Best & WORST French Knives

[@WillEDC]

2024 Best and Worst French Knives kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOuemCga7KiqZosi=OVOB2qTvjUY1et0p

[@aramriley7062]

I went with the Forge de Lagouile and it did not have any of the flaws or issues that my Lagouile en Aubrac had. I saw a big difference in the quality between the two.

[@WillEDC]

Thanks for reporting in your experience 👍🏻

[@marclussier7350]

Yeah the forge de Laguiole is the " real one" or better one

[@ROE1300]

I have owned a few Laguiole knives and have had none of the issues you mentioned. Also, I purchased them on line for less than the amounts you quoted.

[@ChristianThePagan]

I rather like the Laguiole knives. Mine are all from Forge de Laguiole and have none of these issues. Fit and finish are both very good. Other than that I recommend Otter although those are a vey different design and Herbertz knife/fork split knives.

[@Courier-Six]

The Opinel is one of my favorite knives. I've probably owned as many of them as I have TL-29s and they are the perfect knife for picnics or a camp kitchen. On the other hand, I've owned one Lagouile knife made by the same company as the one in this video. I didn't buy it, it was instead given to me by a friend who knew I was into traditional pocket knives and gave me one for some bizzare reason. While I dont hate it, I don't love it either as there isn't really any good way to carry it. Its skinny yet weighs quite a bit so it just sinks to the bottom of your pocket. It's not like the Opinel where the fat handle makes it easy to retrieve in the pocket should you decide to carry it. It's just a pretty knife that sits in my collection and is rarely used

[@eugenekali6704]

I recommend the Nontron knives, one of the oldest in France with original shapes

[@blaisebrown9158]

Laguiole en Aubrac is a good company. I recently purchased 3 knives from them at the price point of $190.00. Which I will point out is entry level for a 12cm knife. I did not have any of the issues that you experienced, and was quite pleased with the craftsmanship. And like you I have great attention to detail. Having said that I would like to point out that you are comparing knives that cost under $200.00 to a knife that cost $350.00. 🧐 Lol, Laguiole en Aubrac also has knives in this price range, if you would like to make a fair comparison.

[@WillEDC]

I see your point

[@OwlskiTV]

I know for Opinel knives; A lot of craftsmen like to customize their opinels. When my dad gifted me one many years ago; I ended up honoring this tradition (maybe by going a little overboard) and made a custom metal liner and custom scales for it. I personally wasn't too keen on the wood swelling as well, thus why I did what I did. Adds more heft to the knife (so may not be ideal to some), but it was a fun project and turned out really well. I can share a link to it if anyone's genuinely interested in seeing the processes, but I don't want to blatantly advertise my hobby work here, as I more just wanted to share my experience with my opinel.

[@WillEDC]

You can post a link no problem. Don’t be shy 😛 I’ve seen many creative opinel projects on fb and I think it’s pretty cool what people can come up with 👍🏻

[@OwlskiTV]

@@WillEDC Welp, both my first and second attempts to reply to you with my link I think resulted in KZbin blocking the comment. So guess I can't post external links here without their bot getting upset.

[@WillEDC]

Sigh. KZbin is really annoying. I searched through held comments and I couldn’t find yours. You can email or IG message me the link and i can reply here with it

[@OwlskiTV]

@@WillEDC Haha, I appreciate the effort/consideration, but it's all good. KZbin just be like that.

[@thecovidprisoner]

Have a Opinel and sits very nicely in the hand , timber handle and simple . However now have three ' Pradel ' specifically their multi tool versions beautifully made with brass fittings from Orly , Calais and Vendome. Fact they are vintage from 50s , 60s appeals as the history is a big part of it . Two have ' Swiss Army ' emblem on them so obviously that needs looking into , yes will be buying more from different areas.

[@kalemol]

About the wood swelling, of course that happens, therefore Opinel is shaped like it is. When the wood swelling makes it hard for the blade to get out tap the butt end on a hard surface and the blade comes out easily.

