Coutellerie Chambriard, "Le Compagnon" - A Truly Elegant Example of a "Le Thiers" Knife

[@kniceslice780]

I have just purchased this very model from a shop in Paris. It is also my first trip to France. I am very happy to have found your review, I bought it because it simply appealed to me due to the beautiful design and materials. I now have a much better understanding and therefore appreciation for this knife. Thank you

[@quipher]

My friend just got me one of these for my birthday, and it might be the nicest thing I own

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad you enjoy the knife.

[@terrillschneider3778]

A work of art

[@hosseinordoubadian5439]

As usual, fantastic combination of history, etymology, and cutlery review.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Thank you for your very kind words!

[@sae1095hc]

Can't help but to learn at least half of a dozen new things each time I watch one of your videos!

[@papik1965]

I just today received my Compagnon knife, and i have to say that is absolutely beautiful craftsmanship that made this knife. It just feels so natural to hold in ones hand, and the blade is indeed like a razor. For anybody out there looking for a good quality everyday knife, which is basic in design, but yet every small detail has been given full attention, this really is a beautiful companion! Thanks Stefan.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad you like it.

[@tiresiasreviews8829]

...and while I am here Stephan, it was around the time you posted this review I was beginning my knife journey. The Compact became an anniversary present from my wife. A really splendid Gentleman's folder an antidote to the generic shapes and styles found on other knives. This review like so many of yours is both educational and in my case inspirational. Once again thank you for being a quiet guide and opening my mind. Paul.

[@tiresiasreviews8829]

Oops Apologies for my misspelling, I my defence I am dyslexic.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Paul, I'm glad you enjoy my videos. It's nice to know that they are helpful.

[@claydoug]

I purchased this knife from World Knives and received it just this week. It is beyond my expectations! Thanks so much for the great reviews!

[@mattnik]

Very nicely done! Thanks!

[@MrDagon007]

Glad that you FINALLY bought a Le Compagnon! I think that is a superb knife that's offered at a very competitive price.

[@pipersnakis]

I am astounded by this review. First it is the very best knife review I have ever seen. This reviewer is a master and any knife company lucky enough to have his approval for their wares can count on a superlative review! Very well done. Secondly, I am suddnely a fan of French knives. To this point I have not got a French knife in my collection, but thanks to this gentleman, that will soon be repaired...excellent stuff!

[@iReturnV1deotapes]

Man the wrapping paper that knife came in was just beautiful. I'm almost tempted to get one just for the presentation alone.

[@jebib3]

You are a great salesman! After viewing your post I purchased one. I am looking forward to its delivery. Thanks!

[@vparkpume]

Beautiful and elegance knife. I am enjoyed your documentary. Thanks stschmalhaus .

[@aebbelwoy]

Beautiful knife and interesting background information. Might very much pick one up.

[@scuzzbecuzz]

Another elegant review!!

[@edgedweapon88]

Im going to be poor if I keep watching your videos!! Each new knife review you put out I fall in love with the knife. This knife is beautiful and your video really allows it to shine through. Thank you for bringing this knife to my attention. Keep up the great work, Stefan!

[@VengeanceIV]

Finally a high quality french- style knife. I love the relatively simple yet elegant design. Very good lines, both open and closed. The file-work is interesting, yet it doesn't look cheap and is not overly showy like on so many other knives. The wood scales compliment it very well. I'll probably look into picking one up, thanks for the review. :)

[@Rcking1110]

Beautiful, i want one very bad now. Its a pleasure to see i strict knife guild somewhere in the world

[@Studio213]

Another great video! Thanks for posting it!

[@MrJimbofox]

Great work as always, Stefan. You are a true knife connoisseur. Pretty sure I learn more about the world of knives from your vids than from any other here on YT.

[@stephan123321]

Ich nochmal....die Musik führte mich ein zweites mal hierher....Debussy.....wahrlich leicht...nimmt mich mit wie eine Sommerwindesbrise....zauberhaft!

[@defenseandsafety]

beautiful knife - i really like it. thanks!

