Laguiole Knives

cerulean

cerulean

Joined
May 26, 1999
Messages
1,964
Does anyone have any thoughts on these? For some reason, I've recently developed a strong desire to get a Laguiole pocket knife. I've searched the forums, but found surprisingly little information about them here. Any experiences you might have to convey would be welcome.

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Cerulean
Denver, CO


 
Yeah.....had one of those desires, too.
I ordered one a couple of years back.
I returned it immediately (as in: same day)
It had a nail-breaking opening mechanism....to the point where I was not in control and was in danger of serious injury.
NOT JOKING.
And the blade edge rested on the backspring. It was apparent that it was going to develop a permanent blunt spot at the meeting point.
The Australian distributor (a Frenchman) was willing to refund my $ but chastised me in regard to my status as a collector. Seems I should have been aware that the knife had to be "worn in" (the first stage of "wearing out", IMO) and that I should have known that, traditionally, Laguiole owners placed a piece of cork in the blade channel.
He implied that I did not deserve to own a piece of French tradition. Couldn't agree more.
Nice looking artifact, though......just a poor knife.
BTW.....the price was not in the Opinel range....more like a top quality BM or similar.



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BrianWE
ICQ #21525343


 
I first saw one of these in a little Fountain Pen store in Paris about 15 years ago.At the time I didn't buy one because I was afraid to have any thing like that on me or in my luggage because at that time there was a lot of terrorist activity and the customs people were really checking everything.A couple of years ago I received a Magnum catalog from Evergreen Colorado showing some Laguioles. I ordered one with black horn handles and a Sandvik steel blade with the Bee on the top of the embossed spine. This one is a Brossard brand and seems well made.Mine was about 40.00 at the time but, I've seen some for upwards of 600.00 or more. Check the dealers links section under Laguiole here in the Blade Forums.These are of a classic French/Spanish folder design dating back 2 or 3 hundred years I've been told.
 
I'm another who has been resisting a desire to purchase a Laguiole knife. I've been successful so far because there are so many other quality knives which have a higher place on my buy list.

Interesting feedback Brian!

Are Laguioles using knives or collectors knives? I have seen them in pictures, but never handled one.
 
I just picked up 2 new ones in a trade and sold them on ebay for $51 each. The retail on them is around $75. They are nice LOOKING knives, however, the technology and design is definately "old world". You guys who are used to flicking open your liner locks with your thumb won't like them, I'm sure. The fit and finish isn't up to the standards of a vintage American folder or the newer "tacticals" that everyone here is into. I do think they are very pretty and probably worth the wholesale price, but I wouldn't pay the retail prices they ask.
Au revoir.
 
Bob I
they are sold as "users"....mentions of French shepherds and cheese, etc.
I bought mine as a user. If it had been bought as a collector piece, I might have kept it.
They ARE pretty.
Love to see one made in Taiwan or Japan.
(humorous reference to "Gerber in Taiwan" thread)
BTW, mine had a 20th century stainless blade..so much for tolerating defects because it is a "traditional" knife.

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BrianWE
ICQ #21525343


 
Brian - Spyderco pruduced a Laguiole "style" knife about 8 years ago. It was a front lock frolder designed by Dennis LeMaire. We produced it in Seki. Steel was GIN-1. We designed our own "bee" for the traditional look. Quality was excellent. Came in Plain or serrated. Custom made leather sheath also had the "bee" embossed on the sheath.

It was/is IMO the best quality Laguiole ever to hit the market. We actually lost quite a bit of $ in the project.

Dealer support wasn't there and the model was dropped. One of the Spyderco crew just purchased one of the remaining pcs at the last Spyderco "Crew sale" last week.

They were, however, quite expensive. As I remember, Over $130 retail + sheath.

sal
 
Sal
I almost bought one a couple of years back...wish I had...they were great.
But, really, they were not in the same category as a "genuine" one : far superior build quality but too 1980s-90s.
Sorta like comparing an MG TF with a current model (can't remember the designation)
Or a Cold Steel Kukri with a decent Nepalese one.

Hard to please, eh ?

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BrianWE
ICQ #21525343


 
There was another thread about this and I recall there being a mention of different quality levels/or makers. Have no idea whether this is correct.

