Traditional French Fry day

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RayseM said:
I've always liked the look of those NONTRON Boule. Not sure I would like the feel in hand so I have yet to buy one. Still, that's a pretty knife.
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Thanks for the compliment! I felt the same way about the comfortability of the handle before I got one and I hemmed and hawed for probably around a year before buying one. There are different sizes. This one is a No. 25 which has a handle length of 120mm (4.7"). When holding the knife, the ball actually sits below the palm and makes for a rather surprisingly comfotable grip. However, if you hold it with your index finger on the spine, as I do when slicing food on a cutting board, it is not the most comfortable, but it also isn't terrible.

The foundry has been around for 500 years or so which is saying something, but I don't know how long this particular pattern has been made. Buying one sight unseen requires a leap of faith I suppose! Also, there's always the Dragonfly model which is probably my all around favorite.



A group shot of my collection (there's a double ferrule version in there that's also comfortable in hand
 
Langres by 108 Girodias. Until the 70s most patterns were made in 4 or 5 sizes.
108 Girodias (founded in 1793 as Maison GIRAUDIAS, CHABROL et Fils,) was amalgated in France-Exportations (1832) with other brands and sold a lot in Spain (the brand still found there on Cevenol knock-offs made in China).

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I know, I know! It's Monday, but this happened this past French Friday.
I got a surprise from FedX. A delivery from France! Now there was no indication of who'd sent it, but the only mail interaction I've had with anyone from France, was when I helped Âchillepattada Âchillepattada acquire an Apples and Oranges Fruit Knife that I snagged from the Exchange. It was not a gift, he paid me the price of the knife and the shipping cost to France. It only took some time on my part, which I was more than happy to provide. I've always enjoyed Jean-Marc's informative posts and wonderful images. He represents his country and their cutlery very well, and has been a great member of our porch community.
Thank you for the generous gift, Jean-Marc!
Anyway, I received a wonderful history book on French Cutlery, with amazing photography. I photographed it with my only French knives. I intend to add more! Of course it's in French, which I studied for 4 years in High School, what seems like 100 years ago! My wife, who minored in French when she was an Undergraduate student at SUNY Albany says she'll help me read it. Meanwhile I checked Google translate, which I've used when travelling in Italy a few times, and much to my surprise they have implemented some new features! Including the ability to scan and translate! Not perfect, but a valuable aid.
A few pics are in order, since we all love pictures!
Thanks again Jean-Marc! I hope we get to meet when we finally get to make our, previously COVID cancelled, trip to France.
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This one arrived sometime back. I had actually ordered the olivewood version but this showed up instead. I tried to return it but the box came back to me about a month later saying it was undeliverable. A small miracle I actually got it back I suppose! My first hiccup in international mail.

At any rate, it's a nice knife and just about the perfect size. The full slab handles are much thicker than the bolstered version.

Happy Friday everyone!



 
draggat said:
I tried to return it but the box came back to me about a month later saying it was undeliverable.
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I definitely wouldn't have sent it back!! What a cool knife!!

This one isn't going back either!!! I thought I'd give this young knifemaker a try! It has brought me luck in the past . . . . .
The blade is broad, and has a nice thin grind, portending good sliceability! It should also spread ripe cheese well, on a Baguette; my favorite!!
A hair over 4 3/4". this is a great size for picnic duties among many other things!!
Behold, the 1925 pattern by Marie Taillardat!!:D
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Nice Burly Juniper handles, and a blade-stop make this an easily useable knife!!
Thanks, Marie!!
 
P.S. Another miracle postage from France!! Approximately 10 days to West Coast Canada!! America needs a new Postmaster General!!
 
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waynorth said:
I definitely wouldn't have sent it back!! What a cool knife!!

This one isn't going back either!!! I thought I'd give this young knifemaker a try! It has brought me luck in the past . . . . .
The blade is broad, and has a nice thin grind, portending good sliceability! It should also spread ripe cheese well, on a Baguette; my favorite!!
A hair over 4 3/4". this is a great size for picnic duties among many other things!!
Behold, the 1925 pattern by Marie Taillardat!!:D
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Nice Burly Juniper handles, and a blade-stop make this an easily useable knife!!
Thanks, Marie!!
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Very nice!! Juniper is one of my favorite woods.... love the aroma!

BTW, it's good to see you are back and hopefully doing well!
 
waynorth said:
Is that what you call this pattern, JP??
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It is the toffee's name. Ma always had some (and a few others) in her bag when back from work😃 I have no idea of the pattern's name. I think MT designed it herself.
Your juniper looks very smooth.

This was my gift from my son for Christmas 2018.
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draggat said:
Very nice!! Juniper is one of my favorite woods.... love the aroma!

BTW, it's good to see you are back and hopefully doing well!
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+1 for both 👍
 
NONTRON vs OPINEL ... in one shot

Left top to bottom:
No.25 Ebony Ball, No.22 Boxwood Ball, No.22 Boxwood Clog
Like the size of the No.25 Ball but all things considered, No.22 Ball works best for me for all day pocket
If my hands were just a bit smaller, the No.22 Clog might be the most comfortable

Right top to bottom
No.8 Oak, No.7 Beechwood, No.6 Brazilian Rosewood
No.8 is more knife than I usually need for an all day carry but I really like Oak
No.7 is my favorite size but I "shaved" the top of the handle butt slightly, to be more comfortable in my palm
No.6 is okay but feels more like a purse knife ... and I don't carry or own a purse

Regardless of which knife I pick up from those pictured, the Nontron knife is going to be more comfortable in MY hand than any Opinel

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