Many things are misunderstood about Laguiole knives. Is it a trademark? When is a knife a Laguiole true knife? Laguiole always sells original Laguiole knives. But what about all the rest? We’ll give you the answer.
What Is A Laguiole Blade?
Let’s begin by talking about the name Laguiole. This is the name given to a small mountain village. Laguiole can be found in the middle of Southern France’s France. Here were first made pocket knives and a knife for the table in the 19th century. Farmers and shepherds of France used these knives. The Laguiole knives, made by Johannes van Dam in The Netherlands, are well-known. He was a great culinary critic. He never left home without a Laguiole kitchen knife.
Thiers, France’s knife capital, is not far away from Laguiole. After the First World War, knife workshops all disappeared from Laguiole. The production was moved to Thiers. In the ’80s, a group devoted to knives started the brand Forge de Laguiole. To this day, it is the only brand still located in Laguiole.
Thiers is home to several workplaces, some of which have Laguiole roots and still produce in an authentic manner in Laguiole en France. They are, along with Forge en France, the only ones that still adhere to traditional production standards. There are small workshops that make Laguiole knives in small quantities and on an order basis.
Every Knife Is Made By Hand: Each Knife Is an Original Work Of Art
Laguiole table and pocket knives, as well as table knives, are made from genuine Laguiole. Each knife is individually handcrafted from start to finish by one individual. It is notable for its fine file work on the back. Handles are also made of unique and special material. Think Buffalo Horn and juniper wood, as well as warthog tooth. Laguiole knives are also very popular, as they can be made from damask or silver steel and mammoth ivory.
Three Ways to Recognize Counterfeits
Laguiole’s name is not protected yet, so it’s difficult for laymen and professionals to distinguish authentic Laguiole. You can distinguish authentic from counterfeit knives by using these tips:
1: Serration
True Laguiole knives are free of cartels. Laguiole knives having a serrated cut are very different from the original tradition.
2: Price
Laguiole knives have been hand-made, shaped, finished, and polished. All of this happens in France. Additionally, the knife is made from a knife-specific metal and has a beautiful handle. It is impossible to sell this knife for only ten Euros, especially when you consider that you can get six for the same amount. You can’t get traditional materials and finishes for only ten Euros. Laguiole knives can’t be mass-produced.
3: Handle material
Laguiole knives can often be made with hefty materials, as I mentioned before. Think of pistachio and buffalo horn, juniper, olive, or juniper wood. The most cost-effective material is stamina wood, which is made from composite material and epoxy resin. On a Laguiole knife, you won’t find plastics.