The Laguiole Prestige

What in the devil is a " Laguiole " knife. I have never heard the word before but I've only been into knives for 50 years so I must have missed the class on " Laguiole " knives that day!!
Where are they from?? Looks like french to me.
Who makes them here in the U.S. of A.??
What do they look like??
What makes 'em special??
Evidently I have led a deprived existance 'till now.
 
Will, it is a style of knife from the village of Laguiole (pronounced "layole") in France. It was invented by Jean Calmels in 1829 in this village. The design was put together using the spanish navaja clasp knife and muslim shaped blades used in spain as inspiration.

They are not made in the USA, but they are widely copied in taiwan, china, india and pakistan.

There are ones made in Thierss France, but only those made in Laguiole (the village) are true Laguiole knives. the others are just based on the design.
 
Rev JCH,

Very informative post!

Do you have any pics of pouch?

I'm awiting delivery of my first Laguiole with ebony. Looking forward to testing it.

Problem with being in Oz seems like anything takes forever to get here.

Cheers Mitch
 
Im afraid I do not have any pics, buy if you go on www.layole.com under sheaths, then pocket sheaths with steel, you'll see it, its the burgundy colored one.

if you purchase one from them it will not take long to get to you!!! It takes longer to make the knife then to ship it (they are handmade)!!! If its sent fedex, you will not have to wait very long!!!

I ordered another on Monday, and its here already waiting at the fedex faciltiy for me to pick it up!!!
 
Laguiole is a French brand that I believe is best known for their corkscrews and sommelier tools, which are quite nice. Here's an example.

clic pix

 
Laguiole is not a brand, it is a town in France, known for knives and cheese, Laguiole knives can be crappy or exquisite and anything in between depending on the maker (like you can have good or bad Champagne, it´s Champagne if it is made in Champagne). I have three Laguioles, one is a simple cheap knife, the other two are corkscrews.

Luis
 
There are several brands of knives made in Laguiole, France. They are all refered to as "Laguiole knives." They vary in quality and price, but have similar characteristics. The knife shape is distinctive, for instance. Another common theme is the bee carved into the backspring - the bee is a town symbol relating to some story involving the town's past and bees (fable? or history?).

-Bob
 
I believe "The Bee" legend goes back to origin of the country of France, as it was an icon representing immortality and resurrection.
Napoleon used it as a symbol of hard work and/or industry, and as a symbol of courage in battle, IIRC.
It was adopted by the cutlers of Laguiole as proof of authenticity for cutlery made in the town, maybe after he passed through the area?

I'm sure others will have additional information, as well.

Bill
 
From what I have read on layole.com and other sites the bee was given by napoleon to the town of laguiole as a token of thanks for their service to him. The bee was napoleon's imperial seal.

From what I have also read about this subject. There are other symbols engraved on the spring, or as the French call it the "mouche". It can be a fly a human head, a four leaf clover, etc.

If you want more info a good place to look is www.layole.com and look under "all about the laguiole knife", then under "history and tradtions".
 
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