The Douk-Douk Thread (previously : Douk-Douk Sizing Question)

C

CrepuscularGimlet

Basic Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2026
Messages
14
Being new here, I am trying my best to search through previous threads to perhaps find an answer to my question previously, however I am lacking in my skills perhaps.

It is my understanding that there are essentially two sizes of the Douk-Douk - the larger of them being to 200mm/20cm one, correct? Given that there are beautiful modern-ish versions, as shown through VCM3 (looking at that plum one that someone credited him for, though I have forgotten who), are those the traditional sizes?

An additional question that is much more specific, I think. In this post:
VCM3

Post in thread 'Traditional French Fry day'

Good morning everyone . I recently acquired these Douk Douk knives in a trade . I pondered where ,what thread ,to add them too. I'm told they're old & kinda scarce

These 4 first
55328359726_9b42c3bed6_b.jpg


And of those 4 the one on the left ,well I have this box ,kinda in tact . I think the box was possibly for a dozen or so ,judging from it's size


55327447822_02db67c3ca_b.jpg



Included in this " collection" ,these two ,I am told are " fakes" made in France
I posted these on a Facebook group and I...
  • Like
  • Love
  • Wow
is the Ed-Dib for the Levant market? I.E. - is it in reference to the man who found the Dead Sea Scrolls?
 
Last edited:
Douk-Douks are generally in two sizes 11cm closed or 9cm closed, carbon or stainless versions. However there are a number of 'specials' issued from time to time with interesting handle designs or Damascus blades (which to me rather negates the whole point of these knives: genius simplicity, rugged performance and moderate cost). Currently a Géant is being offered 24cm open with a Sheepfoot type blade (according to Cognet's current website) 2029 marks the knife's centenary, impressive !
 
I had learned that the Douk Douk was not created until after WW1, I came about that answer as I had tried to find if French troops used them in The Great War. I did learn the French Foreign Legion did use them and they had a sinister reputation during the Algerian Crisis, used by some for torture. I still did not find out conclusively if the Free French forces or if the French Underground used them during WW2, I assume they did. Or during the Indo China war as France tried to reclaim Vietnam as a colony.

I was impressed with their simplicity and rugged construction, having discovered them after I learned of German Kat knives.
 
CrepuscularGimlet said:
is the Ed-Dib for the Levant market? I.E. - is it in reference to the man who found the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Click to expand...

The Ed-Dib (jackal) was a downgraded version of the Douk, sold in North Afrika to replace the original that was forbidden at sale by the Authorities (in N.A), among many other objects that could be used as a weapon (so far for the urban legend).

photo_11.jpg
© marques-de-thiers.fr (l to r : Baraka with former Saharien markings, Ed-Dib, rare 1929 626)

At the same period or a bit earlier, Coignet sold in French Western Afrika the "Royal Drums Ancestor", called the RDA, which everyone knew was in fact the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (African Democratic Rally), the party that would secure independence for Côte d’Ivoire.
Btw, recently such an antique drum was given back to Côte d'Ivoire.

Here's an excellent blog about the Douk Douk, https://tous-les-douk-douk.overblog.com


Coignet had many a trademark with an animal: lion, grayhound, later squirrel, etc.
dsc05740.jpg



cbach8tw said:
I had learned that the Douk Douk was not created until after WW1
Click to expand...
The Douk was created in 1929.

Only historically certified facts can be commented.
 
Thank you for creating this post. I really was contemplating starting a Duke Duke Post. I figured you would think I was totally crazy.
Anyhow, this is copied from a recent email sent to me from Patricia in France. This is the information she gave me about the older Knives that I posted in the French Knife thread


1- A 1932 Douk-Douk with a "Speek" coated handle; it's a very beautiful piece.
- The "Ed Dib" model with a black handle dates from 1960.
- The one with the "Speek" coated handle and a blade marked with a jackal is from 1955.
- As for the magnificent "Lion," it's from 1960



And the last two, AFA and L'Emir, are very old copies.


From my memory, I’m pretty sure the 200 mm regular size is 4 3/8 close not including the bell and the 160 mm small model is 3 5/8 I do believe without the bail
 
The current giant that is on their website available I do believe, is the handle of the regular giant that they had I mean, it’s the same size
And some catalogs, I have seen the regular version of the giant described as bronze and possibly coated handle
I do believe the handle on the new version that is available is the bronze metal that is the beginning of the other model you know the older model it is just not coated or layered with the additional material
I did have at at one point, but I pass it along
The new model with this chalky feeling bronze material handle is much lighter in weight
The blade is RWL ss. I’m sure most of you know the “ RWL” is designated Robert Loveless I think it is a modern version of a steel formula that he preferred this particular detail. I am not 100% sure but I am just giving you the information that I heard along the way overtime
The shape is a Higonokami Japanese type
The Knife is very nice. It is the blade is also like a bead blasted type finish
I will try to take some pictures to show it
You have to understand a lot of the times you see descriptions, and things like this on the French website websites or European websites details kinda get rearranged in language conversion. It is not a sheep’s foot.
I hope my post doesn’t sound too much like a jerk, but I text to talk these days And my phone really isn’t that smart After all
 
