French Traditional - better makers?

PoorlyTiedFly

PoorlyTiedFly

Joined
May 24, 2008
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233
My collecting interest has evolved (or devolved) pretty deeply into better French traditional knives lately and I am really enjoying uncovering new, previously unknown to me makers and looking over their designs. Right now I have a small collection of Laguioles from Laguiole en Aubrac, Robert David and Fontenille Pataud. I don't speak the language and have been relying heavily on the excellent YouTube videos by Stefan Schmalhaus but wanted to see if any other French traditional fans on BF might have some suggestions for me.

I am not set on only collecting the Laguiole style but do want quality - I picked up a Thiers-Issard Aurillac on Amazon that had absolutely terrible fit/finish. It was so wretched that I sent it back.

I am happy with the Robert David knives I have picked up and for their price point I think they are a good buy. My FP Capachudou is amazing and my knives from Laguiole en Aubrac haven't disappointed. I intend on ordering a "custom" from Artisan Coutelier/Renaud Aubry next week.

Most of what I gravitate towards is in the $100-$250 price range... Any other makers I should check out?

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I've seen a few Nontron knives. The fit/finish have all been pretty decent. I've wanted one, but I usually see them in expensive shops and they are not cheap.
 
I'm surprised you had problems with an Issard, they are usually well made, but production has changed of hands several times, this could be an explanation.
Look for Yann Nominé, he is in Fontaineblau and his hand made traditionals are very good. He makes 2 patterns of his own the Grimpeur sodbuster like, the Fontainebleau, inspired by the Chatellerault makers and of course some Laguiole, which I consider as some of the best price/quality ratio.
Guy Vialis is also an excellent choice, François Bignon as well.
I PM you some addresses
Unfortunately, these days most cutlers make primarily Laguioles and forget other traditionals, and most of hand made are way over your price tag.
Arto is in liquidation and Therias (Parapluie and Rossignol) in very bad position and will probably drop folders.
Perceval is interesting but personally I feel they're way overpriced.
 
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Try Forge de Laguiole they are I believe one of only three coutelliers based in Laguiole , they are a relatively new company but make the knives in the old way, there are some excellent videos on YouTube showing the factory and manufacture mostly by hand of the knives. I have a 9cm Laguiole from them and think it is equal to my Fontenille Pataud it is also a non locking knife so legal for me to carry.
 
A modern maker with apprenticeship at Perceval is Roland Lannier. He makes outstanding knives with never seen shapes and really very good Quality. Might not fit into your price range, but is definetely worth having a look and maybe keeping the money together untill you can afford one
 
Dirk D said:
A modern maker with apprenticeship at Perceval is Roland Lannier. He makes outstanding knives with never seen shapes and really very good Quality. Might not fit into your price range, but is definetely worth having a look and maybe keeping the money together untill you can afford one
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Never seen maybe in the States, but there other straight knives around.
The Alios, designed by Robert Beillonnet (aka Fatman, no contest the best cutler these days), imho a much better choice with a sexiest blade in MOX25CO and an ingenious rear lock...
OK, they don't have the marketing ability of Perceval...
Alios%20ebene%20-%20bois%20de%20serpent%20-%20bruyere.jpg
 
Jolipapa said:
Never seen maybe in the States, but there other straight knives around.
The Alios, designed by Robert Beillonnet (aka Fatman, no contest the best cutler these days), imho a much better choice with a sexiest blade in MOX25CO and an ingenious rear lock...
OK, they don't have the marketing ability of Perceval...
Alios%20ebene%20-%20bois%20de%20serpent%20-%20bruyere.jpg
Click to expand...
Ok, maybe I haven´t pointed it out clearly: R. Lannier started his own business afaik 1 or 2 years ago. His no longer working for Perceval. There he designed the L08.
Here´re a few examples of his model " Why so serious".
lannier2.jpg

( Not my picture)
A few models have i.e. handles made of scottish tartan micarta or of vinyl LPs.
His newest model named " spring heeled jack" is a slipjoint folder with a backspring made with a sandwich system, really innovative.
 
Jolipapa said:
I'm surprised you had problems with an Issard, they are usually well made, but production has changed of hands several times, this could be an explanation.
Look for Yann Nominé, he is in Fontaineblau and his hand made traditionals are very good. He makes 2 patterns of his own the Grimpeur sodbuster like, the Fontainebleau, inspired by the Chatellerault makers and of course some Laguiole, which I consider as some of the best price/quality ratio.
Guy Vialis is also an excellent choice, François Bignon as well.
I PM you some addresses
Unfortunately, these days most cutlers make primarily Laguioles and forget other traditionals, and most of hand made are way over your price tag.
Arto is in liquidation and Therias (Parapluie and Rossignol) in very bad position and will probably drop folders.
Perceval is interesting but personally I feel they're way overpriced.
Click to expand...

thanks for all the links!!! I'll be busy tonight!
 
Poorly tied fly. I am also getting interested in French knifes. Could post you a follow up after you learn more. Thanks Bill
 
Jolipapa said:
Never seen maybe in the States, but there other straight knives around.
The Alios, designed by Robert Beillonnet (aka Fatman, no contest the best cutler these days), imho a much better choice with a sexiest blade in MOX25CO and an ingenious rear lock...
OK, they don't have the marketing ability of Perceval...
Alios%20ebene%20-%20bois%20de%20serpent%20-%20bruyere.jpg
Click to expand...

Very interesting! Do you know of a US seller or who will ship to the US?
 
Jolipapa said:
I'm surprised you had problems with an Issard, they are usually well made, but production has changed of hands several times, this could be an explanation.
Look for Yann Nominé, he is in Fontaineblau and his hand made traditionals are very good. He makes 2 patterns of his own the Grimpeur sodbuster like, the Fontainebleau, inspired by the Chatellerault makers and of course some Laguiole, which I consider as some of the best price/quality ratio.
Guy Vialis is also an excellent choice, François Bignon as well.
I PM you some addresses
Unfortunately, these days most cutlers make primarily Laguioles and forget other traditionals, and most of hand made are way over your price tag.
Arto is in liquidation and Therias (Parapluie and Rossignol) in very bad position and will probably drop folders.
Perceval is interesting but personally I feel they're way overpriced.
Click to expand...

I tried to get a picture of the knife for my Instagram page and the fit/finish of the snakewood scales to bolster was so bad that I couldn't even find a single angle that would conceal it. The tail of the spring also protruded into the blade well so much that the blade was actually at rest against it at 99% closed. It was horrible... I really love the style of the knife though and would buy another if I could hand pick it.
 
- very easy for me to say living in UK, but if you were ever able to visit any of the knife shows in France or Belgium, you'd be blown away by the amount of expertise and beauty of some of the makers we never see hide nor hair of here.

Was at a recent Gembloux Knife Show and bought a folder (not really to show here, cos it's not a traditional, but a folding katana linerlock) of amazing quality and materials. There are always many varieties of traditionals too.

I've ridden the Harley to Laguiole and spent a few hours like a pinball, bouncing from shop to shop, unable to decide what to buy.......a silly but wonderful dilemma :D
 
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Berthier’s has decent pricing and shipping and an average selection of traditional French knives, including a number of customs.

You might try Chambriard, which I didn’t see mentioned. I have both of R. Lannier’s models and love them, but I had to save up for them and get some gift money too .

You can also try Timeless Spirit seller, which has a smaller selection than Berthier but better shipping.
 
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I have kinda taken to the French knives my self. I have a Forge de Laguiole on the way. I will post when it arrives. Oh, and don't forget the Douk Douk. If you are building a French Knife collection, you should pick one up. Cheap with interesting backstory.
 
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