David Ponson
Art cutlery, folding, table and kitchen knives
Philosophy
Respect for Thiers cutlery traditions with creativity on top. Every knife is a piece of art craft, from folding knives to chef knives.
History
Six generations. That's what separates the first Ponson cutler, established in Thiers in 1847, from Florian and Arnaud who now work alongside their father David in the workshop at 1, rue du Bourg. In a city that has forged blades since the Middle Ages, the Ponson lineage has never wavered: no offshoring, no outsourcing, no industrial compromise.
David trained for thirteen years, from 1988 to 2001, in the cutlery workshops of the Thiers basin before setting up as an art craftsman in 2002. His eldest son Florian joined in 2012, symbolically marking the workshop's tenth year and the entry of the sixth generation. Younger brother Arnaud followed. In 2026, both sons are exhibited at the Cité des Couteliers as "New guardians of Thiers art cutlery".
Production spans customs (unique pieces made to order) and high-end small series. The registered designs tell the local story: Le Thiers, the emblematic regional knife. Le Bitord and Le Chignore, contemporary reinterpretations of local forms. Le Serge Vieira, born from collaboration with double Michelin-starred chef from nearby Escoutoux. The workshop holds the EPV label, Ateliers d'Art de France Exclusive category, and is a member of the German DMG Guild of Art Cutlers.
Iconic Products
Le Thiers®
Iconic regional folding knife from Thiers, reinterpreted by Ponson. Small series to unique pieces.
Le Serge Vieira®
Collaboration with double Michelin-starred chef Serge Vieira. Table and kitchen knife designed for haute cuisine, forged in Thiers.
Le Bitord®
David Ponson's own registered design. Folding knife with contemporary lines inspired by traditional Thiers cutlery forms. Available as custom (unique piece, damascus steel) or small series.