Laguiole and Other French Folders...

Eli Chaps

Eli Chaps

Joined
Apr 20, 2018
Messages
4,458
Hello Knife Nuts,

I've long been familiar with laguiole style knives and have always liked the sleek lines but never really gave them much more than a cursory once-over before moving on. I do like thin, slicey knives but for whatever reason, despite the initial attraction, these knives never kept my attention for long.

Then, during my interwebs travelling, I stumbled across this guy:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCppuObQHn8alCHGGVESilhA

(I believe YouTube links are okay)

And I can't stop watching his videos or searching the internet and drooling over some of these absolutely beautiful knives!

From what I can find, the quality ones aren't cheap, or at least I'm too ignorant to know a solid performer at a reasonable cost. I seem to find a lot of what appears to be junk and then the high-end stuff. Not much in between. I also wince a little at the thought of dealing with a foreign country just because it seems like so much could get confused in communication. Probably dumb in this age though... And I doubt I'd ever really carry one of these but man are they just beautiful.

Anyway, that is about all I know about these guys and was just wondering if anyone shared my sentiments or if anyone can help educate me in any way.
 
Last edited:
Reitwagen said:
Be careful, Eli. Herr Schmallhaus introduced me to a world of elegant knives and has changed my perspective beyond what my budget can withstand.
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He really does show off some beautiful stuff and in some quality videos!
 
I have three of the Fontenille-Pataud Laguioles. As you mentioned, they aren't cheap but are of good quality. Gilles, the proprietor, is quick to respond to e-mails (and in English). Lots of choices in handle materials and, if you have special requests, he is quite accommodating (for example, on one of mine, I asked for the file work on the spine of the blade to only extend about an inch from the pivot).

Here are a couple of (crappy) photos of that one, in Buffalo horn.

fp1.jpg

fp2.jpg
 
aji1 said:
I have three of the Fontenille-Pataud Laguioles. As you mentioned, they aren't cheap but are of good quality. Gilles, the proprietor, is quick to respond to e-mails (and in English). Lots of choices in handle materials and, if you have special requests, he is quite accommodating (for example, on one of mine, I asked for the file work on the spine of the blade to only extend about an inch from the pivot).

Here are a couple of (crappy) photos of that one, in Buffalo horn.

...
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Thank you and that is very, very nice.
 
I would really love to get a one-handed locking model one of these days:
97509_1_n.jpg
 
I just got a Robert David Laguiole folder.
They're a step down when compared to brands like Fontenille-Pataud.
But they're decent, made in France and can be found in the US.
I bought a snake wood scaled knife that's about 4.5 inches closed, it was about $125.
 
JPD1998 said:
I just got a Robert David Laguiole folder.
They're a step down when compared to brands like Fontenille-Pataud.
But they're decent, made in France and can be found in the US.
I bought a snake wood scaled knife that's about 4.5 inches closed, it was about $125.
Click to expand...

How do you feel about the back spring strength? I'm assuming it's sufficient for the knife's intended use but thought I'd ask.
 
The way they're designed, they open about 3/4 of the way like an American slip-joint, but the last 1/4 is a little tight until they snap open.
They're supposed to be that way so that they won't fold too easily. If you can imagine a back lock knife without an actual lock ( if that makes any sense).
 
JPD1998 said:
The way they're designed, they open about 3/4 of the way like an American slip-joint, but the last 1/4 is a little tight until they snap open.
They're supposed to be that way so that they won't fold too easily. If you can imagine a back lock knife without an actual lock ( if that makes any sense).
Click to expand...

Yep, makes perfect sense. Thank you.
 
Eli Chaps said:
Yep, makes perfect sense. Thank you.
Click to expand...

You're welcome.
Robert David makes a larger one , although I wouldn't consider it a typical Laquiole.
It's 4 3/4" closed with horn scales and a wild boar engraved on the front bolster.
I'm getting that one in a few months, after my wallet recovers from Christmas.
 
marcinek said:
Frence pocket knives are pretty cool, and I surprised the subject doesn't come up that often. Laguioles and Opinels are just the tip of the iceberg...there are tons of patterns that are "the" knife for a certain region or profession. Levine has a great graphic showing a bunch of them in his Guide...wish I could find it.

Donjons, nontrons, etc etc etc....

Some are shown here: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/share-your-french-traditional-regional-pocket-knives.1009593/
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Yes. I remember that thread , one of my knives is on page 7 .
I still have it , its definitely a keeper.
Plenty to see in that thread.
 
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