[@fastnbulbouss]

I own three Laguiole, bought in the fifties and sixties. All of them have "flaws". They were never high end knives. But were you see flaws, I see character, and slight differences that make each knife unique. And I also noticed that the ones you have are all stainless steel blades. Those are not the ones to get. Carbon steel blades are much better, and are easier to sharpen. Mine are 50 years old and never had a spot of rust on them. But as a working knife, you're better off with the Opinel ( carbon ). I have 2, one in my tool box and one in the kitchen.

[@theartshow1476]

Yeah my Mora companion has those same “character” flaws. But it was only 15 bucks. And guess what. My opinel doesn’t have any of those “marks of character” which by the way is from mass production of stamping out these blades from flat stock. Lagiole is easily the most over priced and over hyped “high end” knife brand. Honestly for that price, it’s just plain laziness to not polish out that sloppy shit. And the knife doesn’t even lock...

[@fastnbulbouss]

@@theartshow1476 Today they have become expensive.....but I got mine 55 years ago and they were not an expensive knife at the time. It never was a high end knife .

[@WillEDC]

Mora is a great knife brand. I love my Mora basic and eldris. I actually sold off all my big fixed blades because they handled everything i needed for “bushcraft” fun. I bought a Fontenille Pataud knife and I am impressed with what I received. I ordered a laguiole version as well and I will probably make a follow up video if it ends up with the same quality. So fingers crossed.

[@NGMonocrom]

Have to be honest, I got mine for about $125. Gorgeous horn handle scales, nice scroll work on the back of the spine, and the rear portion of the blade spine. Rather stuff to open. Mine is marked "LAGUIOLE LE FIDELE" with an engraving of a dog on one side of the blade. Quality wise, no issues. Made in France. Definite heirloom quality. Maybe I just got lucky.

[@WillEDC]

NGMonocrom that’s great! I think for myself I will just have less expectation for these handmade knives. But that is proof that you can get nice quality for an affordable price. 👍🏻

[@bhromur]

I can recommend two high quality manufacturers for traditionnal fench knives : Perceval and Fontenille-Pataud. All of there products are just perfect. I'm french, so quite disapointed you've note been satisfied.

[@WillEDC]

Ha. I have bought 2 designs from fontenille pataud. Just haven’t gotten around to review it.

[@WillEDC]

I finally reviewed the Fontenille Pataud lol

[@Spitsz01]

Besides there is a big differents between Forge de Laguile and Fontenille Pataud. Fontenille Pataud

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Fontenille Pataud are the oldest knife and cutlery makers in Thier ,the quality of their knives are bar none . I know Yann personally and they are in sort the very best in workmanship in the business .

[@WillEDC]

I just made a new review featuring Fontenille Pataud kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOuemCga7KiqZosi=OVOB2qTvjUY1et0p

[@Frank-jr8re]

Ich empfehle Fontenille Pataud. FP fertigt auf höchsten Niveau, immer Messer in etwa derselben Preisklasse verglichen. En Aubrac sind etwas rustikaler gefertigt, jedenfalls in der Einstiegsklasse. Leicht zu erkennen an der eher etwas rudimentären Guilloche. FP bietet zudem verschiedene Modelle welche man selbst modifizieren kann.

[@drewid1351]

I have a few Opinels carbon steel, i wont use anything else, functionality over features.

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Laguiole is a city , in the 1930s they had many couteliers but they dissapeared and came back in the mid fifties , the parts for their knives were made in Thier known has the capital of french couteliers , since the beginning of the 1900 Thiers couteliers made kitchen and restaurant coutelry the oldest still open shop 1923 to 2022 and still in operation is Fontenile Pataud , and now sellers of knife parts to other coutlers in the region and Laguiole . The shape of the laguiole dates back to early 1900 that lookslike yours but did not have the shepards cross nor guillochage , the mouche was at that time round or oval , no bee style at all

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

OOPS thecdompany is Fontenille Pataud , they use to make restaurant coutellerie

[@WillEDC]

good brand. i own 2. i really need to make another french knife vid

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

@@WillEDC Yann Delarboulas is now the owner of Fontenille Pataud ,the quality is up several notches and they have new models .Yann was an employee and a from a family of couteliers ,hence this new generation at Fontenille are dynamic and barr none for quality

[@John..18]

Thank you very much for this video, I was thinking about getting one of these knives, from a manufacturer called Robert David,.. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I'll give them a miss I think, based on your recommendations,, Thanks again,, all the best from across the pond,, John..

