From the South of France: Le Camarguais

S

schmalhaus

Joined
Sep 27, 2010
Messages
251
"Le Camarguais" is a beautiful French knife that is rooted in the rich culture of the Camargue region.

[video=youtube;uoL5yLHz9JE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoL5yLHz9JE[/video]

The piano music in this video was composed and played by the German astronomy physicist Frithjof Brauer (1980-2009) who died of cancer at the age of only 29. His beautiful music is available here: http://www.jamendo.com/de/artist/336882/frithjof-brauer
 
Another awesome review Stefan. If it weren't for you I would still be unaware of the huge variety of traditional french cutlery. I wish all reviews were as well thought out and informative as yours.
Brian
 
BriantheBlade said:
Another awesome review Stefan. If it weren't for you I would still be unaware of the huge variety of traditional french cutlery. I wish all reviews were as well thought out and informative as yours.
Brian
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Thank you for your kind words, Brian!

Stefan
 
Thanks for the videos, Schmalhaus.

By the way, have you found any traditional makers which use high end stainless steels? CPM154 or better?

I've often wanted to get a traditional European folder and had the money but I still can't pull the trigger knowing the steel I would be getting isn't really on par with the price.
 
Luis G. said:
Thanks for the videos, Schmalhaus.

By the way, have you found any traditional makers which use high end stainless steels? CPM154 or better?

I've often wanted to get a traditional European folder and had the money but I still can't pull the trigger knowing the steel I would be getting isn't really on par with the price.
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Did you watch the last 12 minutes of the video? The price is due to the large amount of manual craftsmanship that goes into making these knives. Quite frankly, I don't see any sense in using modern powder steels on a traditional French folding knife. It's like putting a modern engine into a classic car. Yes, you get a faster car - but at the same time it has lost its charm and style. Traditional French knives are more about lifestyle (savoir-vivre) and culture than about the best possible cutting ability and edge-holding performance. But, of course, that's just my opinion.

Stefan
 
I understand not here to get into a discussion of what a knife means to someone.
Was a simple question, wanted to see if anyone was indeed making a traditional folder with high end steel option. Personally I wouldn't see it as loosing charm and style if the shape, and design stays the same.

Thanks for the response.
 
Stefan,
Another great review.... thank you

I found your fantastic reviews a few months ago on youtube while researching a different knife model.
 
Luis G. said:
I understand not here to get into a discussion of what a knife means to someone.
Was a simple question, wanted to see if anyone was indeed making a traditional folder with high end steel option. Personally I wouldn't see it as loosing charm and style if the shape, and design stays the same.

Thanks for the response.
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Ok, to answer your question: As far as I know, there's no French manufacturer of traditional folding knives that uses modern powder steels. Please note that many of these cutlery companies are small workshops with a handful of cutlers. I'm sure they don't even have the machinery to process high-end powder steels. And I'm sure they would have problems selling knives with expensive blade steels because the demand is probably very low.

Stefan
 
Sorry, I have to correct myself. Fontenille Pataud offers RWL 34 as an optional blade steel.

Stefan
 
It's perfectly understandable, seems their demographic is more for traditional users whom want tried and true.

Thanks scmalhaus, found their website and so far I think I have to order their Pialinchu or Le Couteau model in buffalo horn or juniper respectively.
Prices are not bad at all, about $200 usd+-.
 
Thanks for the review, another great job. You could have a career as a videographer. :). I especially liked the factory footage of making the knife. Do you think the hubertus knives are done in a similar manner?
 
brownshoe said:
Thanks for the review, another great job. You could have a career as a videographer. :). I especially liked the factory footage of making the knife. Do you think the hubertus knives are done in a similar manner?
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Yes, I think so. I hope to visit the Hubertus factory some time this year.

Stefan
 
Just finished watching. I always look forward to your reviews!

That is another stunning European folder with old-world quality craftsmanship.

Honestly though, I just haven't been in tune yet with the slight protruding back lock. But it is part of its identity and heritage I suppose.
 
Stefan,

Another beautiful review. The music is special too!

You did not mention how the protruding lockbar will be in the grip and during use, or perhaps I missed it?

It'll be great if you can add the English caption to the maker's comment during the factory footage. Perhaps version 2? ;)
I don't understand French at all :o
 
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