OUR HISTORY
A family heritage of craftsmanship
Origins: Family cutlery since 1930
Atelier Les 2 Diables has its roots in the history of Thiers cutlery. It all began in 1930, when the Fayet-Girard cutlery factory at 14, rue de la Mairie in La Monnerie-le-Montel gave birth to what was to become Les 2 Diables.
In 1943, the workshop took a decisive turn with Xavier Long, an engineer from the École Nationale d’Arts et Métiers in Cluny and son-in-law of the founders. Thanks to his technical skills, he began designing unique knives based on his own models. The company was then renamed SEDIT (Société d’Exploitation des Instruments Tranchants) and adopted Les 2 Diables as its emblematic brand.
Henri Girard (on the left in the photo), grandfather of Sylvain Ytournel, worked at the SEDIT factory. He was also the cousin by marriage of the founder, Xavier Long.
A Family Legacy: The Revival of the Workshop
Over the years, the history of SEDIT has become closely intertwined with that of the Ytournel family, a line of cutlers spanning generations.
In tribute to his grandfather Henri Girard, who worked at the SEDIT factory and was connected to its founder Xavier Long, Sylvain Ytournel decided to breathe new life into this place steeped in history.
Inspired by childhood memories spent in the family workshop, he revived the Les 2 Diables brand by creating a new cutlery workshop at the very same location.
A Modern Evolution: The Integration of STHICAL Cutlery
In 2022, the workshop’s story expanded with the integration of STHICAL Cutlery. Founded in 1989 by Gilles Regnaud, the company specialized in crafting Laguiole knives using horn and precious materials, before becoming a pioneer in handles made from volcanic stone. This distinctive material, sourced from the Puy de La Nugère volcano in Volvic, reflects the unique volcanic heritage of the Auvergne region.
This collaboration has enriched our range of knives while bringing modern expertise into our artisanal production. Together, we continue to honor tradition while exploring new innovations in the art of luxury handcrafted cutlery.
The Les 2 Diables Brand: Between Mystery and Excellence
The Les 2 Diables brand was created by Xavier Long in 1943. While the name sparks curiosity, its official origin remains a mystery. Was it a reference to Xavier and his father-in-law, to his twins, or simply a poetic inspiration?
Whatever the true story, Les 2 Diables has become synonymous with artisanal quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
A Passion for Craftsmanship: A Tradition Continued
Every chapter of our story reflects our passion for cutlery and our commitment to luxury craftsmanship. From our humble beginnings to our current standing as a benchmark in artisanal cutlery, we have always strived to blend the legacy of the past with the innovations of the present.
Our history is a living testament to our dedication to creating knives that tell a story, embody expertise, and celebrate the ingenuity of Thiers. We are proud to carry on this tradition and to write the next chapters of this extraordinary journey.
