Buying a Laguiole Knife: Guide and Tips

How to choose your Laguiole knife among all the manufacturers?

Choosing the right Laguiole knife can be a complex task due to the number of manufacturers and models available. As a retailer specialized exclusively in Laguiole en Aubrac products, our goal is to guide you and provide you with simple advice to help you make the best choice.

Whether you make your purchase directly from a retailer in-store, through this website, or at one of Laguiole en Aubrac’s physical cutlery shops, we hope you will choose Laguiole en Aubrac, a manufacturer that embodies the excellence of artisanal know-how.

Here are four essential tips to consider when purchasing a Laguiole knife:

Origin and manufacturer’s name:

Make sure your knife comes from a reputable manufacturer known for their expertise. Laguiole en Aubrac is an example of a renowned manufacturer with a long tradition of producing quality knives.

Price, size, and handle material:

The price of a Laguiole knife varies depending on the size, materials used for the handle, and the complexity of the craftsmanship. Don’t hesitate to compare different models and determine which features are most important to you.

Chiseling work and warranty:

Laguiole en Aubrac knives are known for their meticulous chiseling and careful finishing. Make sure the knife you choose has quality chiseling work and comes with a solid warranty.

The slip joint mechanism:

Traditional Laguiole knives are equipped with a slip joint mechanism, which securely holds the blade in the open position. Make sure the knife you plan to buy has this mechanism to ensure safe and comfortable use.

By following these tips, you will be better equipped to choose the ideal Laguiole knife according to your needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to consult our selection of Laguiole en Aubrac knives to discover the different options available and find the one that best suits you.

Choosing a Laguiole knife manufacturer involves considering several complementary factors to ensure the quality and authenticity of the knife. Here are some other key points to consider when making your choice:

Origin: Make sure the brand originates from the historical area of origin, in France. Laguiole knives have been made in this area for generations.

Materials: Choose a brand that uses high-quality materials for the blade and handle. Stainless steel blades are ideal for durability and edge retention, while the handle can be made of wood, horn, bone, or other materials.

Handcrafted manufacturing: Favor brands that value traditional know-how and artisanal manufacturing. A quality Laguiole knife must be handmade and feature careful work on the handle and blade.

Warranty: Opt for a brand that offers a warranty on their knives. This will ensure that the knife is well-made and that the manufacturer is willing to guarantee the quality of their product.

Reviews and recommendations: Look for online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or knife enthusiasts. This will help you identify reputable brands known for their quality and customer service.

Personalization through engraving: Some brands offer the possibility to personalize your Laguiole knife. We recommend laser engraving rather than diamond engraving. This should be offered as a complimentary service.

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The Laguiole knife is a slip-joint knife, a simple and effective locking mechanism used in many traditional French knives. This system keeps the blade in the open position by exerting constant pressure on it with a spring or metal piece. The slip joint thus ensures a certain level of safety during use, preventing the blade from accidentally closing while cutting.

To close a Laguiole knife equipped with a slip joint, it is necessary to apply manual force to disengage the blade from the joint and carefully fold it back into the handle. This process is generally simple and does not require any particular skills. Nevertheless, it is important to handle the knife carefully and be mindful not to injure oneself while closing the blade.

The slip joint mechanism is appreciated for its simplicity, reliability, and traditional character. It is commonly used in classic pocket knives, such as the Laguiole, and contributes to the reputation of quality and durability that characterizes these knives.

By combining this proven mechanism with quality materials and artisanal craftsmanship, the Laguiole knife is not only a practical tool but also an object of art and collection.

There are several types of locking mechanisms for folding knives, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some examples of mechanisms commonly used in other types of folding knives:

Liner Lock: This locking system uses a thin metal plate (the liner) located inside the handle, which moves laterally to lock the base of the blade in the open position. To close the knife, simply push the liner to the side to release the blade.
Frame Lock: Similar to the Liner Lock, the Frame Lock uses the knife frame itself to lock the blade in the open position. The frame moves slightly to lodge under the base of the blade. To close the knife, push the frame to release the blade.
Lockback (or back lock): This mechanism uses a spring and lock located in the back of the knife handle. When the blade is opened, the lock engages to lock the blade. To close the knife, press the lock to disengage it and allow the blade to fold back.
Slip Joint: This system does not actually lock the blade but exerts tension on it to keep it in the open position. The spring resistance holds the blade in place during use but does not fully lock the blade like other mechanisms. To close the knife, simply apply enough force to overcome the spring resistance and fold the blade back.
Axis Lock: This mechanism uses a spring and axis that go through the knife handle and lock onto the base of the blade in the open position. To close the knife, pull the axis back to release the blade.
Compression Lock: This system is similar to the Liner Lock but is located on the back of the handle. A metal piece compresses between the base of the blade and the handle to lock the blade in the open position. To close the knife, press the metal piece to release the blade.
Ring Lock (or locking collar): The ring lock is a metal ring that surrounds the pivot of the blade and can rotate around it. When the blade is deployed, the ring pivots to lock against the heel of the blade, preventing the blade from accidentally closing during use. To close the knife, rotate the ring to disengage the blade and allow it to fold back. The ring lock is a simple and effective locking mechanism, particularly appreciated for its traditional appearance and ease of use. This type of mechanism is commonly used in classic and regional pocket knives, such as the Opinel, a famous French knife equipped with a safety ring lock.

These locking mechanisms are designed to enhance the safety and functionality of folding knives. The choice of the mechanism depends on personal preferences, intended use, and the characteristics of each knife.

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Montézic Forge

The resurgence of Laguiole knife production in its original region dates back to the 1980s. Laguiole en Aubrac established a forge in the village of Montézic. This initiative revitalized local craftsmanship and perpetuated the tradition of making exceptional knives.

Knifemaker’s Workshop

Under the workshop manager’s supervision, Laguiole en Aubrac not only has a woodworking workshop and a forge but also its own assembly workshop. In this workshop, each knife is assembled by the same artisan knifemaker, ensuring constant attention to detail and impeccable quality.

Manufacturing Steps

Producing artisanal Laguiole knives requires numerous steps and specific expertise. Each knife is crafted by a single artisan, who creates chiselling on a forged spring and carries out meticulous visual adjustments.

Damascus Blades

Damascus is the result of forging together several different metals. It’s an art that can be difficult to master due to the many possible combinations of metals and varying patterns.

Knife and Corkscrew Cases

Leather cases and sheaths for Laguiole en Aubrac knives and sommeliers wonderfully combine protection, style, and practicality. They are an essential accessory for lovers of beautiful objects and demanding professionals.

Marquetry Work

The handles of certain models require a more complex manufacturing process compared to others. Explore the various sophisticated marquetry designs created by the workshop manager, which showcase the art and expertise involved in crafting these exceptional pieces.