The Fontenille Pataud Le Thiers Nature Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@garywestby6577]

I am so glad that you got a look at this knife! I visited the Fontenille Pataud factory last summer, and any fan of knives who is travelling in France should make it a destination- put it on your list Nick! Le Thiers, where they are located, is the city where most of the great knife makers of France are, and close by there is a Relais & Chateau called Le Codignat, where you can stay for the price of a motel in the Bay Area, but it is a 12th century castle! That is how I convinced my wife to go for a day of knife appointments… While at Fontenille Pataud, I purchased the Gentleman, which is a little bit bigger than the nature, with Juniper scales. They smell amazing, especially if you are a fan of gin. Yann Delarboulas, the CEO, gave us a tour of the production facility and recomended a great place for lunch- he is a class act. You are right, the knife drove me nuts falling sideways in my pocket, but recently I bought a leather sleeve with a clip from DP steel and leather that is a beautiful solution for all of my no-clip traditional knives. The two handed opening is perfect for many occasions- my favorite is a French picnic with bread, cheese and fruit. As Stefan Schmalhaus says, “slow down and enjoy the French moment”!

[@Spitsz01]

So true

[@marcvanberlo4936]

Great comment Gary.

[@kevinmorrice]

I'm very fond of my Corsican vendetta knife

[@pauljeffery5399]

I was amused by your comment “France is becoming a force in knife making” . France was a force in knife making before America existed! You probably should check out the Claude Dozorme Le Thiers Secret. Very similar to this knife, but held together with screws, ball bearing pivot (single caged roller bearing) and ball bearing locking system!

[@darthvaper6745]

I love it and the way the blade actually extends beyond the handle!

[@Spitsz01]

They make some Damast steel knives that make your mouth water.

[@TrilobiteTerror]

You didn't really mention that these knives are made by hand by craftsmen in a workshop (you can look up videos of how Fontenille Pataud knives are made).

[@chuckfinly9559]

I've been looking at Frontenille knives for years and I'm so glad you finally reviewed one!!! Thank you soo much! My Dad has carried traditional form them for 30years now and I've been looking to get one for my self, but a little more modernized.

[@Spitsz01]

Get this one: Fontenille Pataud L6PCN It's great and probably the only locking knife they make. Have it and love it.

[@Spitsz01]

In The Netherlands it costs 189 Euros and on my favorite site you have to wait 1 month.

[@heldaneurbanus5135]

It's a little amusing that over here in the EU we have to put up with inflated prices for USA made knives like the Benchmade models and the reverse is also true. These knives start at 154 Euro over on this side of the Atlantic (that model is 184 Euro IIRC). Can we split the difference and everyone (who likes knives at least) walks away happy?

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Heldane Urbanus I agree to your offer 🤙

[@grandvizir]

X P i felt it with spyderco. A delica for 50 box, okay, I’ll take it. Here it’s 80-100, I mean vg10 steel, frn handle... cmon, at least step up the materials if you gonna put that price point. And it’s not only the prices that goes up, they aren’t available, there is like 5 ultra tech out of 100 models in stores here...

[@CedricAda]

When i heard the price of the damasteel, I made, as the french would say, Le PouxPoux in Le Trousers. xx

[@Spitsz01]

As a Mighty Jingles fan would say, "Run Away"!!!

[@Spitsz01]

But they are so beautiful! and totally worth it, and not a single one is the same. The engraving on each knife is the signature of the maker.

[@WillEDC]

😂

[@Xedgehog1]

Absolutely beautiful. Sleek, simple, and not full of gimmicks.

[@Chrissepisje]

Quite honestly, I've got three of their knives now, and just ordered a fourth. I have a Laguiole le Pocket, which is diminutive and gorgeous, then a Pialincu, a Le Cinq Cocs, and finally I just ordered me a Le Thiers Nature. So a mix of two smaller knives and two larger, where two are more elegant, and two are more utilitarian. They cut very well, retain an edge thanks to the 58-59 HRC steel, and are easy to sharpen to razor-sharpness. The backlock is a dream to work with, and the filings on the spines are all gorgeous. I will say that the Laguiole cuts the nicest due to the exceedingly thin blade, but all grinds are good. All are made of buffalo horn and horn tip, so they are true works of art. If you want a knife for food prep on the go, or any small cutting chore, these will serve you well. I am very much unsure about whether the teflon washer will become a problem, because I see people having opinions about this either way, but without solid data about the strength, endurance and MTBF of such a part.

