Traditional French Fry day

[Alex.Y.]

Not exactly, Laguiole is a village, Pradel a family name, famous for making sturdy knives. The brand's trademark was an anchor and stopped making knives long ago. The name was used by many makers with no link to the original, just because it was a symbol of quality to many.

@AlexY : this is how looks a real Pradel.

Hmm. From that article I got an impression that "VERITABLE" was on the later models (such as multibladers), and earlier ones had only "PRADEL" word on the blade. I even see one almost exactly like mine there:

Though the article is pretty short and doesn't comment any particular photo it has... Could you please take a look and comment what pictures there show genuine Pradel?

 

[Will Power]

Alex.Y. I think the article makes the distinction between 'veritable' as produced by M.Pradel originally and other makers using the name Pradel as a mark of quality or a type/pattern of knife which had English style characteristics. There were lawsuits at the time I infer.

Far as I'm concerned, if it's made in France and looks like a Pradel, it is one The original 'veritable' and Anchor mark may be one for the collectors.

Here's mine with a non French knife. The Pradel is made by GR knives (Thiers) and was another generous gift from Jolipapa Thanks Alain

 

[Alex.Y.]

I think the article makes the distinction between 'veritable' as produced by M.Pradel originally and other makers using the name Pradel as a mark of quality or a type/pattern of knife which had English style characteristics

That's what I suspected. It just doesn't state it clearly.

Far as I'm concerned, if it's made in France and looks like a Pradel, it is one

I think I'll stick with that!

The Pradel is made by GR knives (Thiers)

Beautiful piece! Unusual pin placement and number, very interesting!

 

[Skyline Drive]

Another knife by Jérôme Latreille, this one a model you don't see very often: "Éros", a creation of his own.

 

[cbach8tw]

Another knife by Jérôme Latreille, this one a model you don't see very often: "Éros", a creation of his own.

Slim awesomeness.

 

[Jolipapa]

Hmm. From that article I got an impression that "VERITABLE" was on the later models (such as multibladers), and earlier ones had only "PRADEL" word on the blade. I even see one almost exactly like mine there:

Though the article is pretty short and doesn't comment any particular photo it has... Could you please take a look and comment what pictures there show genuine Pradel?

As Will says, only those with the anchor are genuine.
All others are assembled by other maker/workers.
Here to give you just a hint of the many other brand selling "Pradel". Some bear the name, but they're at best relatives.
You can see the difference on handles ; genuines have only 2 nails, while 109 y'a pas meilleur and 363 have 4. Todays most have( 5) 6. It just comes from the change of parts purveyors.
One notable thing the article forgets is that this is one of the few French knives to have a kick.

 

[Jolipapa]

A few more.

P4, the smallest size.

Good looking Androdias showing sizes.

Same by Parapluie.

 

[DaveHS]

Opinel #5 and Opinel #6 Walnut

 

[Alex.Y.]

Jolipapa thank you very much for the information, sir! I love history!

But I'm a bit confused. So, if original - first - Pradel has two pins, this must be the one, right?

But it doesn't have the distinctive kick. And bolsters are, err... wraparound, like Opinel. Or that is not an original one?..

 

[Jolipapa]

Jolipapa thank you very much for the information, sir! I love history!

But I'm a bit confused. So, if original - first - Pradel has two pins, this must be the one, right?
View attachment 3144008
But it doesn't have the distinctive kick. And bolsters are, err... wraparound, like Opinel. Or that is not an original one?..

This is beyond my knowledge. There one (the same?) for sale on the bay.
Look for "couteau de poche pliant ancien "VÉRITABLE PRADIER / PRADEL" my opinion : leave it to someone else... ,

I wish I had bought that book when it was still available.

 

[waynorth]

Pradel has a story to be continued for sure!!!

Here is a knife, a custom, that also has some interesting features! And was a gift from Jolipapa !!
How can a knife be compact yet robust at the same time?? By being like this one!!! Nearly 4" long it is slim, yet its generous Ebony handles make it perfect in hand yet in the pocket also!! Simple pinchable straight-edged blade, yet nice filework on the spring!! I am looking for a smaller lanyard bead to suit this great knife!!
Thanks again Alain!!!
Please remind me of the makers name - I have misplaced the COA!!

