.

What are your plans for the coming years?

The year 2026 will be an important milestone: we will be moving into a new building. This project is both exciting and structuring.
We have grown significantly in recent years – increasing from 12 to 22 team members in three years – and it was time to adapt to our working environment. This move will allow us to stabilise our teams, improve production flows, and continue progressing without losing our artisanal spirit.
The goal is clear: to consolidate our foundations before embarking on a new phase of development.

Final words
What message would you like to convey to professionals discovering Atelier Perceval?

I would tell them that we are a house loyal to its values. We manufacture in France, with exacting standards, respecting both traditions and people.
Our products are beautiful, durable, accessible, and carry a genuine story. Above all, we continue to train and pass on knowledge: this is what drives us every day. At Perceval, a knife is not just an object — it is the extension of a living craft.