Close my Laguiole

[pieman54]

Hi,
Today I received a laguiole knife from my wife. I did some research on it and I think it is a knock-off.
It has France carved in the blade on one side and 12c27 sandvik on the other. The word laguiole is stamped on the blade, not embossed. It also doesn't have the shepherds cross. It has the fly and carving on the spine. There is also no brass at the end of the knife. My main problem is that it came in the opened position and I can't close it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Pieman

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Hi Pieman,

I will move this to the traditional forum and answer what little I know.
The Laguiole may not be a knock off. Typicaly the term Laguile is used to describe a style of knives. If I am not mistaken Laguile is a region where several knife companies and small shops make Laguile type knives. They range from very fine hand made knives to mass-produced knives of varying quality and price.

The 12C27 that you see is a steel that when heat-treated correctly is a excellent performer for a folder. You normally would not see that type of steel on an poorly made "knockoff".