NONTRON old and new

[BrotherJim]

@btb01 Barrett, I think that is the best possible of outcomes.
The flaw in the steel might have been a show stopper for me but the rounded point probably wouldn't be.
I always put my own edge bevel on a new knife and that may have taken care of the point.
Regardless, I think the vendor made the best choice in taking care of you and were honest with their opinion of inventory.

 

[waynorth]

Definitely disappointing. Based on photos of the Nontron knives on their own website alone, it’s obvious that a rounded/blunt tip is not the norm. All the knives photographed for the site clearly have sharp, pointy tips.

Makes me wonder if your dealer is really a knife-person!!??

 

[btb01]

The flaw in the steel might have been a show stopper for me but the rounded point probably wouldn't be.
I always put my own edge bevel on a new knife and that may have taken care of the point.

I do the same thing most of the time, and I’m confident enough with sharpening, but that tip would’ve taken more work than is reasonable (in my opinion, of course) to get it the way it should be.

Makes me wonder if your dealer is really a knife-person!!??

I wondered the same thing, Charlie. Sadly, I think they may be the only US-based Nontron dealer (or at least the only one with a significant online presence). They also (or rather, primarily) sell several brands of Laguioles, and unless I’m mistaken, I think it’s the same company that is the primary Opinel distributor/retailer in the US.

Anyways, I’m mostly disappointed that I didn’t end up with a Nontron, which I think I would’ve liked well enough with a proper sharp tip. I might have to try ordering one from France and hope for the best.

 

[RickHuf]

try ordering one from France and hope for the bes

La Poste has been nothing but top notch. Probably 20 transactions from France to SW Pennsylvania and it's fast and on point. Always.

Tops was two weeks with the most economical shipping option. That's usually because of the good old Queens USPS distribution center after clearing customs... Which seems to be a bottleneck more often than not.

Granted they were watches and watch parts, not knives. In my experience if I was going to order something from overseas, France would be the first choice.

 

[waynorth]

I do the same thing most of the time, and I’m confident enough with sharpening, but that tip would’ve taken more work than is reasonable (in my opinion, of course) to get it the way it should be.



I wondered the same thing, Charlie. Sadly, I think they may be the only US-based Nontron dealer (or at least the only one with a significant online presence). They also (or rather, primarily) sell several brands of Laguioles, and unless I’m mistaken, I think it’s the same company that is the primary Opinel distributor/retailer in the US.

Anyways, I’m mostly disappointed that I didn’t end up with a Nontron, which I think I would’ve liked well enough with a proper sharp tip. I might have to try ordering one from France and hope for the best.

Good Luck, Barrett! The dealer that refunded you is missing the boat!!
A good dealer is priceless!!

 

[btb01]

La Poste has been nothing but top notch. Probably 20 transactions from France to SW Pennsylvania and it's fast and on point. Always.

Tops was two weeks with the most economical shipping option. That's usually because of the good old Queens USPS distribution center after clearing customs... Which seems to be a bottleneck more often than not.

Granted they were watches and watch parts, not knives. In my experience if I was going to order something from overseas, France would be the first choice.

Oh I’m not worried about it getting here. But if there were an issue (like the one with this knife) it’s a bit more of a gamble, as a return would probably be more trouble than it’s worth.

 

[Will Power]

Good review @btb01 Now I feel a Knife Fever coming on

 

[draggat]

FWIW, the fancier models have a much higher level of F&F. I had a few of the standard models and the tips weren't nearly as pointy or well finished. Some of them have outstanding satin or mirror finished blades. The models with multiple materials are very well made, the different materials are joined internally with wooden biscuits before being turned on a lathe.

Unfortunately, these models also come with an even higher premium price



The dragonfly model is my favorite

 

[btb01]

FWIW, the fancier models have a much higher level of F&F. I had a few of the standard models and the tips weren't nearly as pointy or well finished. Some of them have outstanding satin or mirror finished blades. The models with multiple materials are very well made, the different materials are joined internally with wooden biscuits before being turned on a lathe.

Unfortunately, these models also come with an even higher premium price

View attachment 2177159View attachment 2177160View attachment 2177161

The dragonfly model is my favoriteView attachment 2177162View attachment 2177163View attachment 2177164

Very nice, and thanks for the info.