Info on Laguiole Knives

[abey67]

So I went to a local knife store today and they had a sale on the Laguiole knives. Couldn't resist picking it up and wow, the craftsmanship was incredible. Does anybody have in info on these knives? Any info or even pics of other knives like this would be appreciated.

 

[yablanowitz]

There are a bunch of makers of Laguiole knives, and from what I've seen the quality ranges from custom level down to gas station/flea market level. You'll have to be a bit more specific.

 

[hornetguy]

what markings are on the blade? That's usually where the maker's name is..

 

[abey67]

Blade says Laguiole Honore Durand, if that helps.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

That is a very good maker.

 

[hornetguy]

Yes, that is a good knife, from what I've heard. I have a couple of Laguiole en Aubrac, and one Forge de Laguiole...
There are several folks on the forum that know a lot about them... I'm pretty new to them, but am enjoying the ones I have.

 

[Prester John]

So I went to a local knife store today and they had a sale on the Laguiole knives. Couldn't resist picking it up and wow, the craftsmanship was incredible. Does anybody have in info on these knives? Any info or even pics of other knives like this would be appreciated.

Here is mine:

Also Honoré Durand. Olive wood handle, 14C28 steel. I love it.

 

[Prester John]

I will add that the three makers mentioned so far in this thread all have a good reputation. Another maker I hear a lot about is Fontenille Pataud. And there are others. Avoid ones not made in France. Most of the good ones are made in Thiers or Laguiole, I think. But I am no expert. I just ordered a book on the history of the Laguiole. It is written in French, but I should be able to understand most of it. I think the member experts are Jolipapa and Âchillepattada . They may chime in soon.

 

[airyq]

Laguioles tend to snap shut very strongly and most of them do not come with a kick at the bottom of the blade, so the edge will contact the back spacer. Close them gently.

 

[Âchillepattada]

A abey67 : Hi, to choose correctly you have to know if :
- You want to buy it to an american dealer or order one in France
- The price
- The type : 1, 2 or three blades ( blade, punch, corkscrew )
- Without or with a bolster ( one or two )
- Material of the handle (wood, horn, etc)
- Type of steel (carbone, inox, damascus) , forged or not.
- Spring and flee : carved, plate, etc

If you want to go to an american dealer of course you will find the productions of the biggest producers : Fontenille&Pataud, Forges de Laguiole, Honore Durand, etc
If you want to order it I would advise you a smaller producer to have something more authentic :
Atelier La Clef des Champs ( http://atelierlaclefdeschamps.fr/contact.html)
Jérôme Latreille ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007130898131 )

What you have to know it that for the same price you will have much more with a knife coming from a little company.

Have a look on these threads :
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/french-regional-knives.1651680/
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/jérôme-latreille.1694397/
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/pierre-yves-joyeux.1698179/


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[Jolipapa]

Nothing to add since Y Nomine stopped making Lags.
There's a lot who assemble nice Laguioles, like D Biondi, but none are as sleek as PYJ and JL's.

 

[Markeologist]

Laguioles tend to snap shut very strongly and most of them do not come with a kick at the bottom of the blade, so the edge will contact the back spacer. Close them gently.

From my understanding, the tradition was for the “man of the house” to snap his Laguiole closed to indicate that the meal was finished.

 

[btb01]

Laguioles tend to snap shut very strongly and most of them do not come with a kick at the bottom of the blade, so the edge will contact the back spacer. Close them gently.

I’ve never owned one, but I’ve often wondered about this. Just from looking at the design, it seems like blade rap could be an issue.

 

[Jolipapa]

From my understanding, the tradition was for the “man of the house” to snap his Laguiole closed to indicate that the meal was finished.View attachment 1276044

He would rather take his time to close it carefully. Snapping is for automatics, # rogue people.

 

[Prester John]

Mine has a blade stop, but I usually close it slowly anyway.

 

[Hazelaar]

Durand is one of the few who makes his knives in the town of Laguiole proper. I visited the store a few years back. Have a great rosewood one, 12c27 blade with 11 cm handle. It snaps shut and when you let it you'll lose half an inch of edge... So close it quietly!

Fontenille pataud has worked out a system whiwh prevents this without a kick so it doesn't look like a Texas thicker, but I haven't seen these in person. They're a bit pricey as well.

Good choice in your Laguiole!

Now go and enjoy some sausage, cheese and bread with a good red wine


Bert

 

[Rockon75]

Just saw this.....

 

[Elgatodeacero]

Renaud Aubry also makes a beautiful knife, and he has a fun website.

http://www.artisancoutelier.com/en/

 

[aji1]

Renaud Aubry also makes a beautiful knife, and he has a fun website.

I love the "configurator" on his site. Definitely fun. Unfortunately, Mr. Aubry is not currently making knives "pour des raisons de santé" (for health reasons). I have had a warthog navette in my cart for six months, so the situation has been going on for at least that long.

[EDIT TO ADD:] I just saw in another thread that Mr. Aubry has passed. Rest in peace, Renaud.

Here are a few Fontenille-Pataud laguioles. They have a blade stop and are lockbacks. The first is buffalo horn tip, the second is stabilized maple burl, and the third is phosphorescent resin. The phosphorescent one glows blue when exposed to UV light, which also charges it so it glows in the dark.

 

[waynorth]

Renaud Aubry!!
R.I.P!!