[@ErikNice]

Ahh, another fine knife review and history lesson with just a bit of comedy relief thrown in. Stefan, your videos are always interesting and informative. Thank you!

[@AussieMark909]

Great video, thanks for showing this very beautiful knife. It really is a lovely flowing design, I like it very much.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@Optionsaregood Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my reviews.

[@goutteagoutte7796]

Dear Stefan, you are definitively a KING of videos and reviews. This COMPAGNON knife from Chmabriard is a super nice knife and the juniperus scales you choose are simply awesome. Excellent video you could have added that all CHMABRIAD knives are stamped at the back of the knife with the year of production... take a look at your knife => this is important for collectors ;-)

[@Optionsaregood]

Classy blade Stefan! Its really good to see these high quality European knives reviewed. We don't see a lot of them, in the 'fog' of reviews, of blades from, higher profilie manufacturers.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@pipersnakis Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@pipersnakis Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad you like the Trappeur. I might eventually do a review on this knife.

[@Baseball101Films]

Very well done video, a fascinating knife. Thank you for making it!

[@903lew]

Ah, the French and their appellations. Even when it comes to knives apparently! I think I might have to get one of those some day, especially as it seems that this has a backspring that is more to my liking than the other ones you have shown this year. I am personally enamoured with the dull finish on the wood, so nice in an age of laquer/clear varnish. As always Dr Schmalhaus, I am very impressed by your work. Fielen dank!

[@BardofCornwall]

Another excellent video, Stefan. Thanks for these. I wonder if you'd consider doing a video on how you care for and store your knives. That's one subject in which your usual attention to detail would be a great benefit.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@claydoug I'm glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know.

[@Bladereviews]

Beautiful review, what an elegant knife. Thanks for sharing Stefan.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@TheUrbanPrepper Thank you, Cliff! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@BardofCornwall Thank you, Jesse! - Actually I did two videos on my knife storage. But I might do another video in the future especially on how I care for my knives (oiling, sharpening, etc.).

[@alexsandovallapostol9998]

Another excellently prepared and executed review ! By the way, the comical and subdued ending with the bread was very good too ! (reminded me of Monty Python)

[@TheUrbanPrepper]

Fantastic review! I found a local distributor of this knife in my state. I think I may be purchasing my first stschmalhaus inspired knife very soon!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

You are welcome! I'm glad you enjoy my reviews. - No, I don't own any Fällkniven knives.

[@mhanke1]

Ich wähle hier mal ein beliebiges Video für meinen Kommentar, der allen Deinen Messerbeschreibungen pauschal gilt: Es ist ein Genuss, sie zu betrachten, alle, und zwar nicht ein- sondern getrost auch drei-, viermal. Da passt einfach alles: Die Beleuchtung und Schärfe, aber vor allem das wunderbar und mit viel Liebe zum Detail ausgesuchte Ambiente und die perfekt arrangierten Accessoires. Ich will zwar nicht wissen, wieviel Hartwürste und Camemberts Du so im Monat verdrücken musst, in Deinen Videos sind sie aber stets ein toller Aufputz. Dazu halte ich Deine historischen Informationen rund um die Messer, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm und bretonische Schiffskutter für eine Freude, rücken sie doch die vorgestellten Messer in einen breiten Kontext. Bitte weiter so, auch wenn ich innerhalb weniger Wochen mein Taschengeld aufgrund Deiner Videos schon kräftig geschmälert habe ...

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Vielen Dank für Deine anerkennenden Worte! Ich arbeite zur Zeit an einem Buch über Gentleman-Taschenmesser, in das ebenfalls sehr viele kulturhistorische Fakten und Anekdoten eingehen. Ich finde die Kulturgeschichte der Taschenmesser viel interessanter als technische Fachsimpeleien über Klingenstähle. Zu gegebener Zeit werde ich das fertige Buch hier auf meinem Kanal vorstellen.

[@mhanke1]

Ich werde mir das Buch gerne zulegen. Übrigens habe ich mir gerade das "Compagnon" mit einem Griff aus wunderschönem Oliven-Wurzelholz bestellt.