[@WillEDC]

Hmm it’s very hard for perfect with traditional knife making techniques. Fontenille Pataud that I bought were much much better in quality. I bought 2 models a traditional and more modern design of theirs. Yeah a know a bit more in cost but you get your money worth which I feel. Only my Roland Lannier felt perfect in every way, so much that I have never used it once HAHAH

[@asphyxiate14]

Agree on all your points. The opinel is definitely the best as far as just being a cutting tool. I'd be pissed about the 2 in the middle also. That one on the end is beautiful though. Good vid man

[@WillEDC]

Thanks bro. Maybe I’m too picky haha but I just want to be as accurate as possible so other people can make informative decisions. That’s why I have 2 laguiole en Aubrac. I thought the first was a fluke. But I’m sure for some people they don’t care of the small defects. I guess I had higher expectations because Laguiole en Aubrac is considered a premium brand. The opinel is a must own knife for sure though. Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to watch Stefan Schmalhaus’s videos. I put one of his vids in my ending recommendations. One of the best European knife reviewer.

[@keithstevens128]

I HAVE A SMALL LACOSTE KEYRING PENKNIFE IN BRASS AND STAINLESS STEEL WITH LACOSTE LOGO ON BOTH SIDES SET IN ENAMEL.....ANY INFO ABOUT THIS...PLEASE CANT FIND 1 ANYWHERE.....THANKS

[@Spitsz01]

You need a trusted dealer to get the real thing. I recommend Knives&Tools.

[@dattsu93]

Too bad I didn't watch this video before making my purchase of a Laguiole en Aubrac knife. It was a 12cm, stainless steel 12c27 blade, handle in snakewood, carved double plates, and it costed me 269 euros + shipping. I never spent that much money for just a knife before, so I expected a lot (maybe too much). It looked beautiful from afar, but when I looked at it closely, it didn't meet my expectations. From a functional stand point it seemed great and solid. But I'm someone quite attentive to details, and from an aesthetic stand point the finishing wasn't that great to my eyes. Mine had a slightly unleveled bottom mitre, and symmetry on the bee and the plates/spring carving was quite off (not just slightly off but to the point I wondered if it was the work of an intern). When I asked about it on a facebook group, many people (mostly artisan knifemakers and some enthusiasts) told me that I was just nitpicking too much, that these "imperfections" only proved that these details were indeed handcrafted by human, not an industrial CNC work, so my knife was unique and I should cherish these flaws (I even got mocked by some of them, saying that if I want something so perfect and "souless" I should just buy a chinese or pakistanese industrial "garbage"). Same answer from Laguiole en Aubrac customer support. I'm not that much of a knife enthusiast, so I couldn't see what "soul" they were talking about. I didn't expect perfection and ultimate symmetry from something made by hands, but to me the flaws on mine were too obvious for me to unsee, and at that price point it would bother me and reduce my pleasure when using the knife. I even wondered to which extent an artisan could use the words "handmade", "handcrafted", etc. to justify his products' aesthetic flaws. So I ended up returning it. I still want to buy a Laguiole knife in the future, because to me it is one of the best looking pocket knives. But the lessons here are : - Don't expect too much to avoid being dissapointed. - If you want something handcrafted AND the most "perfect" to you, DON'T buy online, unless you can pay thousands of euros (and even so, that's not always a given), or know the artisan very well so you're sure that his works are good enough to you (or you're willing to accept his flaws). You must go personally to his shop/workshop and pick the one that works best for you.

