Will do!
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Laguiole knives?
- Thread starter lonestar1979
- Start date
Will do!
The Burgh
Basic Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Messages
- 501
Yes, this is a fabulous, centralized way for me to get (at least) an overview of the Languiole landscape.
I have a decent collection of modern and (new and vintage) traditional folders, but never felt I had even an inkling of insight into the "L World." Closest I've gotten is a Coutellerie Chambriard Le Thiers Compact and a Nieto Navaja Linea Wasp Folder. Love that old-world, European aesthetic charm, hand crafstmanship and purpose built aspects.
Now, which Languiole?
I have a decent collection of modern and (new and vintage) traditional folders, but never felt I had even an inkling of insight into the "L World." Closest I've gotten is a Coutellerie Chambriard Le Thiers Compact and a Nieto Navaja Linea Wasp Folder. Love that old-world, European aesthetic charm, hand crafstmanship and purpose built aspects.
Now, which Languiole?
Part 1: the Honoré Durand
Specs:
12-cm
matte stainless bolsters
olivewood scales
14C28 steel
First let me say, A+ for shipping! Order placed late Saturday night (EST), order shipped on Monday, and it hit my doorstep today. Not too shabby for an order coming across the Atlantic! It was also very well packaged - inside two FedEx envelops, bubble wrap, and three layers of manufacturers packaging.
This is my first Laguiole, so I don't have any experience to draw on, but here are my initial impressions. My EDC for the past 6 years has alternated between Benchmade and Zero Tolerance, so this feels a little narrow in the hand, but still very comfortable. Just a matter of getting used to the slimmer profile.
I think the fit and finish are pretty good, the only thing that I noticed is that the hinge is a little gritty and I'm attributing that to leftovers from the manufacturing process. I put a drop of oil in the hinge and it's smoothing out already, and I'm sure that all remaining traces of grit will smooth out with use. The scales are nice looking - a little lighter colored than I was imagining, but nice all the same.
The blade is very thin, which I like in this knife, and it should be a very good slicer. If I want to get it a little dirty, it would probably serve well for cleaning trout or breasting birds. It isn't razor sharp, but reasonable for a factory edge. The recommendations from the manufacturer suggest a 20*-30* angle, but to each their own. I may go down to 15*, but it is a full flat grind, so it will take a little playing to get clamped in the Wicked Edge. This model appears to include a blade stop, so I'm not too worried about accidentally turning the edge. Even now, I can slide a piece of paper all the way along the blade with it closed.
Overall, I'm quite pleased and I'm looking forward to getting some use out of it and comparing it to the Fontenille-Pataud that I have on order.
Specs:
12-cm
matte stainless bolsters
olivewood scales
14C28 steel
First let me say, A+ for shipping! Order placed late Saturday night (EST), order shipped on Monday, and it hit my doorstep today. Not too shabby for an order coming across the Atlantic! It was also very well packaged - inside two FedEx envelops, bubble wrap, and three layers of manufacturers packaging.
This is my first Laguiole, so I don't have any experience to draw on, but here are my initial impressions. My EDC for the past 6 years has alternated between Benchmade and Zero Tolerance, so this feels a little narrow in the hand, but still very comfortable. Just a matter of getting used to the slimmer profile.
I think the fit and finish are pretty good, the only thing that I noticed is that the hinge is a little gritty and I'm attributing that to leftovers from the manufacturing process. I put a drop of oil in the hinge and it's smoothing out already, and I'm sure that all remaining traces of grit will smooth out with use. The scales are nice looking - a little lighter colored than I was imagining, but nice all the same.
The blade is very thin, which I like in this knife, and it should be a very good slicer. If I want to get it a little dirty, it would probably serve well for cleaning trout or breasting birds. It isn't razor sharp, but reasonable for a factory edge. The recommendations from the manufacturer suggest a 20*-30* angle, but to each their own. I may go down to 15*, but it is a full flat grind, so it will take a little playing to get clamped in the Wicked Edge. This model appears to include a blade stop, so I'm not too worried about accidentally turning the edge. Even now, I can slide a piece of paper all the way along the blade with it closed.
Overall, I'm quite pleased and I'm looking forward to getting some use out of it and comparing it to the Fontenille-Pataud that I have on order.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2015
- Messages
- 143
I haven't stopped looking at the Aubry Renaud knives since this thread came up.
I can't decide about what looks like a flared/wide middle of his Laguiole handles - instead of being straight from bolster to bolster, they look like they get significantly wider. I can't judge if that's a good thing or not from photos. I don't see it on other Laguioles, I don't think.
The Vicomte is seriously tempting, too - I carry a Boker Plus Urban Trapper now, and I think it'll be pretty similar in size/length. Is it big in the pocket?
The Navette would be better in the pocket - similar in size to the SAK Pioneer, I think - but am I happier with larger knives?
Ugh. SO MANY CHOICES.
(Any more input or experiences with his knives would be great.)
I can't decide about what looks like a flared/wide middle of his Laguiole handles - instead of being straight from bolster to bolster, they look like they get significantly wider. I can't judge if that's a good thing or not from photos. I don't see it on other Laguioles, I don't think.