[@JamJarchannel]

Great review and a beautiful knife. Do they do a similar knife with a blade length of 3inch or less ?.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@903lew Thank you, David!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@hjphillips123456 Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@VengeanceIV Thank you! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[@likeynolikey9452]

I'm considering buying this knife. What is the best way to care for it and maintain it? Cleaning, oiling, polishing, etc.

[@zeltarstormrun]

Great video, I especially liked the ending! Beware of your friend's hungry fingers!

[@TonicLime1]

Dashing!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@benanas You can use whatever sharpening method you prefer.

[@pjw140260]

Thank you for your very informative videos, I enjoy them and I now plan on adding to my very modest collection of gentleman's folders. I haven't seen any Fallkniven knives on your reviews, do you own any? I have a few Fallkniven and find them to be very well made and very functional. Most important to me is blade alignment, open and closed, something you often cover in you reviews. As an engineer I quickly lose interest in a knife if the blade centering isn't spot on. Thanks again. Phil.

[@mujarik]

super :) bin grad in angers in frankreich und der messerladen hier um die ecke hat eine große auswahl an Thiers !! werd bestimmt nicht merh lang wiederstehen ;) lg

[@Brockvegas12345]

great knife, but the review adds class and elegance.... great job

[@1969jmac]

Does this knife have a blade stop? I have several Lagiuole and one has a blade stop the others don't so was curious if this knife has it or not?

[@ats6136]

Nice review, Stefan!

[@Justmyopinionlol]

what is your favorite wood for knives? I am in the US, where do I buy French folding knives online? What are some MUST HAVE french knives, from your opinion as a connoisseur? Cost is not an issue for me.

[@papik1965]

Thanks Stefan! Question for you please; I just purchased the Le Compagnon from Chambriard company, as absolutely beautiful knife. My question relates to fact that knife has no lock back mechanism. Why is it that the lock back system is not used? And I would love to see a video from you explaining the advent of lock back, reasons etc. When you have time of course:-)! Thanks again for great review!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

There's not much of an explanation. The lockback mechanism hasn't been common in the French knife industry. Nowadays Fontenille Pataud offers Laguiole knives and other classic French knife patterns with a lockback. As for the history of this mechanism, I recommend this article: www.blademag.com/blog/the-lockback-takes-a-lickin-and-keeps-on-lockin

[@freddiemjames]

Great review, you do some of the best reviews on youtube :)

[@MiroAcronymity]

Was für ein wunderschönes Messer! Eleganz pur und gar nicht so unerschwinglich wie es aussieht. Heute habe ich noch geschrieben, dass ich nicht über 30€ für einen Folder ausgeben würden. Und jetzt...

[@OpaKnows]

Handsome blade. Wonderful review, my friend.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@MrOnion2001 Ja, dieses "Landhaus-Ambiente" passt besser zu den Holzgriffen der Messer.

[@BardofCornwall]

@stschmalhaus Right! How silly of me, since I watched your video on the knife rolls. Still, a maintenance video would be great, especially since your gentleman's knives often have exotic handle materials.

[@mrmonkeyman50]

Another excellent review, Stefan, with even an etymology lesson for the English speakers.... BUT.... the French had high resolution digital color photography at the end of the 19th Century? :o)

[@ioannismoraitis4277]

Hey Stefan, danke fuer alle deine tollen reviews. Was meinst du? Soll ich mir das Compagnon in Carbonstahl bestellen oder im rostfreien Stahl? Waere sehr ueber deine Meinung erfreut.

[@lifelessperson1993]

These knives are so fine, I'm wondering if I'll ever use it if I buy it, for myself I don't want to buy knives I won't use yet I wouldn't want to spoil the beauty of such a knife with unnecessary damage (weathering other than say a patina)...

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@Naturliebe Vielen Dank für Deinen ausführlichen Kommentar, Tito. - So redefreudig ich in meinen VIdeos bin, so einfallslos bin ich jedoch, wenn es um Antwortkommentare geht. LOL

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@JamJarchannel Check out Chambriard's "Le Compact".

