Traditional French Pocket Knife: Le Garonnais

Best knife video I've seen in a while. Thank you for making and sharing it!
 
Got hold of one of these the other day, very fast delivery from France but I am in the EU.

Few points to consider: It's bigger than I anticipated, quite a formidible slipjoint actually.

PROS Sturdy construction all brushed stainless, thick well rounded Ebony handles, stainless 12C27 sharpens well. Would make a very good rugged outdoor knife, albeit a bit heavy ( the linerless Opinel is a far lighter carry with a much thinner blade) capable of heavier cutting tasks. VERY strong spring, tough to open and close. Some might not like this though. No suggestion of blade play at all and no raised/sunk spring to give annoying rough edges. Nice dark smooth Gaboon Ebony.

CONS Finish a bit 'approxomatif' end of spring where it curves round not cut off straight, blade not centre (no rubbing though) pins have some gaps in the wood around them. Some excess glue around the shield.. None of this detracts from the in the hand feel though. Not sharp on delivery.

At 59 Euro it's a decent buy, the Chambriard knives cost a bit more but offer superior finish. Very strong Barlow like knife with a handy broad blade, good in hand. Not really convinced about the regional authenticity though but a welcome addition.

Thanks, Will
 
Will, thanks for letting us know about your experience with this knife. Yes, the inexpensive regional French knives sometimes come with a "rustic" fit and finish.

Stefan
 
Thanks Stefan, I'm convinced that with a bit of use this rustic aspect will smooth down considerably. This is a tough knife that's up for work, the spring is very stiff though (I'm used to GECs and they're no wallflower in this dept!) but I'm oiling it. The vendor in France was very polite and helpful.

Regards, Will
 
Thanks Stefan -best one yet.
Only one problem!
When I go to Paris at the end of August -what will I buy?!
 
I'm curious about the European traditional knives recently. The handle of boxwood, birch, and olivewood is good.
How do you maintain these white wood? flaxseed oil?
 
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