[@esfahan1961]

Great review! I love my French knives (Mongin, Laguiole from la forge or Fontenille-Pataud, Robert David in Thiers, etc). All beautifully executed with superb designs.

[@nicolas87loizou]

Really Happy to see this review. Yesterday I ordered one (the 7.5 cm version) and I was really anxious about my choice. Now I know and I am relaxed. THANK YOU Nick.....

[@jtucci5711]

Oh yeah! I so enjoy the fact that you felt this French style knife warrants a review as not to long ago I got bit by the Laguiole bug and purchased about 15 that will remain in my collection. Through my search for buying these stunning toothpick like knives I found LAGUIOLE IMPORTS in Florida to offer the best selection and price range in a multitude of styles. Free shipping via USPS Priority Mail is factored into the price and they ship promptly, same day in some cases. No need to buy overseas as I did originally and deal with currency exchange and a 2 week wait. I have some beauties in everything from exotic wood to horn and bone. Once you have one in hand you will be in love, I promise

[@Spitsz01]

I can recommend "Knives & Tools" in the Netherlands. They have a huge selection and ship everywhere.

[@Spitsz01]

I have the bug too...

[@danpusceddu]

I'm sure it is my selective bias, but I'm constantly amazed at how often you put out a review of a knife I bought recently! I got the teak burl option. Totally agree with your review, except that I think a pocked clip is unnecessary and would spoil the sleek lines - maybe they should offer it as an option?

[@refinededge399]

3.4oz for 3.5” bladed knife is heavy? Your starting to lose it Nick.

I wish they were a little less expensive, but...I want one. Thanks for reviewing something different (and beautiful) Nick! It's nice seeing something you can't get at BHQ that I also haven't heard of and isn't some crazy $400+ limited run or custom.

[@tengiztopuridze7187]

Thank you a good review. Please advise where I can buy it.....

[@IlliniDog01]

14C28N is a relatively inexpensive steel, but it gets extremely sharp and is easy to sharpen and is quite hard. For cutting paper and opening letters it is excellent. Just don't hit a staple with it or it will almost certainly ding or fold over. It is really a pretty good choice for this type of knife, but the cost should be lowered accordingly I think.

[@tinman3381]

That is a really nice knife. Not having a pocket clip is a plus for me. Don't mind having to use two hands to open it. The size is no problem for me. I carried a large folding Hunter for years and this is small by comparison . The steel is fine. The only thing I would change is the loop at the end . It goes well with the design , I just have nonuse for it. All in all , I find it to be a very handsome knife. A true Gentleman's Knife. Great review.

[@Spitsz01]

Nick, you should really look up the history on this make. The one you have now is not representative of Fontenille Pataud, although i'm happy you finally got your hands on one. Traditionly they have a cross, made of points, whitch the (sheep)-hearders could stick in the the ground while praying,as they were away from home. On some the hand carving is amazing. A Fontenille is also not meant to be snapped shut! You close it carefully so as not to damage the blade. A true gentelmans knife. Almost all are nailnick. It makes an excellent steak knife btw. Pardon my French eh.

[@TrilobiteTerror]

"Nick, you should really look up the history on this make. The one you have now is not representative of Fontenille Pataud, although i'm happy you finally got your hands on one. Traditionly they have a cross, made of points, whitch the (sheep)-hearders could stick in the the ground while praying,as they were away from home. On some the hand carving is amazing." You're taking about a traditional Laguiole style knife which this is not.

[@Spitsz01]

@@TrilobiteTerror right on.

[@Spitsz01]

It looks like Nick just bumped a wasps nest...lol

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

Between my Douk-Douk and Opinel and my friend's Laguiolle I can safely say the French know their knives

[@jacknemo8021]

The Douk-Douk is another example of heinous etching all over the blade. Opinels are pretty clean but bring ugliest handles on a knife to such a level as to make the Z-hunter seem classy.

[@bastonor]

@@jacknemo8021 Check out the Opinel Le Savoyard. Much more elegant handle, but still very comfy to the hand.