[@WillEDC]

Thanks for your insight. I do understand what they are saying. I think by using traditional methods they open up the possibility for flaw. I don’t expect 100 percent perfect knives. I’ve had few in that which were Russian, Japanese and even budget Chinese can be. Claude dozorme was the worst. It had an off center blade touching the side in which the online retailer checked their whole stock and all were that way. I did return that and moved on. Now with traditional methods it can be done. My Roland Lannier is an example of fine quality with old techniques. But then one will argue his products a bit more in price. Philippe Jourget yet another French knife maker who does great work. I feel it can be done. I ordered a fontenille pataud nature knife recently. It was 228 euro with free ship which I think is a very fair price. By their design, which tucks the blade into a channel, makes me think their standards are higher. It takes 3-4 weeks for the knife to be made plus shipping time so it will take time before I receive it. I will let you know how it is. If it’s good I will order more from the brand. I have a feeling this might be the brand I am looking for with “soul” , fair price and traditional hand making methods. Perhaps in the past irregularities were accepted or maybe it’s generally accepted by French knife collectors. At times I felt maybe I’m too critical with this video but in the end I feel that it arms a consumer with the knowledge so they can make their own decision. I’m sure there are people who don’t mind any flaws and that is their choice.

[@OwlskiTV]

Sorry to hear people were mocking you just for having a critical eye on the craftwork of the knife. Since modern Laguiole knives are sorta a representation of the skill and artistry of the French knife makers who work on them, I'd expect the fit, finish, and file work to be exceptional as well (especially at that price). Would of loved to see pictures of the knife you received and the issues highlighted so that people could see the issues you personally had, as that'd help others in the future in similar shoes make a better/informed decision. ------------------------- In craftsmanship, there's a clear distinction between handmade marks, and simply poor or lazy execution.

[@markpedwell1250]

It's disappointing to spend a considerable sum and have an indifferent knife, I looked at a myriad of knives and came to the conclusion that ide rather build a knife from a kit and then except all of the imperfections as part of the knife and the way I made it. Build your own it's fun .

[@John..18]

Thank you very much for your comments, I am a perfectionist, so I think I'll avoid these knives,,, thanks again,,, Best regards,, John..

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Look up Thier the Gilles Steinberg knives they have been making those knives since the early 1900

[@WillEDC]

Thanks for the suggestion. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Spitsz01]

Of course then there is the Laguile en Aubrac Classic Laguiole en Aubrac

[@SnerASDF]

The second with the different wood in the handle is a laguiole en aubrac around 150chf

[@antoinepellegrinelli990]

Your 2 laguiole look strange, are you sure they are not copy ?

[@WillEDC]

I bought from seitz global and it looks like they are a dealer for many European brands. I hope it’s not a fake but I never heard of fake laguiole🤷🏻‍♂️

[@antoinepellegrinelli990]

@@WillEDC There are many fake Laguiole, even in France. Usually you can spot them with the bee. The bee and the back are hand carved, your bee is pressed, not carved.

[@WillEDC]

@@antoinepellegrinelli990 I have contacted the company and the online store to clarify on this. There was another commenter complaining about this brand as well to which people told him it’s “soul” for irregularities. I can tell you for sure that the bees on mine are not stamped and is carved from a singular piece on the spine of the knife.

[@benjaminblabla]

@@WillEDC bees can be different and are made by the artisan himself, he can do what he wants. Your Laguiole doesn't look like a good one. The issue is that the Laguiole brand isn't protected and everyone can produce a Laguiole and put the name on it. You need to rely on famous makers with a real name in Thiers... I have a few Laguiole knives and the oldest is 12 y.o and is still perfect..and I use it almost everyday:)

[@WillEDC]

That makes sense. Thanks for sharing your info.

[@corygold6011]

Any idea on how to identify the maker to the signature? I recently purchased a Laguiole en Aubrac and am curious as to who made the knife. My knife has the same signature as the first (black) en Aubrac you bring out

[@WillEDC]

Cory Gold contact the company? I remember watching a very old video about the maker signature but there were fewer back then

[@leslieandreswidderson7067]

Not appreciating real Languiole folders is cultural, In US, the expectation for a folder is so different , you prefer function to form, that is why you like the opinel.

[@WillEDC]

That’s a credible argument

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Go to the Spanish knife city Albacete , you will like all collectors freak out.

