Laguiole "pronounced "lie-yole"), is a small French mountain town about 350 miles south of Paris. It is famous for its cattle, cheese and cutlery. The original Laguiole knife was made by iron smiths in 1829 as a farmer"s tool. Through the years the knives have evolved into the sophisticated ones that they are today. The Laguiole with its gentle curving blade, the elongated pistol grip handle and a small bee set into the bolster has been the focus of many stories passed down from generation to generation. The bee is cut out of steel and decorates the knife bolster. The bee design is based on the imperial emblem of Napoleon 1, which was given as an award for bravery. These knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel and have gently curving Rosewood handles. They arrive in a wood storage tray.