Back-lock pocket knives

Back Lock Blade System

The precision mechanism of the Le Thiers® knife is exceptionally smooth, yet it provides a strong and securely locked blade when open, ensuring safe and reliable use.

Discover the three main models in the range:

Le Thiers® Pocket 10 cm – A compact and elegant knife, designed to be discreet and practical for everyday use, with a secure locking mechanism for confident handling.

Le Thiers® Nature 11.5 cm – A versatile model that combines ergonomics and performance, ideal for outdoor use with its perfect balance between lightness and durability.

Le Thiers® Gentleman 12 cm – A refined and timeless knife, perfect for cutlery enthusiasts looking for an elegant, high-end piece that is both functional and stylish.

These knives embody the excellence of French artisanal craftsmanship, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a balance between tradition, modernity, and performance.

Discover other locking systems to suit your needs:

Central Back Lock – A mechanism that ensures reliable blade locking in the open position.

Liner Lock System – A modern and convenient system allowing one-handed opening and closing.

Choose the locking mechanism that best fits your needs and enjoy the expert craftsmanship of Fontenille Pataud, offering knives that combine performance, safety, and elegance.

The Le Thiers® Knife and its Back Lock Mechanism: The Heritage of the Cutlery Capital

The Le Thiers® folding knife is much more than a simple tool; it is the embodiment of the ancestral cutlery savoir-faire of the town of Thiers, the French capital of cutlery. Before focusing on its sophisticated mechanisms like the back lock, it is essential to understand the origins of this unique regional French knife.

The Genesis: Birth of a Cutlery Symbol (1990s)

The history of the Le Thiers® knife is unique. Unlike regional models that emerged spontaneously, this knife is the result of a collective and voluntary effort by the artisan cutlers of Thiers in the 1990s. Their goal? To create an emblematic folding knife that would bear their town's name and guarantee 100% local and artisanal manufacturing.

The Confrérie du Couteau de Thiers (Brotherhood of the Thiers Knife) was responsible for defining the shape, the lines (notably its distinctive double curve without a fly or bolster), and, above all, establishing the famous Jurande (oath of quality). This professional pledge guarantees that every knife bearing the Le Thiers® mark adheres to an extremely rigorous set of specifications and is entirely manufactured in the Thiers basin. By choosing a Le Thiers®, you are investing in a piece of authentic French craftsmanship.

Robustness and Security: The Back Lock Mechanism

The back lock mechanism (or pompe arrière) is a traditional and proven system, particularly valued for its reliability and robustness in a pocket knife. The precision mechanism of the Le Thiers® knife is very smooth, yet you benefit from a solid and perfectly locked blade when open for safe use, especially during demanding outdoor tasks.

In this collection of Le Thiers® knives equipped with this secure mechanism, you will find the 3 main models in the range, designed for all uses:

  • Le Thiers® Pocket 10 cm: A compact and elegant knife, designed to be discreet and practical for daily use, perfect as an EDC knife (Every Day Carry), with a secure locking mechanism for confident use.

  • Le Thiers® Nature 11.5 cm: A versatile model combining ergonomics and performance, ideal for outdoor use (hiking, picnicking) thanks to its perfect balance between lightness and sturdiness.

  • Le Thiers® Gentleman 12 cm: A refined and timeless knife, intended for cutlery enthusiasts seeking an elegant and high-end piece, which is both functional and aesthetic, often featuring precious wood handles (olive, ebony, juniper).

These knives embody the excellence of French artisanal savoir-faire and are perfect for those looking for a balance between tradition, modernity, and performance in a quality blade.

Alternative Locking Systems for Your Thiers Knife

To satisfy all user preferences, the Thiers cutlers also offer other locking systems tailored to your needs:

  • Center lock mechanism (Pompe centrale): A classic and very secure mechanism that allows for reliable locking of the blade in the open position.

  • Liner lock mechanism: A modern and practical system that allows the knife to be opened and closed with one hand, valued for its speed of use.

Choose the mechanism that best suits your use and enjoy the ancestral craftsmanship of Fontenille Pataud (or other approved cutlers) for Le Thiers® knives combining performance, safety, and elegance.

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The quality of our manufacturing enables us to give you a lifetime manufacturer's guarantee.

Support

We shipped our knives worldwide since 1999.

100% Handmade in France

Fontenille Pataud was founded in 1929 and quickly became recognized as a manufacturer of high-end knives.