[@stephan123321]

"FreyerWind" hatte da etwas interessantes gesagt...und inhaltlich absolut gleichstehend zu meiner Meinung! Du solltest wirklich auf arte deine eigenen 15 Minuten haben...egal um welches Thema es geht! Das Video...lovely! Das Messer...sehr schön...ich erfreue mich sehr daran,das du hier solche Messer präsentierst! Danke...und immer schön weiter Videos drehen! :-) Machs gut...Stephan

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@sweetdaddyroses Thank you!

[@newhuskytwenty]

Hum... interesting video. Thiers is not far away from where I live, maybe I'll take my motorbike this summer and buy some folders

[@MsBricktop80]

wieder mal sehr viel Info & gut erklärt Daumen Hoch Tolles Messer Tolles Video! LG Mario

[@likeynolikey9452]

Oh, and what's the best way to sharpen it?

[@pipersnakis]

@stschmalhaus Stefan, you are the Man! Because of your reviews I am now the happy owner of a Chambriard Le Trappeur model folding knife. It is a jewel among knives, please review it in the future. Thank you so much mate both for your reviews and in particular for turning me on to French knives, Leo

[@Nick_11_75]

Ach Stefan, wenn meine Fazination für Deine Werke doch nicht immer einherginge mit dem Wehklagen ob der pekuniären Folgen... Ich bin, dank einer Deiner letzen Vorstellungen, in freudiger Erwartungen eines Messers von Honore Durand, und dieses hier spricht mich doch auch sehr an.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@stephan123321 Vielen Dank, Stephan!

[@TheMartialist]

The steel is 13c26.

[@dullbrass]

Jaja, viel too many "Must Haves", aber wirklich wieder ein schönes Stück!

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@Justmyopinionlol Juniper wood is my favorite wood. As for the must-haves, just watch MrDagon007's videos on French knives. His channel has been a great inspiration for my knife collection.

[@FreyerWind]

Stefan, Du gehörst zur KZbin-Qualitäts-Elite! Viele Deiner Reviews könnten auf DVD verkauft oder auf Arte gesendet werden. Schonmal Kontakt mit den Firmen und dem Sender aufgenommen?

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@zeltarstormrun My girlfriend had the idea for the ending. ;-)

[@eddievanhouten]

Hallo Stefan, ich suche ein gutes Alltagsmesser (Päckchen öffnen, Kabelbinder durchschneiden etc) mit dem man sich auch nicht geniert es auch mal am Tisch auszupacken wenn auf ner Grillfete mal wieder Plastikmesser serviert werden. Nordseemensch hat ein Video in dem er sich mit einem Lagiole rasiert. Das wäre dann meine eierlegende Wollmilchsau. Ein Korkenzieher ist Pflicht. Die Dimensionen sollten die eines Lagioles sein (ca 10cm Klingenlänge). Nach deinen Videos und google, schwanke ich zwischen dem Grand Cru, en Aubrac mit Korkenzieher, Honore Durand Prestige und dem Dozorme mit Korkenzieher. Das Dozorme oder Le Thiers kostet die Hälfte von den Vorgängern. Ich möchte kein Kunstwerk, sondern eher was spartanisch, solides. Ein Lagiole muss es auch nicht sein. Gibt es da evt noch andere Schmieden? Kannst du mir auf Grund der Beschreibung was empfehlen? Ich tendiere am meisten zum Grand Cru und wenn ich ins Portemonnaie schaue zum Dozorme ^^

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

+Eddie VanHouten Welches Messer von Dozorme meinst Du denn?

[@eddievanhouten]

+Stefan Schmalhaus www.brandners-homestyle.de/zum-shop/claude-dozorme/thiers-korkenzieher/#cc-m-product-7271416549

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

+Eddie VanHouten Von allen genannten würde ich das Grand Cru von Chambriard bevorzugen. Es ist als Allround-Taschenmesser weniger auffällig als ein Laguiole und ist von der Linienführung her stimmiger als das Dozorme-Messer.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@Thezippo5 You can get if from couteaux-berthier (dot) com.

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

@FreyerWind Arte will doch jetzt kommerzieller werden. Da passe ich nicht ins Konzept. ;-)