The Vicomte is seriously tempting, too - I carry a Boker Plus Urban Trapper now, and I think it'll be pretty similar in size/length. Is it big in the pocket?
The Navette would be better in the pocket - similar in size to the SAK Pioneer, I think - but am I happier with larger knives?
Ugh. SO MANY CHOICES.
(Any more input or experiences with his knives would be great.)
draggat
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2010
- Messages
- 3,068
I haven't stopped looking at the Aubry Renaud knives since this thread came up.
I can't decide about what looks like a flared/wide middle of his Laguiole handles - instead of being straight from bolster to bolster, they look like they get significantly wider. I can't judge if that's a good thing or not from photos. I don't see it on other Laguioles, I don't think.
The Vicomte is seriously tempting, too - I carry a Boker Plus Urban Trapper now, and I think it'll be pretty similar in size/length. Is it big in the pocket?
The Navette would be better in the pocket - similar in size to the SAK Pioneer, I think - but am I happier with larger knives?
Ugh. SO MANY CHOICES.
The Navette is about the same size as a GEC #15, but the handle is fairly thick. It's almost square, in terms of handle height and width. One thing I really don't like about Laguioles is that the handles are so much wider in relation to their height. I like it the opposite, with more handle height. The Navette rides the line for me, but I still really like them.
The Vicomte is a large knife. I was surprised by how much larger it is in hand, but it still carries well.
I agree, too many choices!
Will Power
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 33,576
At first sight, the Laguiole handle might look unpromising: thin, skimpy etc. This is very far from the case as they usually have relatively thick scales which offer very comfortable grip indeed. Some may have a slight bulge in the middle as some Puukkot do which enhances handling especially if the knife is in the hand for a long period.
You must remember that this type of knife was entirely rural in origins, a serious working-knife for peasants, shepherds, for those in the fields, vineyards and mountains of France. A knife that was expected to be able to be used throughout the day, year in year out. Being both comfortable in the hand and safe were major attributes. Since it has been around for two centuries and has received worldwide acclaim it is obviously an effective shape. Notable too, is that it can be a simple or crude knife for modest users right up to costly custom pocket jewellry showing off the artisan's skill and signature. Hence the individual variations on the theme.
It's a great knife for preparing an outdoor snack, bread, sausage, veg, fruits but it's just at home pruning stuff, cutting up twine, slicing sticks, butchering an animal or as Jolipapa pointed out, relieving a distressed sheep from flatulence...
Then some can even open wine-bottles, genius and beauty.:thumbup:
Renaud Aubry's knives look most promising, I very much like his Navette and approach to the Laguiole, a fine site with excellent choices helping you to have your knife made to measure, very admirable.
Thanks, Will
You must remember that this type of knife was entirely rural in origins, a serious working-knife for peasants, shepherds, for those in the fields, vineyards and mountains of France. A knife that was expected to be able to be used throughout the day, year in year out. Being both comfortable in the hand and safe were major attributes. Since it has been around for two centuries and has received worldwide acclaim it is obviously an effective shape. Notable too, is that it can be a simple or crude knife for modest users right up to costly custom pocket jewellry showing off the artisan's skill and signature. Hence the individual variations on the theme.
It's a great knife for preparing an outdoor snack, bread, sausage, veg, fruits but it's just at home pruning stuff, cutting up twine, slicing sticks, butchering an animal or as Jolipapa pointed out, relieving a distressed sheep from flatulence...
Then some can even open wine-bottles, genius and beauty.:thumbup:Renaud Aubry's knives look most promising, I very much like his Navette and approach to the Laguiole, a fine site with excellent choices helping you to have your knife made to measure, very admirable.
Thanks, Will
Part 2: the Fontenille-Pataud
Specs:
12-cm
matte stainless bolster
curly walnut scales
14C28N steel
Shipping times were very reasonable for this knife - within three days of ordering. Packaging, too, was well done. Double wrapped in FedEx envelops and a small suede pouch.
This knife doesn't narrow out toward the rear like the other one, so it feels a little beefier in the hand, though still nowhere near my Benchmades, etc. As I mentioned in another post, I would describe the feel and balance as similar to a table knife.
The fit and finish are good. The curly walnut scales look very nice - similar to a nice shotgun stock, and I believe that they say the wood is fancy gun stock grade. The hinge is smooth, though I haven't yet adjusted to the muscle motion for opening a lockback knife with a thumb loop. The lockback release is a little stiff feeling to me, but I imagine it will break in with use. The filework along the spine is very nice, though the bee was left with sharp edges. I would have preferred the edges to be broken, but that's probably a style choice. Still, I may hit the edges with a polishing cloth just to take the points off.
This design includes a blade stop, so there is no worry about turning the edge by snapping it closed. I was a little disappointed in the sharpening job though. It is uneven on the sides, and the 3/4" near the tip is still blunt. It will need some work on my sharpener to bring it up to standard.
Overall, it is a very nice looking knife and I will be looking forward to carrying it. For the price, I am a little disappointed about the blade, but anyone can make a mistake and the edge is easily fixed.
