Laguiole Knife, Scales Not Flush with Spine (or left brain not flush w. right brain)

S

Shamshir

Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Messages
22
Please help, I'm driving myself crazy with a mixture of OCD and love for a Laguiole knife.

I just got this knife, and I've noticed that the top of the scales is not well-aligned with the spine. See picture.
Part of me says stop being so anal. Another part says, I've spent 200€ for the love of a fine handmade French knife and I'd like it to be perfect and well crafted.

But it get's worse. This is already the second one the manufacturer has sent me and again the same problem. And really, it's hardly off by 1 mm, so I can't even tell if it was like this soon as I opened the box 4 days ago, or if the wood warped over the following days. I haven't placed it near a heat source or left it out in the car. However, it is pretty dry right now, considering it's still winter up here around Toronto. Or maybe it was too cold/hot in transit... twice!

Do any of you experience similar things? It's wood after all. Though on the other hand, a friend of mine who lives in New England has a wooden handled Laguiole also and it's fine after many years.

I haven't listed the name of the manufacturer because I don't want to give them a bad sounding review. They've been great so far, replaced the first knife and have been real nice to deal with.

I love the knife otherwise, it's a gem. My biggest fear is I ignore if for now, and then 3 months later wish I'd returned it.

What do you think? Is this common? Or is there some weird thing going on (wood too fresh and not aged enough?). Or, am I just spinning my head for no good reason.

Your perspectives would be appreciated,

Thank you.

20150319_133420.jpg
 
The wood has moved.

The very nature of wood - especially wood that has that grain pattern, means that this sort of thing is likely, or not. You can never be sure.

I wonder why they used that piece of wood actually. It has a big knot in it. The tiny knots aren't a problem, but a big one like that is almost sure to do something unpredictable.

If you like natural wood scales for knives, then the movement is just part of the "charm."

This sort of thing is why I really don't like unstabilized wood for knife scales - except maybe ebony or cocobolo, but even with them, come care has to be taken to make sure they are cured well.
 
I see it in some of my knives and not just wood, but bone, stag and horn. It isn't unexpected, though can be a disappointment. What kicks my "OCD" in, is when the difference isn't equal on both sides. There really isn't much you can do about it unless maybe you're a cutler or hobbyist with some knowledge, skills and tools. If it bothers you enough, return it for exchange or rework. Since this is the second knife from the same people and I assume that you explained your requirements and expectations the first time and ended up with this, maybe I'd ask for a refund and try to find one locally there in Toronto that can actually be inspect before purchase.
 
Thanks for the replies guy.

I'm all for the "charm" of wood, and that's what's making my decision difficult. Sooner or later, natural wood will turn on me and I'm fine with that. But when it happens so soon, I get nervous about what might happen down the road. Oh well...

BrotherJim, do you know any good stores around Toronto you could recommend?
 
No I don't Shamshir. I live deep in the lower 48. I just gotta figure a "town" the size of Toronto HAS to have a good knife shop.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top