 

[Jolipapa]

Pradel has a story to be continued for sure!!!

Here is a knife, a custom, that also has some interesting features! And was a gift from Jolipapa !!View attachment 3144421View attachment 3144422
...
Please remind me of the makers name - I have misplaced the COA!!

The maker is Mrs A. J. Tanguy, of Lados, a former nurse.
Though there's no bolsters I think it has the same spirit as the GEC 15. S/S/S like simple, smart, sturdy. (like the pradel pattern btw).

 

[waynorth]

The maker is Mrs A. J. Tanguy, of Lados, a former nurse.
Though there's no bolsters I think it has the same spirit as the GEC 15. S/S/S like simple, smart, sturdy. (like the pradel pattern btw).

Thanks Alain!!! And thanks Mrs. Tanguy!!!
And the Pradel pattern is timeless!!!

 

[Will Power]

Some of you may recall that I landed a Le Liadou in particularly attractive Juniper with all kinds of whorls and figuring. Couple of days back I díscovered a nasty crack in the end part of the knife's slabs, going to the pin. Also, I begun to see the Juniper profoudly shrinking away from the liners/end leaving unleasant rough surfaces.

As it has lifetime gurantee I e-mailed them about this and got a very sympathetic and professional reply from Nicolas. He did say that the Juniper is not stabilized and that the more knots, burls the piece has it makes it prone to curling etc, this rather surprised me as my other Junipr knives have not done this. Anyway he asked me to choose another wood from Wine Barrel Oak, Box, Ebony, Walnut and Olive. None of these will look as impressive as the Juniper, but I need to use the knife. But which? Ebony is great and stable but somehow a bit inert, lifeless on this pattern, think I'll opt for Olive. What do you think ? Wouldn't mind Ram's Horn ...but it was not offered. Wine Barrel Oak can look nice if darkened but if not, otherwise rather barren and anaemic . I'll send it back after the Easter break. I'm confident the knife will return much improved and their correct behaviour is never in doubt, very nice to deal with them.

Here's the Crackhead...

 

[mitch13]

Some of you may recall that I landed a Le Liadou in particularly attractive Juniper with all kinds of whorls and figuring. Couple of days back I díscovered a nasty crack in the end part of the knife's slabs, going to the pin. Also, I begun to see the Juniper profoudly shrinking away from the liners/end leaving unleasant rough surfaces.

As it has lifetime gurantee I e-mailed them about this and got a very sympathetic and professional reply from Nicolas. He did say that the Juniper is not stabilized and that the more knots, burls the piece has it makes it prone to curling etc, this rather surprised me as my other Junipr knives have not done this. Anyway he asked me to choose another wood from Wine Barrel Oak, Box, Ebony, Walnut and Olive. None of these will look as impressive as the Juniper, but I need to use the knife. But which? Ebony is great and stable but somehow a bit inert, lifeless on this pattern, think I'll opt for Olive. What do you think ? Wouldn't mind Ram's Horn ...but it was not offered. Wine Barrel Oak can look nice if darkened but if not, otherwise rather barren and anaemic . I'll send it back after the Easter break. I'm confident the knife will return much improved and their correct behaviour is never in doubt, very nice to deal with them.

Here's the Crackhead...

Surprisingly on the juniper.
Olive is pretty nice I’d probably go barrel oak that should have some character.

 

[Alex.Y.]

Some of you may recall that I landed a Le Liadou in particularly attractive Juniper with all kinds of whorls and figuring. Couple of days back I díscovered a nasty crack in the end part of the knife's slabs, going to the pin. Also, I begun to see the Juniper profoudly shrinking away from the liners/end leaving unleasant rough surfaces.

As it has lifetime gurantee I e-mailed them about this and got a very sympathetic and professional reply from Nicolas. He did say that the Juniper is not stabilized and that the more knots, burls the piece has it makes it prone to curling etc, this rather surprised me as my other Junipr knives have not done this. Anyway he asked me to choose another wood from Wine Barrel Oak, Box, Ebony, Walnut and Olive. None of these will look as impressive as the Juniper, but I need to use the knife. But which? Ebony is great and stable but somehow a bit inert, lifeless on this pattern, think I'll opt for Olive. What do you think ? Wouldn't mind Ram's Horn ...but it was not offered. Wine Barrel Oak can look nice if darkened but if not, otherwise rather barren and anaemic . I'll send it back after the Easter break. I'm confident the knife will return much improved and their correct behaviour is never in doubt, very nice to deal with them.

