Laguiole - what is it about them?

[trashcanman1984]

So I have been after a genuine / good quality Laguiole for ages...I don't know why really, I guess it's from going with my father to france over the years when I was young child.

But I want one, I know that they are hit and miss, what are Laguiole owners thoughts? And which brand maker would you recommend?

 

[Macaroon]

I was gifted a waiter's friend some years ago and have used it continually since, brilliant thing. Well made and superb hand feel, so much so that I went looking for a small pocket knife by them. The world is awash with knock-offs to the point where I couldn't find a real one anywhere. I suppose the only way to go is to them direct, but I can't now remember why I didn't.

 

[shaggystu]

"Genuine" laguiole isn't really a thing, the name refers to a style of knife that originated in France and over time became associated with the village of Laguiole (sabatier is pretty much the same story). I learned this when I handled a cheap Chinese made laguiole and was shocked by the low quality and price, a friend showed me his "laguiole honore durand" and I was equally shocked by incredibly high quality and price.

So yeah, not an owner but I probably would be if I was in the market for a £1k pocket knife, and I'd be looking at Honore Durand as the maker.

 

[Keith_Beef]

"Genuine" laguiole isn't really a thing, the name refers to a style of knife that originated in France and over time became associated with the village of Laguiole (sabatier is pretty much the same story). I learned this when I handled a cheap Chinese made laguiole and was shocked by the low quality and price, a friend showed me his "laguiole honore durand" and I was equally shocked by incredibly high quality and price.

So yeah, not an owner but I probably would be if I was in the market for a £1k pocket knife, and I'd be looking at Honore Durand as the maker.

The really big problem is that a bloke called Gilbert Szajner registered the word "Laguiole" as a trademark in, I think, 1993 and then licensed it to a shedload of manufacturers (including in Pakistan and China) for folding pocket knives, barbecue tongs, spatulas, aprons and gloves, and any number of other things...

There have been attempts to cancel Szajner's trademark, and efforts to establish the use of the name for cutlery products made in and around the town named Laguiole.

 

[TLM]

Not having handled one are the original French ones well made?

 

[Springchicken]

And is it still possible to get hold of a genuine, French-made Laguiole?

 

[Keith_Beef]

Not having handled one are the original French ones well made?

Quite slim, nice pocket or picnic knives or for eating but not for heavy tasks or bushcrafting.

 

[Keith_Beef]

And is it still possible to get hold of a genuine, French-made Laguiole?

Yes, David arbalète, for example.

Laguiole Arbalète G. David, site officiel du fabricant

Depuis 1810. Vente des couteaux Arbalète G. David en direct du fabricant

www.laguiole-david.com

 

[hughtrimble]

Not having handled one are the original French ones well made?

Like with many things, you get good and bad makers, just because it's made in France doesn't make it good.
Handled a few in one of the Paris shops and the really lovely ones were 300+ (folders, didn't look at fixed). Didn't record the names as I wasn't interested enough. The cheaper ones weren't necessarily bad, but often had poorly fit scales, spring gaps, mushy actions etc.
Those shops were of course charging a premium over online sellers, so that price range is likely not fair on distance sellers.

 

[plastic-ninja]

I have a few Laguiole knives. The olive one in the picture is one I was given in France as a leaving gift from the school I was teaching in. 1980-ish.
The others have been picked up in France or in trades or sales with trusted suppliers.
These are all typical Laguiole and decent quality except the one marked “Tignes”, which could be an import.
Classic ones are slim, with fileworked backs and always the bee as a mark. Usually there is a maker’s name, and or his trademark on the blade. Also a characteristic is a snap like a beartrap! A good Laguiole will bite you hard if you’re not concentrating. They are very slicy. Excellent for cutting saucisson & cheese etc for your déjeuner à l’herbe.
I agree with the quality of a real Laguiole sommelier knife. They are brilliant! All genuine Laguioles are pretty expensive but they are very easy to love and very hard to let go of.
If you dm me I know a good seller who may have a couple in hand.
Cheers, Simon