Specs:
12-cm
matte stainless bolster
curly walnut scales
14C28N steel
Shipping times were very reasonable for this knife - within three days of ordering. Packaging, too, was well done. Double wrapped in FedEx envelops and a small suede pouch.
This knife doesn't narrow out toward the rear like the other one, so it feels a little beefier in the hand, though still nowhere near my Benchmades, etc. As I mentioned in another post, I would describe the feel and balance as similar to a table knife.
The fit and finish are good. The curly walnut scales look very nice - similar to a nice shotgun stock, and I believe that they say the wood is fancy gun stock grade. The hinge is smooth, though I haven't yet adjusted to the muscle motion for opening a lockback knife with a thumb loop. The lockback release is a little stiff feeling to me, but I imagine it will break in with use. The filework along the spine is very nice, though the bee was left with sharp edges. I would have preferred the edges to be broken, but that's probably a style choice. Still, I may hit the edges with a polishing cloth just to take the points off.
This design includes a blade stop, so there is no worry about turning the edge by snapping it closed. I was a little disappointed in the sharpening job though. It is uneven on the sides, and the 3/4" near the tip is still blunt. It will need some work on my sharpener to bring it up to standard.
Overall, it is a very nice looking knife and I will be looking forward to carrying it. For the price, I am a little disappointed about the blade, but anyone can make a mistake and the edge is easily fixed.
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2015
- Messages
- 6,140
Does anyone know anything about the Jailler brand of Laguiole? I picked one up near the Maginot Line area when on an overseas tour(Army)....I am sure I paid too much!
Jallier is a craftsman now retired, in Chabreloche, near Thiers. What do you intend by "paying too much"?
Here a few of his knives. He has a good few left ans sells them on the markets and exhibits.
This one is a one off (bone) made for a friend
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2015
- Messages
- 6,140
Two less conventinal knives, fixed blade. Makers unknown.
Z40C13 serrated, dating from the 70, dark wood (not ebony) and feathered horn cheese knife, given in the beginnng of the 90s as a premium with "President" camembert (had to get a knife to eat that, certainly not the best!).
Z40C13 serrated, dating from the 70, dark wood (not ebony) and feathered horn cheese knife, given in the beginnng of the 90s as a premium with "President" camembert (had to get a knife to eat that, certainly not the best!).
Will Power
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 33,576
Not a bad looking cheese knife though JP.
I know the French (like anybody else with sense) keep their best cheeses to themselves. Didn't De Gaulle say something along the lines of the difficulty of ruling France is inevitable when it has so many cheeses??
I know the French (like anybody else with sense) keep their best cheeses to themselves. Didn't De Gaulle say something along the lines of the difficulty of ruling France is inevitable when it has so many cheeses??
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2015
- Messages
- 6,140
It's not only because we want to keep the best for us (who would want to miss an opportunity to open a good bottle!) but most don't like to travel. My parents lived in a triangle between the reblochon area, Beaufort and Abondance, none of these had the same taste on location or in Paris. And I don't speak of raw milk cheeses... the camembert and brie as I do like would horrify those accustomed to the danish tyres in metal tins!
The knife is very practical indeed, they probably got the seconds at a price, the horn is not perfect on the handles. The serrated one cuts like hell, never needed to be sharpened!
The knife is very practical indeed, they probably got the seconds at a price, the horn is not perfect on the handles. The serrated one cuts like hell, never needed to be sharpened!
For me Renaud Aubrey is most definitely the man to contact for a top class Laguiole folder:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939283-Dutch-Forum-knife-2012?highlight=kwackster
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939283-Dutch-Forum-knife-2012?highlight=kwackster
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2015
- Messages
- 6,140
Renaud is certainly an excellent cutler, but if I had to get a Lag, I'd consider also my quite neighbour (he is in Fontaineblau, #70 km) Yan Nominé, he uses fantastic materials for the handles (not necesarily expensive btw) such as blue tinted girafe bone
ram's horn
stag antler
or walrus tusk ivory
ram's horn
stag antler
or walrus tusk ivory
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2004
- Messages
- 6,997
Some really gorgeous examples here! I can feel myself catching the bug...! 
Here's my only Laguiole so far. It's nothing fancy, but it was inexpensive and seems to be very good for the money.
I don't know the maker, maybe someone here can hazard a guess. The only marking, aside from the steel type (12C27 Sandvik) and FRANCE, is an etching on the blade of the word Laguiole.
It's 4.25" closed, with a 3.5" blade -- lots of blade, packed into this slim handle! The handle covers are amourette (snakewood). Tough to see the grain in photos, but if you look closely it's there.
Here's my only Laguiole so far. It's nothing fancy, but it was inexpensive and seems to be very good for the money.
I don't know the maker, maybe someone here can hazard a guess. The only marking, aside from the steel type (12C27 Sandvik) and FRANCE, is an etching on the blade of the word Laguiole.
It's 4.25" closed, with a 3.5" blade -- lots of blade, packed into this slim handle! The handle covers are amourette (snakewood). Tough to see the grain in photos, but if you look closely it's there.