Laguiole....G.David....great....just OK?

I

ichor

Joined
Aug 27, 2002
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Has anyone recently (within the last year or two) purchased a Laguiole folder made by G.David? Were you satisfied with your purchase? Pleased....happy as hell and impressed by all the handwork? Or were you satisfied but a little disappointed after reading the hype on the various Laguiole websites? Were you genuinely disappointed after reading all the history and workmanship hype? Was it 440A or Sandvik (12C27?)?

Is there there another authentic, high quality maker that you would recommend from the Thiers region. I'm lookin' for something in the standard range, single blade Sandvik (no cork screw or whatever, unless it would be a fork or double prong as this will be a fruit knife) double brass bolster and olive wood. Thanks for any info. Yes, I've checked the archives.
 
Hi Ichor,

I got a G.David in staminawood probably about 3 years ago. I wasn't expecting too much for $39.95 but the blade was 12C27. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the rest of the knife. The spine pattern looks pressed in, the handle pins for the cross were crooked, the closed blade rests on the backspring (can you say flat spot?) and it was very difficult to begin closing. I dremeled the blade tang to make it a bit easier to close. Other than that, it had great blade to handle ratio, and the blade grind was nice and thin.

Maybe the style just wasn't what I expected(silly american)... One thing that I may try later is one of these:

http://www.cutlerytogo.com/lepetthieram.html

Anyhow, my .02. Have fun!
tom
 
I have just purchased a G David recently. Not the best finishing in the world, but considering the price that I paid and the fact that it is handmade, about par for the course.

Perhaps there are different price ranges to G David's knives and different quality finishes?

With respect, one has to keep in mind that Laguioles are traditionally made knives and perhaps are not as consistent in fit and finish as the mid to high end production knives that we see today. Same goes for performance. Do not expect the current expected "tactical" performance now common in US made knives from Laguioles. Think more traditional slip joint, gentlemen's knives.

I have 4 Laguioles now, one each by Forge DeLaguiole, Laguiole Elite, G David and Fontenille Pataud.

The FP is the most expensive and is a work of art. I would recommend FP but the knives are almost too pretty to use.

The Laguiole Elite is also a pretty knive, with file work. A collector's series, handmade by artisans.

The Forge DeLaguiole is from the mid range but still a very pretty knife.

My G David is more like one that I could carry in my pockets daily.

Check out www.worldknives.com for their Laguiole selection. I bought my FP, Laguiole Elite and G David from them.

Bought my Forge DeLaguiole directly from factory. You can find them by carrying out a search.

Forge DeLaguiole are said to be the only manufacturers (maybe apart from pure custom manufacturers) still operating in Laguiole. Others are made in Thiers.

You must have a look at Fontenille Pataud. Great handiwork but they are quite pricey.
 
This is a late reply to your posting but I just found this web site. I was in Thiers last week and was able to go out to St. Remey and tour the G. David factory. Their knives are truly hand made, I have pictures, and what is remarkable is that the steps used in production closely follow the steps I saw in a 1914 film about knifemaking at the Cutlery Museum in Thiers. There are several grades of G. David knives, if you are looking for ultimate quality I would go for a Le Laguiole D' Autrefois, a laguiole made in the old way. It has the blade stop to prevent dulling in the cavity, and the file work on the spine is deep and beautiful. The blade when extended rests against the nose of the bee for extra support. I saw several others that were not for sale as yet, including a beautiful mammoth with damascus blade. There are many excellent knifemakers in France but I think G. David makes the best and most affordable.
 
caddo said:
This is a late reply to your posting but I just found this web site. I was in Thiers last week and was able to go out to St. Remey and tour the G. David factory. Their knives are truly hand made, I have pictures, and what is remarkable is that the steps used in production closely follow the steps I saw in a 1914 film about knifemaking at the Cutlery Museum in Thiers. There are several grades of G. David knives, if you are looking for ultimate quality I would go for a Le Laguiole D' Autrefois, a laguiole made in the old way. It has the blade stop to prevent dulling in the cavity, and the file work on the spine is deep and beautiful. The blade when extended rests against the nose of the bee for extra support. I saw several others that were not for sale as yet, including a beautiful mammoth with damascus blade. There are many excellent knifemakers in France but I think G. David makes the best and most affordable.
Click to expand...


Thanks, Caddo. Are the photos you took digital and, if so, could you email them? bikehunter@icehouse.net
 
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