I also would like to say, I think the title of this thread should be changed and made into a Douk Douk thread
While these knives are very simple, nothing to them I think it is amazing that the company has made these for so long, adding new versions along the way and they have survived, are still built, and they never were just a fad and I don’t really know how else to say that

But I will tell you recently I mean, maybe a year ago I was working doing some carpentry and I actually needed to chisel some wood in a frenzy. I whipped out one of these in my pocket and I actually hammered on the back of the blade.14C28N to the extent where I peened the steel on the back spine
The blade did not crack the handle did not rupture
It was punished, later I cleaned up the knife and I have it. I can photograph it. It is in great shape for what I subjected it too obviously that’s not how it’s supposed to be used.
But to me, it was impressive that the thing didn’t bust apart. Something so simple and what is really impressive about it is the size of the blade that folds into such a thin handle, that is just really easy to carry
I have sampled many knives and used a lot not in this way, but this particular Knife has impressed me.
I have had these years and years ago, and never really gave them much thought till this happened in the last couple years
I truly believe this might possibly be the most toughest slip joint you can purchase
 
oldmanwilly said:
Now that it's a general Douk Douk thread, I must say that I really enjoy mine. I expected the handle to be thin and uncomfortable in use, but I was pleasantly surprised how easy it on the hands.

View attachment 3213313

They make an excellent paring or steak knife.

View attachment 3213314
Click to expand...
They are comfy and great cutters😉👌👌👌

VCM3 VCM3 -RWL 34 is in homage to Bob Loveless and ATS -34 his favorite stainless......🤔.....I think..😉
 
These knives are a must for any dedicated collector of Traditional knives :) The simplicity of construction, very real durability and ease of carry- thin yet never uncomfortable in use. Plus, they have great aesthetic merit too :cool:

I really like the look of the model No.840 Le Baraka that Jolipapa Jolipapa very usefully showed in his excellent commentary. I think you can still get something like this in both Small 9cm and Regular 11cm sizes (closed) but only in carbon. Note also that French catalogues usually referred to knives in their OPEN size thus the Regular is 20cm etc.

The Géant currently on offer is intriguing, but one for collectors I rather think not really users, but....the Higonokami type blade really suits the frame.

Douk-Douk® The Giant: The perfect companion for outdoor adventures.

The Douk-Douk® Le Géant is designed for the great outdoors. Whether you’re out hiking, trekking or camping, it’s the perfect companion for challenging conditions.
www.coutellerie-cognet.com
 
Good morning everyone

These days ,for me ,knife picture - taking is a crap shoot


The OP originally asked about sizing

The small ( " 160 mm " ) measures 3-1/2" closed ,not including the bail ,with the bail it measures 3-13/16" closed

The large ,not " Giant " ,(200 mm ) ,4-3/8" closed w/out bail , 4-3/4" with bail ,closed

I will add my comments as I post in this thread ,I've enough examples of various versions here to go for quite a while :)

In my opinion the 14C28N is probably the best steel I have sampled ,I go by ease of sharpening & edge holding . Corrosion resistance being a bonus . Now with that said I can probably get the carbon XC75 ( 1075) sharper ,but not that much . It does get a bit more " razor - like "

Pictured is the Takefu ( Japan) 66 layer VG-10 ss . In my opinion ,this was not as popular to sell ,because of the added cost . But to me it is a great option if you've " fell in love " with these knives . The colored epoxy coated version here ,has a very lightly etched finish on the blade and has a chalky feel,possibly adding to the unpopular ,but it can be polished using polishing paper ,I get mine on Ebay. 1200 then 900 grit ,will smooth out that chalky feel . Also,I'm basing this idea on the fact that these are still available moreso that the less expense 14C28N ss with same handle .I have versions with the " Sons of Douk Douk" graphic handles ,with this steel but when built ,th cutler polished the blades to a higher polish . This steel hones like carbon ,I have not used it enough to know if it holds an edge better
I think,and again,it's just my opinion , the various combinations of handles ,blade steel and profiles ,has helped the Cognet firm to keep interest in these knives . That's kind of a common sense type theory




55350651155_b585b3a86f_c.jpg
 
Here's a look at the current " Giant" being offered .
It measures 5-5/8" closed,blade 4-5/8" with 4-3/8" of edge & it opens to 10-1/4" OAL

These are numbered and I agree appealing for collectors of the DD's ,but fully functional. You have to keep in mind ,the steel stock thickness is thin in comparison to some other styled/designed folders in these size ranges ,paired with very thinly ground + the cutting /slicing ability . For me ,anyhow ,when I sharpen one with a medium grit diamond stone ,a 200 mm with 14C28N ss will outcut many ,many knives I have tried . But again ,it's the thinness combo of steel stock & grind . Not talking edge holding,although very good too

Pictured with a 160mm all black & 200mm " chrome" all ss with laser etched handle (backside)

The lanyard is ,well "Giant " lol . As described ," survival" ,I guess it would unravel to a useable length of cord

Also note & if you look close you can make out that this BIG handle has a contour


55350725975_940615d0d4_c.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top