Newby from Utah

Danex

Danex

Joined
Sep 28, 2017
Messages
55
Hello Members,
Joining this forum is an admission that I’m hooked. It started with an inexpensive Kershaw Leek. It is just such a handy tool to have in my pocket and the assisted opening is such a novelty to a newby like me. I have followed that up with a Zero Tolerance 0350, which I’m not sure I’m even qualified to fully appreciate - or use. Other notable pieces in my starter collection are a Buck 110 and an Ontario OKC3S Marine Bayonet. (The Bayonet is for a rifle I recently built.) I also am highly interested in the French Laguiole knives. I’m on the hunt to acquire one that is handmade by a craftsman in France.
I am amazed by the depth and breadth of this forum and want to learn all about knife making. Including the material science of blades, the innovation, the craftsmanship and the history of knives as special purpose tools and weaponry. I also hope to contribute in some small way, if just by asking questions that only a newby could ask :).
 
Welcome to Blade Forums! If you're trying to enforce moderation in your knife purchases, you've come to the wrong place. We're all a bunch of serial enablers who'll gladly help spend your money!

Laguiole knives are fascinating with a wonderful history. Don't make the same mistake I made and purchase a cheap knock-off. Try to find one made in France, preferably in Thiers if possible. Not all the French produced knives are perfect, but they're usually better than most.

And you're perfectly qualified to appreciate the ZT 0350...you have a hand with an opposed thumb. That makes you as qualified as the rest of us!
 
You sound like you'll fit right in. :)

Any specific French knifemaker you are zeroing in on? I only have one Laguiole-style knife but it's from Bulgaria!
 
Welcome, lots of knife nutz out here in Utah. There is also BladeHQ in Lehi, you can head in and handle any knife in inventory, without purchasing pressure. We welcome you and bid your wallet adieu.
 
austonh said:
Welcome, lots of knife nutz out here in Utah. There is also BladeHQ in Lehi, you can head in and handle any knife in inventory, without purchasing pressure. We welcome you and bid your wallet adieu.
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I'll check out BladeHQ next time in the Lehi area. Thanks for the tip!
 
SpySmasher said:
Any specific French knifemaker you are zeroing in on? I only have one Laguiole-style knife but it's from Bulgaria!
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The two that stand out in terms of market presence are Laguiole en Aubrac (I have one of their corkscrews) and Forge de Laguiole. Of the two I prefer Forge de Laguiole - but I want to do further investigation in blade material and blade forging, handle material and making certain that the bee is forged as part of the spring. I have discovered several smaller craftsmen that have websites and ultimately may go with one of those. Of particular interest is one that offers a workshop where you make your own knife!
 
Hackenslash said:
Welcome to Blade Forums! If you're trying to enforce moderation in your knife purchases, you've come to the wrong place. We're all a bunch of serial enablers who'll gladly help spend your money!

Laguiole knives are fascinating with a wonderful history. Don't make the same mistake I made and purchase a cheap knock-off. Try to find one made in France, preferably in Thiers if possible. Not all the French produced knives are perfect, but they're usually better than most.

And you're perfectly qualified to appreciate the ZT 0350...you have a hand with an opposed thumb. That makes you as qualified as the rest of us!
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- Thanks for the warning on enabling. I know to take my time and doing the homework is really most of the fun!
- Yes, already have a cheap Laguiole, from Actiforge. It is nice looking but I know it doesn't really embody what I'm looking for. Fortunately I didn't spend a lot.
- On the ZT 0350, I only wonder if I should have gotten a 0301 instead?
 
Welcome! Those Laguiloe knives are fantastic classy/users. I have one that a good friend on here gifted me years ago. Very well made. Just be careful to make sure you don't snap it closed. They sometimes have the tendency to overtravel due to their very stout spring and smack the edge into the spine blunting it a bit.

Also, watch them thar fingers! They bite hard:confused:
 
There's only one thing to watch out for when you're here. You need to keep an eye on your wallet or you'll be spending all your money on knives. :D

Having said that, welcome to knife nuttery!
 
Alberta Ed said:
While in Paris a couple of years ago I stumbled on a great knife shop which had a variety of French-made folders mounted on a large wooden map of France -- Courty & Fils (http://www.couteaux-courty.com/). Worth checking out.
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Thanks for the link. I was in Paris last summer- but I was not well prepared for knife shopping. I think a visit to Laguiole would be an awesome stop. Even better because it is off the beaten path.
 
Welcome!

I remember an old member that always had French or European knives reviews. He rarely posts anymore but he has YT channel. Look him up: Stefan Schmalhaus.
 
Chris "Anagarika" said:
Welcome!

I remember an old member that always had French or European knives reviews. He rarely posts anymore but he has YT channel. Look him up: Stefan Schmalhaus.
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Thanks for referring me to Stefan’s YouTube channel. He has several reviews of various Laguiole knives I’m considering and several more knives I didn’t even know about and now want. His reviews are highly enabling. I need a budget
 
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