Couteau de Nontron (Beginnings of a very small collection)

supratentorial

supratentorial

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Dec 19, 2006
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nontron.jpg

From left to right: Nontron no. 25 in rosewood (bois de rose), juniper (genevrier), ebony (ebène)

The handles are wood and they have metal locking rings for the blades similar to the viroloc on Opinel knives. The blades open very smoothly due to plastic washes on both sides of the joint... probably keeps them opening smoothly even if the wood gets wet and swells. The knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes (including miniatures that fit inside of a walnut!) -- the three in the photo are the No 25 shoe (sabot). Will be buying more shapes and sizes when the opportunity arises but they're much more pricy than Opinel knives.

I am beginning to read a bit about their history, which dates back to 1730, and found some historical information about the stamps on older Nontron knives here:
http://www.metiersdartperigord.fr/weblog/2005/08/histoires_du_co.html ( http://www.google.com/translate ) and this Youtube video shows the manufacture of the knives:

[youtube]_nrpSUZ9oIE[/youtube]
 
Beautiful knives. Been wanting to try out a nontron for a while now, as they look so neat, especially with the carvings and the handle.
 
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I've never seen those before, and they are a very interesting looking knife.
 
Very interesting and unambiguously Traditional. The Ebony looks very good. I've heard that Juniper is an aromatic wood and the handles have a scent.
 
Juniper is another name for cedar. The little purple berries also flavor gin. Bite one sometime and see for yourself. Cool knivles. A bargain like Opis? Looks like the blades are swedged?
 
Have a Nontron 25 that I use in the kitchen everyday for simple tasks. They are great knives and the wood (boxwood) develops a nice worn look over time. Very handy and practical. They seem much smoother than my Opies.
 
The juniper wood handle has a very nice scent.

Here are a few of the other knives:
nontron-handles.jpg
nontronmini.jpg


The miniatures are 15mm or 27mm closed. 10 to 12 of the 27mm miniatures can fit in a special box made out of a walnut. There's also a special box made out of a hazelnut for the 15m knives.

I haven't found much information on the web about these knives but according to an article from the Oregon Knife Club, Nontron merged with Laguiole in 1992 but the identities of both companies have been kept separate. The article also indicates that Nontron dates back to the 15th Century.
http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/nontron.html
 
You should add one in boxwood, as it's the traditional handle material. It's the hardest European wood, and one of the few plants that stay green all year round. Historically, people in the region gave such a knife to young people, and the wood then signifies something like "may you live long and stay healthy".
Also, the bridge-like engraving is of an ancient celtic origin that nobody knows the meaning about anymore.
A knife with history.
 
I had that ebony sabot model for a long time, but wanted the bigger model. So, sold the one I had and didn't yet get round to replacing :rolleyes::)

Though in part Iblame dagon for this - he posted some pics of a Perceval (another French mfr) which distracted me terribly - haven't bought that one yet either :D
 
Dagon, I'd like to get one made from boxwood, especially now that I know the meaning of the wood. The meaning makes the knife even more enjoyable. I'm watching your video right now - very nice!

Noddy, It's unfortunate that they aren't more readily available in the US.
 
According to what I've read, they are forged and crafted by hand in much the same way as they have been for over 500 years.
 
They look very nice; I've always been hungry for a Nontron, since I love the performance of my Opinels so much, and since the Nontrons seem like a little more dressed-up version of the same style of knife.
Thanks for posting!
 
I've actually looked at those and been drawn to them. Same old world charm as the Opinel, but more like an Opinel dressed up in a tux for a formal night out at the opera. Just love the dramatic grain of the rosewood model. :thumbup:

Carl.
 
Jake,
thank you for this thread. I never handled a Nontron personally, but I had read about their history before, and it's always nice to see your pictures.
Dagon,
thank you again for adding your knowledge. Many things I know, and European (not Italian) patterns I've discovered, I owe them to you.
I have this feeling that I will get one of these knives sooner or later... :rolleyes:

Fausto
:cool:
 
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