Laquoile love

H

HFinn

Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
3,021
This french knife is one of my favourite patterns. The slim but ergonomic handle, blade shape and many times very sturdy and unique mechanism all add up to a delightfull knife. I have, on the traditional side, two laquoiles now, a Robert David and Laquoile En Aubrac. R. David has a beartrap action while the Aubrac is much more gentle. They have the same Sandvik steel.

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So why is this not in the traditional section? This might raise a few eyebrows there:

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This Claude Dozorme shares the overall shape but is a modern knife, one hand opening and liner lock. Handle is of anodised aluminium with leather cover. The opening does require some training but it is possible and works. Lock-up is early and feels solid. A nice modern version of an old pattern.

Show us your Laquoiles and tell about them!
 
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I've always wanted a Laguiole after I lost one many years ago. I just can't find a reliable source. There are many fakes and low quality versions out there.
 
You shouldn't be disappointed by Fontenille-Pataud. They sell worldwide and their website is in English (also). The quality is there (although I still find the finish a bit "peasanty", nothing wrong with that, the Laguiole is a peasant's knife after all) but the price is a bit steep in my book. "Laguiole en Aubrac" and "Forges de Laguiole" could have similar offers at a somewhat lower price. Not sure if they send overseas. Many cutlers from Thiers (G.David, Rossignol, Parapluie) make quality Laguioles, here again, at similar quality level (not sure if they are available for you gents on the other side of the pond...). The fact is, with any of them, the best way to go is to choose the knife "hands on". Imagine Case or Queen : I stopped buying them on the internet because sending a blooper back drove the price to an insane level (it happened).
 
I must say I'm very fond of this En Aubrac. The sheath is a bit rustic, my leatherworking skills are nonexistent.

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Very beautiful knife ! I especially like the all steel construction and the forged bee. The fair horn tip scales are perfect, very nice. The all polished finish is far from "peasanty" !
 
This is a full custom, made upon my request.

The manufacturer is Vent D' Aubrac, a small and exclusive manufacturer, driven by the 2 master knife makers Jérôme Lamic and Jean-Michel Cayron. Two fantastic makers, received already awards in France.

Here is their website, already switched to english language:

http://www.ventdaubrac.com/en/masters-hands

When it comes to wood, desert ironwood has always been my favourite. Because of its colors and grain, as well because of its good resistance against wear, humidity and so on. Desert ironwood is not very common for Laguiole. Usually they are using juniper, cedar, pistachio or walnut wood. So this was another reason for me to order a custom Laguiole with desert ironwood, as it makes it very unique. For the engravings I asked them to do something floral, but not too fancy. This knife was made by Jean-Michel Cayron.

It comes with box, certificate and a nice leather pouch.

Let me know what you think.

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 01

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 02

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 03

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 04

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 06

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 07

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Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 09

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 10

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 11

Vent D' Aubrac, Wüsteneisenholz, 12
 
James, I very much appreciate your sharing the above photos of your custom Vent D' Aubrac. The photography is simply amazing.

As for the knife, I find it to be captivating, a once-in-a-lifetime knife which deserves to be passed down for many generations to come. As the certificate states, "Piece Unique."
 
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