[@SenorBolsa]

My mother bough me one of these at a knife shop near the louvre for my brithday. She has good taste in knives (or at least the guys at the shop did!) The older ones just have "handmade in france" stamped near the pivot they don't say blade steel. Im not typically into traditional but this one hits a nice spot for me.

[@slick_slicers]

The Teflon washer doesn’t bother me on a budget disassemble able knife, but on a pinned knife, I’d rather have no washers at all. Otherwise, I love this! There are smaller sizes available. Many French makes offer these levels of choice and options etc. Look at Robert David, for example.

[@Spitsz01]

But be very carefull for fakes!

[@NathanRohr]

So happy I got to hear Nick say "freakin' fire" !!!!

[@Crusty_Otter]

Great review Nick. Really surprised me when you compared it to a Buck 110, because the first thing I thought of was the Buck 500 "Duke" - similar bolster and scale appearance. A bit pricey for me but definitely an attractive piece.

[@cactuspoll7551]

Please Nick review their ultra thin liner lock Pataud!

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Elegant knife ! Good overview ,thanks for sharing !👍😊

[@zzzebulon]

French team on your channel, bro ! Thanx for all your awesome reviews !

[@erichusayn]

That's a really pretty knife. Very classic. Good review.

[@stonemason4902]

Thanks for the review, agree with your assessment apart from the pocketclip. How can you have a knife like that and want to vandalise it in such a new world way ? Snob you're not, Teflon washers though and at that price. Loved the Uncle Randy thing.

[@Spitsz01]

you obviously haven't owned one.

[@joejoelesh1197]

I think they went with Teflon bushings because it IS a pinned construction. They know most people will not be able to tell until they have had it in their hands for a long while.

[@Spitsz01]

Finally, been waiting to sse these on your channel

[@marklightner7553]

Beautiful knife. Made by hand at a workbench. Artisan crafted

[@chimera5975]

Hi Nick, if lock mechanism interest you, try the Thiers Verrou of Claude Dozorme if you get the opportunity!

[@DavePotokar]

Nick. Can't wait for the disassembly video. Oh wait. Side note if you review more French Knives can we have a stranger do them in an Inspector Clusoe voice? "Zeece knelve ees the bimb"

[@Frip36]

On a different video Nick said the sharp flicker on a certain knife should be filed down. Can someone suggest a metal file to dull a knive's sharp flicker tab or sharp jimping? Thanks

[@erhon5]

That is a really interesting knife, cool to see some brands changing up some stuff in the traditional world

[@jtucci5711]

On the true Laguiole style pattern you have to watch for blade rap and set the blade down with carefully. They can't all be flippers and come with a clip, one of the few times I will part ways with you opinion.

[@bert2530]

Now thats a fancy knife. Got some off this brand myself. Here in Europe same price as an “expensive” Spyderco.

[@rabbitslayer42]

Under an ounce an inch is on the heavy side?

[@carminuccio05]

Would this be considered a laguiole style knife?

[@charlyPrunier]

no, laguiole is a diferent one, with a fly, this one is a "Thiers". both are traditional french designs

[@carminuccio05]

charly Prunier thank you for the lesson! I love traditional and ethnic knife styles/shapes

[@myknife_life]

charly Prunier Not as traditional as you might think. It was developed in the 1970s to create a unique pattern which will be related to the town Thiers. It was kind of a reaction to the Laguiole, which give a huge benefit to the equal named town although most of the knives are made in Thiers. Up to now you have to present your new knife to a Commission, If you want to call it a Le Thiers. They will inspect it and only if you meet the standarts of quality and more inportant the general lines of the pattern you get their permission. And it's a registered trademark, other than Laguiole

[@fabsenbmx]

hey Nick, Can you take a look at the new Ontario Shikra?

[@tyyreaun]

They do have a "Pocket" version of the Le Thiers with a sub-3" blade.

[@NickShabazz]

The difference seems to be only a centimeter or so

[@DieYuppieScum91]

@@NickShabazz They list it by closed length on the website instead of blade length. The blade length on the Nature Pocket is 7.5cm (17.5cm total length-10cm closed length=7.5cm blade length), which is 2.95."

