Fly or bee on Laguiole knives?
First of all: let’s solve this question!
Both ! Because the ornament represents a bee. The fly is the purely technical term for the round, triangular or oval head of the spring, which is responsible for locking the blade.
Whether named fly or bee, the issue is still debated in some localities.
In ancient times, instead of the bee, an undecorated metal plate could be found, which served as a stopper for the blade, or which triggered a blade release mechanism on some knives.
Forged or welded bee?
We only offer 6 knives with a welded bee for the folding models. Although they are not our favorites, they are available at a lower price because some manual processes are removed. A Laguiole knife is a real investment. You can also be a French artisanal manufactory and know how to stay accessible with certain first-price models. Their quality is inferior (because less worked) to forged bees, but still of Laguiole en Aubrac® quality.
Some manufacturers, even Aveyronnais, completely reject welded bees in order to be able to sell more expensive models. However, some forget to say by transparency that all the bees on all they’re table knives are also welded…!
Laguiole springs: some technical details
The work of the bee depends on the type of spring
The spring is part of the folding mechanism and at the same time protects the blade wire. A stopper (blade stopper) prevents the blade from hitting when closing.
During its manufacturing process the spring is heated to 850 degrees. It is then pressed flat. The resulting flat spot becomes a bee before it is refined.
Finishing of springs
The springs are heated to 1030 degrees then soaked in an oil bath. They are then heated and cured again for an hour at 230 degrees, finally sanded, brushed and cleaned.
Spring chiseling
The head, eyes and wings are thinner. The spring takes its final shape when the cutler craftsman leaves his personal signature by creating the decoration (called guilloche) throughout it. This work can only be done after many years of experience.
Learn more in video
Videos speak much more than words and long texts. Discover through these two particularly complete videos the different stages of creation of the folding Laguiole knives
Other pages that might interest you
Laguiole Classic Range
This collection is undoubtedly the best known: with bolsters in shiny or satin stainless steel, but also in brass. Blade alone or with corkscrew. A plate is affixed on each side of the spring. The material of the handle gives some models their originality.
Laguiole Double Plates knives
More and more popular, the models in this collection have two plates on each side of the spring. Thus allowing ornamentation above and below. Each Laguioledouble plate knife is therefore unique.
Laguiole Corkscrews
Sommelier corkscrew is the ideal utensil for opening and tasting good wines and Grands Crus. Its aesthetics, its beautiful materials, the experience it offers will seduce and satisfy any self-respecting wine lover.
