Share your French traditional/regional pocket knives

[Pt-Luso]

Farol de La Rochelle - France

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Gary W. Graley]

one more shot of her before heading out to Ashokan this morning

IMG_6820 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[screened porch]

Today I (re)discovered this long forgotten Manufrance catalogue dating 1980. A bit of explanation, Manufrance in St Etienne was a HUGE factory and mail shop, where everything - and more - was available.
Every year in the villages the 850+ new catalogue was eagerly awaited, then the parcel following the order!
They did of course not manufacture all by themselves, in this rendition (la Manu as we used to call it was already on a slippery slope) there's only one page of knives, mostly made in Thiers and around (Fiskars was already pointing the nos!). Some patterns still exist.
View attachment 756541


Prices are reasonable, I remember that in 1980 I earned #4000Fr a month and that was very correct for a living.

A little like our old Sears-Roebuck catalogues. Though traditionally the previous year's Sears-Roebuck catalogue would end up in the outhouse.

 

[screened porch]

Finally the color is bleu roi. Now you need an aquarium!

I like the color. That's a great display idea, the aquarium.
You were right about the pull. My nails are thankful the blade is pinchable.

 

[Jolipapa]

I like the color. That's a great display idea, the aquarium.
You were right about the pull. My nails are thankful the blade is pinchable.

these knives come from Britain and Vendée where they are quoted as women's knives (for kitchen).

 

[screened porch]

Dangerous women.

 

[Jolipapa]

Oh yes! My ex best half was half Britain-half Normand. A sturdy character! Sorry for the off-topic!

 

[smiling-knife]

Jolipapa, your post of Lacroix knives reminded of this knife I have. What do you think? Thank you for any information you have. Sorry not pocket knife. I hope it is OK to post.

 

[Jolipapa]

Jolipapa, your post of Lacroix knives reminded of this knife I have. What do you think? Thank you for any information you have. Sorry not pocket knife. I hope it is OK to post.

I do not know much about hunting knives. The Lacroix may be the name of the shop, the cutler's trademark is a broom.
The guillochage near the tang is amazing.

 

[Jolipapa]

Folding Hunter by Florinox, Thiers # 1970. Large knife '12,5cm; 4" 7/8 lockback. The screw driver and the can opener can be used for removing '12 and '14 cartridges.

 

[Jolipapa]

Seen on an antique site, this outstanding example of a rare ivory Nicolas Crocombette (1863 – 1955) (29cm open). Needless to say she is way out of reach for me!

 

[Dirk D]

Seen on an antique site, this outstanding example of a rare ivory Nicolas Crocombette (1863 – 1955) (29cm open). Needless to say she is way out of reach for me! View attachment 823320 View attachment 823321 View attachment 823322 View attachment 823323

what a wonderfull guillochage

 

[Will Power]

Amazing file-work using leaf motifs and an Oak leaf at the head of the spring. I think 'bees' came in on Laguioles some time in the c20th? Prior to that, many other symbols were used , Fleur-du-lys etc?

See how the ivory has 'matured' into a caramel type colour, and with all those tools you have to wonder how a material like ivory could have stood the strain and pressure? Must have had a sheltered life

I saw another one of his knives go for 5000 Euro. Wish I had that spare cash as I think it could actually be an investment, Crocombette seems to be the Thiers equivalent of Michelangelo.....

Regards, Will

 

[kamagong]

That's a remarkable knife. Wow.

 

[Jolipapa]

I saw another one of his knives go for 5000 Euro. Wish I had that spare cash as I think it could actually be an investment, Crocombette seems to be the Theirs equivalent of Michelangelo.....

Regards, Will

This one is proposed for a tad more . Crocombette is a kind of myth, a forerunner in many ways and his work was flawless.
I agree with you, Will, the ivory is just gorgeous.

 

[JTB_5]

Seen on an antique site, this outstanding example of a rare ivory Nicolas Crocombette (1863 – 1955) (29cm open). Needless to say she is way out of reach for me! View attachment 823320 View attachment 823321 View attachment 823322 View attachment 823323

That’s a work of art!

 

[waynorth]

Such a beautiful work of art JP. The stuff knife dreams are made of!!

Here is a less than beautiful knife, but it is sturdy and useful, and even has a little charm!
If anyone can shed light on the maker, and time frame, I'd sure appreciate it!!

 

[Jolipapa]

Back from a rejuvenation treatment. Will, do you recognize this one?