This collaboration with chef Julien Duboué emerged thanks to UTOPIC. We wanted to share an ethical and responsible approach by designing a collection of knives made from recycled material: carbon fibre sourced from aeronautical waste.

Photo : Maxime Nemery

An Ethical and Responsible approach

This range of knives is the result of recycling carbon fiber waste from the French aeronautics industry. These knives give the material a second life and contribute to a virtuous cycle based on short supply chains. This project brings together various French stakeholders around a common issue:

“What to do with the carbon waste of the French aerospace industry?”

UTOPIC table knives – Photo : Maxime Nemery

UTOPIC kitchen knife – Photo : Maxime Nemery

A co-design approach.

The collaboration with Julien Duboué has resulted in a collection of professional kitchen knives and table knives. The blade combines flexibility, strength and cutting precision, just like a Japanese knife. The ergonomic design of the handle makes this collection a truly professional tool, but also a superb everyday utensil.

This range of knives has a minimalist and refined aesthetic that highlights noble and solid materials, without superfluous ornamentation. Its design is based on steel and carbon as raw materials. A design based on economy of means.

Inspired by the Corsican peasant knife, the design of the handle reflects chef Julien Duboué’s attachment to the terroir. This hybridisation between a sophisticated, minimalist design and a vernacular spirit rooted in the terroir offers a unique collection of knives with a sustainable and innovative design.

 

Photo : Maxime Nemery

Photo : Maxime Nemery

Knives made in France

This range of knives is manufactured in France, in collaboration with a cutler based in Thiers (the world capital of cutlery): Tarrerias-Bonjean cutlery. Once collected and processed by ReUSE COMPOSITES, the carbon is sent to Nantes to be cut using a water jet. Finally, the handles are assembled and produced at UTOPIC, in the Clermont-Ferrand workshop. This network of French partners has made it possible to develop a short supply chain product, guaranteeing an affordable price and optimal quality.

This range of knives is an example of products from the circular economy. They have helped to create a virtuous circle, transforming waste into an object of excellence, while bringing together players committed to French manufacturing around this project.

Photo : Maxime Nemery