Hand-forged in mid-century France, this compact 150mm chef knife marries a graceful vintage silhouette with the laser-like cutting power for which carbon Sabatiers are famous. A slender, gently curving blade tapers to a needle tip for precise detail work, while the classic “Nogent” rat-tail tang disappears into a one-piece beechwood handle capped by a brass ferrule. Expect feather-light weight, agile balance just forward of the ferrule, and a toothy, razor-thin edge that glides through vegetables, herbs, and proteins alike.

Nogent by K Sabatier revives the golden age of French cutlery. Each blade was hand-ground in the 1950-60s using water-powered stones, leaving minute differences in geometry that seasoned cooks prize for their lively feel. The fully forged XC75 steel takes a screaming edge easily and holds it longer than most stainless alloys, giving professional-grade performance in a nimble, 6-inch format.

K Sabatier is the flagship line of the eighth-generation Sabatier Aîné & Perrier family, who have been forging professional knives in Thiers since 1834. Awarded France's prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label for exceptional savoir-faire, this eighth-generation family workshop has produced 100% forged knives for nearly two centuries, controlling each step from hammer to polish. The company safeguards traditional French techniques—single-piece forging, integral heat-treatment, and meticulous hand fitting—that distinguish true Sabatier knives from imitations, guaranteeing professional balance, strength, and authenticity while upholding traditional French craftsmanship for chefs worldwide.

Philippe Sabatier began forging knives in Bellevue nearly two centuries ago, passing down craft secrets through generations that continue to honor his legacy today. Fifth- and sixth-generation smiths produced these exceptional Nogent blades, each one reflecting the hands that forged, ground, and stamped it more than half a century ago. Their descendants continue to honor the minimalist Nogent build—a bolster-less blade, hidden tang, and wooden handle that keeps the knife feather-light and fast, ideal for the precise, rhythmic cuts of classic French cuisine. Each Nogent blade is finished by hand and heat-treated to a resilient 54–56 HRC for everyday durability and effortless sharpening, maintaining the authentic character that defines true French cutlery.

Chef Knife (Couteau de Chef) – the original French design that inspired German and Western chef knives – showcases the classic profile with its distinctive triangular shape and thin blade geometry, perfected in French kitchens over centuries, established the template for the modern chef's knife we know today. The French couteau de chef excels at the fundamental techniques of slicing, dicing, and mincing with its gently curved belly that invites smooth rocking cuts through herbs and aromatics, while the thin, flexible blade provides superior control for precision work. Often called the "king of the kitchen," this all-purpose workhorse makes quick work of chopping vegetables, trimming meat, slicing fish, and carving proteins with the effortless grace that defines French culinary tradition. Its lightweight construction and forward balance point offer exceptional maneuverability, making it the backbone of professional French kitchens and the first knife most French cooks reach for.

Fully Forged “Nogent” Construction features a narrow, hidden tang forged from the same billet as the blade, delivering strength without excess weight. The result is a lively knife that feels like an extension of your hand.

XC75 Carbon Steel contains approximately 0.75% carbon, giving it the keen edge, fine grain, and easy sharpenability that chefs love. This high-carbon composition delivers razor-sharp edges that hold their bite longer than most stainless alloys, while remaining easy to sharpen and maintain. The blade will naturally develop a protective blue-grey patina over time that guards against corrosion—simply wash, dry, and oil lightly after use to prevent active rust and enjoy decades of reliable service. XC75's balanced chemistry makes it an ideal choice for professional kitchens and home cooks who appreciate the superior cutting performance and traditional character of French carbon steel.