Here's the Crackhead...

I'd say save your time (and funds) and fill the crack with epoxy. Prepare an alcohol wipe cloth to remove any excess if necessary.

 

[Haegar]

Some of you may recall that I landed a Le Liadou in particularly attractive Juniper with all kinds of whorls and figuring. Couple of days back I díscovered a nasty crack in the end part of the knife's slabs, going to the pin. Also, I begun to see the Juniper profoudly shrinking away from the liners/end leaving unleasant rough surfaces.

As it has lifetime gurantee I e-mailed them about this and got a very sympathetic and professional reply from Nicolas. He did say that the Juniper is not stabilized and that the more knots, burls the piece has it makes it prone to curling etc, this rather surprised me as my other Junipr knives have not done this. Anyway he asked me to choose another wood from Wine Barrel Oak, Box, Ebony, Walnut and Olive. None of these will look as impressive as the Juniper, but I need to use the knife. But which? Ebony is great and stable but somehow a bit inert, lifeless on this pattern, think I'll opt for Olive. What do you think ? Wouldn't mind Ram's Horn ...but it was not offered. Wine Barrel Oak can look nice if darkened but if not, otherwise rather barren and anaemic . I'll send it back after the Easter break. I'm confident the knife will return much improved and their correct behaviour is never in doubt, very nice to deal with them.

Here's the Crackhead...

Interesting, I never hat that with juniper. As replacement I would go for olive to keep in line with the mediterranean style

 

[Will Power]

Yes, I'm moving towards Olivewood for this, Ebony while nice and durable is less inspiring in Barehead form, looks its best with bolster(s) I think. Still brooding about Ram's Horn but that would be at extra cost I suppose....

I'm surprised by this problem with Juniper too, none of my other knives in it have shown this feature over some years use.

Alex.Y. This is a near new knife and I'm afraid it's beyond a hairline crack. It's wide, shrunk back from the end of the liners and heading to the end pin. Soon it will drop off As it's under guarantee they will replace both slabs with another wood, and their e-mail was very courteous and 100% professional in tone, no grumbling or suspicion, I'm very confident in their intentions. Will miss that LOOK of the Juniper burl though, and the scent!

These knives in hand are wonderful and exceptional slicers.

Thanks, Will

 

[Will Power]

In the meantime, Gouttière on the chopping board with a tasty Spanish friend (very dark brown red tomatoes with sharp/sweet flavour) The Olivewood here has been very workmanlike and smooth in hand.

 

[cbach8tw]

Some of you may recall that I landed a Le Liadou in particularly attractive Juniper with all kinds of whorls and figuring. Couple of days back I díscovered a nasty crack in the end part of the knife's slabs, going to the pin. Also, I begun to see the Juniper profoudly shrinking away from the liners/end leaving unleasant rough surfaces.

As it has lifetime gurantee I e-mailed them about this and got a very sympathetic and professional reply from Nicolas. He did say that the Juniper is not stabilized and that the more knots, burls the piece has it makes it prone to curling etc, this rather surprised me as my other Junipr knives have not done this. Anyway he asked me to choose another wood from Wine Barrel Oak, Box, Ebony, Walnut and Olive. None of these will look as impressive as the Juniper, but I need to use the knife. But which? Ebony is great and stable but somehow a bit inert, lifeless on this pattern, think I'll opt for Olive. What do you think ? Wouldn't mind Ram's Horn ...but it was not offered. Wine Barrel Oak can look nice if darkened but if not, otherwise rather barren and anaemic . I'll send it back after the Easter break. I'm confident the knife will return much improved and their correct behaviour is never in doubt, very nice to deal with them.

Here's the Crackhead...

I will have to check my Liadou’s with juniper. I have a Spanish knife where the juniper started to crack a little, look at that too. What would box wood look like? Is that box elder?