I did see these knives, as fixed bladed steak knives, that look like a pocket knife, in Brookstone.
 
Hello!

I own about a dozen different laguioles and, yes there is even a one-hand-opener-linerlock version made in france, where the fly is not attached to the spring but to the blade and serves as a thumb opener. It has a 440c stainless blade and green canvas micarta handle slabs. Traditional look and modern technology. Besides this one i own many different laguiole styles, even custom mades from an artist from corse.
The name comes from the city of Laguiole, where the design was developed from a knife called aveyronnais which was, as stated, a knife for shepherds and country people. The classic laguiole has a forged carbon steel blade, brass liners and bolsters and cow horn handle slabs. It is a very slim knife which from my own experience serves goor in everyday use.
They come in such an awful lot of sizes, qualities and styles that they have become a collectible for many people in france. For the quality they are cheap, too. At least over here in europe.
Yes, they are not a very modern design, but nore are a stockman or a trapper.

Have a nice day!

Achim
 
I have one, and have carried it every day for three years. I've thusfar not noticed a permanent blunt spot forming, although I do take care in closing the knife. This is my 'pretty' knife, which I use to open boxes, letters, and the like. I carry it to help the average Joes and Janes out there understand that 'knife' means 'tool' and not necessarily 'weapon.' Folks look at it, and nine out of ten of them say, "Wow! That's a beautiful knife!" instead of "Jeez! Lookit that thing! It looks vicious!"--which is what I get any time I pull out the Spyderco Endura I carry. While I certainly wouldn't trust my life to my Laguiole, it has been more than capable of the daily utilitarian tasks I ask of it. My only sadness is that it is not a locking blade, and thus is not a good ambassador to the younger folks out there. I just don't feel comfortable letting kids use it, even after I explain the dangers and such. But the knife is a nice piece, and I don't regret owning it.

My $.02. Thanks f'r listening.


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It's the SUSPENSE that kills me! --Bugs Bunny

Kalindras, Carrollton, TX
 
Hi Cerulean and Sal,

I have a nice limited edition Laguiole for you it's in an wooden box with perspex cover and has a handmade tan colored sheath with it. It's made for a famous maker of watersport boating equipement (shackels, harps etc. all rust free) the laguiole is also made of 440C, sleek slender no high tech. If interested I could make a "scan".

Sal, just as info what you call BEE is absolutely no Bee but has been a Mouche from the start. Mouche means Fly so it's no bee.
Keep sharp, Bagheera


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I haven't handled one personally but Professional Cutlery Direct has several traditional ones for sale and I feel that this company is of the highest quality and will assist you in your choice. I think their web site is PCD.com or something similar.
 
Bagheera - I have heard the bee vs fly argument many times, even in France & Belgium. After hearing the arguments, I have personally decided that the design deserves a "bee" (with respect) rather than Napoleon's "flys". Just my own perspective.

sal
 
I have PDC catalog in front of me:

The bees are forged and then filed by hand. All blades are of high carbon steel unless otherwise indicated.

Very nice knifes.. They even have some Damascus..

They cheapest one is $198.00 up to $639
WWW.cutlery.com

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Drac Noroc

"But if I ran the zoo,"
Said young Gerald McGrew,
"I'd make a few changes.
That's just what I'd do..." Seuss

AKTI # BA00013


 
Does anyone know where I can find an image of a Laguiole pocket knife?

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Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee


 
Try www.laguiole.com
smile.gif

 
I was searching for some info on Laguiole pocket knives and ran across the discussion threads here.
I've recently become interested in finding a fine quality pocket knife and found a site selling the Laguioles (http://www.laguiole-elite.com) at what seems like pretty reasonable prices - they're in Canada and the most expensive knife, including shipping, is $58.00 US. They also state that these knives are 'Blade forged from Swedish "Sandvick" stainless steel 12C27. The best steel available today to retain a cutting edge and make sharpening easier.' instead of the 440 Stainless I've seen elsewhere. The laguiole.com site, mentioned in Bob's message above, talks about the 440 steel and has much higher prices, $140.00+; any thoughts on this discrepancy???
I'm not a collector - yet. I'm just interested in picking up something of quality, with a little style, for basic utility.

Thanks, Don
 
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