[@paulx7620]

I don't know if they could have put a clip on it that wouldn't take away from the beauty. I'm a clip guy myself but she sure is a beautiful knife. Thanks Nick ;)

[@jtucci5711]

Don't mess with me Nick, Uncle Randy

[@ScentitarFragrance]

That is thick amd heavy ?????? I don't understand, what do you call thick fixed blades or folding knives meant for heavy outdoor use ?

[@billrivers7558]

Your videos are great

[@PlantDaddy1991]

I've gotta say, I'm on board about the washers.

[@Wildmountainsafaris]

These aren’t made in a factory - but by hand by a smith cutlerer in the forge

[@mudrucker3656]

Le thiers does come in two other variations the pocket and the gentlemen I believe they are both shorter bladed knives

[@PLBW81]

Sandvik steel is very ok. Good edge, easy to resharpen.

[@webmoore4353]

These are beautiful knives. You just need to upgrade to the RWL-34, which is more than sufficient for needs to which this gentleman folder was designed.

[@brandonboelter5953]

hey make a video of top 3 slicey knives in each of these categories $50-100,100_200,200-300.

[@teamhonn]

Nice shout-out to Uncle Randy.

[@John.VanSwearingen]

Teamhonn too bad his uncle was a bit of a pervert.

[@Hazardou5]

absolutely beautiful knife

[@explorerextraordinaire5472]

Thanks for the video Looks classy

[@steveman751]

Can you stop saying knives are heavy when they're under 5oz? This is a very long knife with 3.4oz, that actually is lightweight.

[@Napoleonwasright]

Sometimes I wish you uploaded in mono so that I would be listening out of both channels, since this video is like all right channel. good video, but m'audio

[@jacknemo8021]

I like the lines. The only drawback, and it's a deal breaker for me, is the HUGE etched branding on the blade. It's gauche, like gold plating a Ferrari hubcap and wearing it as a necklace.

[@damyr]

Stop wasting time on knives. There's 14 days free premium going on. :)

[@davidmarshall7752]

There are Damascus versions that either have no logo or mask it with the blade treatment. I might get one myself, some of their stabilized wood is gorgeous.

[@jacknemo8021]

@@davidmarshall7752 Olive wood caught my eye.

[@jacknemo8021]

@@damyr WG has made it clear with the Battle Pass (priced 2.6 times what a comparable pass costs on a AAA title) that it has come time for Free to Play accounts to pay up or piss off. Use your premium time to go into tier 1 - 3 fights and seal club new players into quitting and damage their revenue stream.

[@damyr]

@@jacknemo8021 nah, no loss for me, cause my wallet is closed since long time ago, anyway. Tho, I'm still pretty curious how it all gonna play out in the future.

[@andersestes]

Yes, this is what I'm talking about. Beauty

[@AmetraWayofLife]

And ten months after....are you happy with this elegant pocket knife?

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

Pure class.

[@johnnyboybadjak9587]

Merci beaucoup Monsieur Shabazz, or should I say Le Shabazz?

[@baconslayercm7033]

*Nick* Complains about 14c28 for $200. Doesn't mind the norseman with RWL34 for $1000 Still love ya tho

[@thesportingprofessor3011]

That needs an aftermarket Hitch and Timber Sheath. Pretty knife.

[@grantcook5376]

Good company to buy from.Great service and as you say they can customise your choice of knife . Take a look at there website.

[@praetor47]

but.... they DO have a smaller 3" version that's also customizable and looks pretty much the same (AND is slightly cheaper). it's called, drumroll, the Le Thiers Pocket! lol

[@loganholmberg2295]

Manufacturer should offer a pocket clip on the leather sleeve I think.

[@Spitsz01]

I really want to send you a picture of the real thing, but how?

[@ekekiel0898]

Wacky Tabacy he has a Discord for his Patreons, a lot of us are in it

[@MikeTremoulet]

Iron like the metal, not ion like “I’ve got my eye on this knife”...

[@lakinwillson4124]

Mike Tremoulet good job

[@Kev-3006]

Mike Tremoulet I see what you did there.

[@thomash4578]

Best thing about buying a French knife is knowing it was designed to survive being dropped

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Thomas h rofl 🤣 That was pretty good

[@davidmarshall7752]

Sarcasm ?