[@theartshow1476]

Lagiole is straight up just over priced. Easily the most over hyped “high end” knife. I’ve bought case knives with better finish work than that for only 30 bucks. And you are right. That “crack” as you called it on the butt of the blade is a mark from how they stamp these blades out from flat stock during mass production. For the price they charge, it’s just flat out lazy that they don’t polish out the stamp marks. They just push the idea that it is hand made individuality and people who don’t understand just mistake it for hand forged blade quirks. It’s a total rip. Something to think about when you look at your opinel that was 20 bucks and it doesn’t have a single mark or line from when they stamped the blade out.

[@theartshow1476]

Lagiole marketing department is very smart

[@jjagadeesh3886]

Good

[@Spitsz01]

If you get a knife from them in this shitty quality, its a fake.

[@hifigeek009]

You are just picky! It's just a steak knife for the guy who like to take one to his favourite grill.

[@bwooley83]

The "g" is pronounced in laguiole.

[@WillEDC]

bwooley83 I’m sure you can I don’t think most French do. For example The Louvre is technically “looov rah” if I remember correctly but people just say it’s the “looov”. Often consonants are removed. Any French people can chime in?

[@bwooley83]

@@WillEDC thanks for the quick reply! I should have clarified...I am french myself, it is my native language. The "g" in "laguiole" is in fact pronounced, just as the "re" at the end of "Louvre" is also pronounced. The French "r" can be difficult for some non-native speakers to pronounce, and so is often dropped by them. Maybe this is where the confusion lies? In any event, I hope you have a good day! :)

[@WillEDC]

bwooley83 oh that is good to know 👍🏻

[@ogivecrush]

@@bwooley83 You're exactly right. I am not French but I have been speaking it since I was quite young.....I think those who speak only English have a difficulty in discerning the nuances of other languages as they hear them. Many people, I think, simply do not hear sounds which are not emphasized as they are used to hearing them.....the final -re sound such as is found in the French words "macabre" and "Louvre" is fairly soft (as is the g in "laguiole"), and, as you say, may be difficult to pronounce, so they are merely discarded when rendering these into English. Learning to shape letters and sounds of a foreign language with one's mouth is undoubtedly one of the hardest things about speaking a different language.....definitely a good reason to begin language instruction when young.

[@justsceptic3085]

in the south of france we says laiole!

[@markpedwell1250]

Opinel, can't be bettered for the price it's the only knife that's as sharp as a scalpel in carbon steel , don't bother with stainless no stainless steel will ever hold an edge,

[@ogivecrush]

Too bad about your Laguioles. I'd be kind of upset about such sloppiness. I have a high-end Forge de Laguiole model and it exhibits none of the problems you ran across with your Laguiole en Aubracs. The fit and finish on it is perfect....But I think comparing Opinels and Laguioles is kinda apples and oranges......Opinel and Douk-Douks would make for a more apt comparison- or, if you really want to talk about Laguioles, compare a wooden-handled Robert David model which would probably more likely to be used by the average person as an EDC knife than a presentation-grade model.....they're common in hardware stores in France.

[@WillEDC]

David Spangler nice feedback. I used to think laguiole en Aubrac was high end

[@justsceptic3085]

you can kill with a laiole,many murders in france in the past by a laiole.

[@xPumaFangx]

I think you are unfair and beating up on Laguiole en Aubrac. I don't own any french knives. But now I would would buy a Laguiole en Aubrac and throw it on my wall.

[@WillEDC]

👀

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Those Lagolas knives are nothing special,overpriced and on top of that you have to be gentle when closing??? I don't need that kind of knife,if you want good knife,get yourself good old Buck 110...

[@mhsvz6735]

Thanks.

[@robfulano2552]

Laguioles are junk. Compare them to Case or Robert Klaas or Otter. Way better.

[@WillEDC]

I need to check those out.

[@dimitriscsd]

@@WillEDC try a fontenille pataud laguiole first before you dismiss them... Their quality is amazing. Plus they have a locking mechanism on their nature lineup.

[@kickas9198]

Messer, die den atemberaubenden Preis nicht senken. Bankrott

[@Glockenstein0869]

oh boy... millennials... non-stop whining.

[@WillEDC]

hehe, well I will state the good and bad. Of course viewer can also find no merit in my "bad" in which they can feel confident to purchase a product. I think just making vids offering only praise doesn't really help anyone. I'm Gen X by the way haha