[@markhooper7598]

This beautiful Gentlemens knife is from .....Pronounced... "Fon - Tin - Eh....... Pa - Toooood" , hand made in Thier France

[@loganholmberg2295]

I love this knife but you have to by direct from the maker in France. A friend has one and I LOVE it but its a bit much for my budget. Also importing knives into Canada can be problematic and I'd hate to throw that kind of money down the drain just to see the it termed prohibited and then destroyed or end up in some boarder agents pocket.😒

[@steveknapp7993]

There is a smaller version it’s called “Pocket”

[@kevinbradleygardeningandou9767]

You and your pocket clips, a pocket clip on that knife would ruin the beauty of the knife. Pocket clips are ugly and uncomfortable . I have carried pocket knives with no clip for the last fifty years and not lost one yet. Good review apart from that. Cheers.

[@thomastsunami3422]

Nice design, ridiculous price for the materials. $70 knife at the extreme most...

It's hand made, though. And even 12c28n is likely better than "stainless" or "inox" that we get on traditionals priced similarly.

[@thomastsunami3422]

@ Ahh well I concede My opinion a bit then.. I had thought they were production knives, at the best Midtechs.

[@Broken_Arrow58]

Pretty.

[@uruk-]

I'm looking for a traditionnal looking modern in usage knife... it's gorgeous, plus it's french !

[@Done332]

0:01 Mute and subs on.

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Pretty

[@MrOkieChef]

“You will need two hands to use this knife”. Good thing most humans came with two hands.

[@clintonlewis1261]

Nice looking knife, a little to pricey for me.

[@jacksonperocfrenchzfourtou4283]

oh un couteau made in france!

[@davids9549]

A pocket clip would look vile on this beautiful knife - where is your soul? Agreed though that the teflon washer is wrong. A gentleman, by the way, opens and closes his pocket knife with both hands. Unlike a thug, or a common workman.

[@Gwarclownman]

More like Beast of Burden

[@silaspierre1377]

Fixed blades anytime soon ? Chris Reeve Nyala?? *Hint hint wink wink*

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

There's an ounce in the bolsters! Pass on Le Billboard.

[@thechad7803]

Wait till Greg Medford hears people will pay $220 for 14C28N

[@TrilobiteTerror]

It's expensive because it was made by hand in France by a craftsman (you can look up videos of how Fontenille Pataud knives are made). As a traditional, it wouldn't have been unusual for the blade to be an even less expensive carbon steel.

[@cp1532]

They should just put a clip on the slip. Problem solved!

[@grahamparr4710]

A real gentleman's knife?

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

$200 for 14c28n.... 😳😬😬😬😬she’s pretty... but the smarts aren’t there at all. And Teflon ... and no torx construction .... she’s pretty on the outside but that’s it. There’s a lot of pretty out there to contend with. I could NEVER justify 14c28n for that price with no torx bits.

[@steveman751]

I would never support a company that charges that much and uses teflon washers. Bronze washers are not expensive.

[@TrilobiteTerror]

It's expensive because it was made by hand in France by a craftsman (you can look up videos of how Fontenille Pataud knives are made). It's not a hard use knife (so it's pretty unlikely the Teflon would somehow get damaged) and Teflon washers cause less wear on internal surfaces over time than PB washers. As custom makers like Jason Guthrie and others have shown, Teflon washers are preferable over PB washers when they're done right.

[@NickShabazz]

Teflon washers can be as good as PB when done right. I still don’t think there’s a good excuse for them over around $50

[@steviecrackburrr4632]

Lol freakin fire. 🔥

[@roel.vinckens]

They could have hit it out of the park. And then they didn't...

[@joejoelesh1197]

ZOUNDS! That is a pricy pocket knife!

[@dm3639]

A solution to most of your issues: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbckpqrqrqNeNU Slip with a clip. Also European. The Germans and French get along, right? Link to review by the ineffable Advanced Knife Bro. Of course now we're talking closer to $300 all in for 14c28n...

[@TheReasonableSkepticist]

Way overpriced in my opinion, everything made in France seems to be more expensive.

[@joshuadelaunay2980]

They do a 3" blade option as well. It's the 10cm version. Otherwise I generally agree with your analysis. 14C28 is mediocre steel and at $200 one should be able to expect better. That's is one major downfall for me.