To the detriment of the good name of both Sabatier and Laguiole the names were never given copyright so consequently even in France there are many examples of each . Sabtier K is the real deal (selling new vintage carbon knives produced in the 50’s & 60’s )but you can buy Sabatiers & Laguiole produced almost anywhere.
Having discovered Sabatier K and their extensive website I discovered Gilles Stienberg’s Fontenille Pataud
http://www.knives.com/knives/knives-directory/knife-makers-and-manufacturers/fontanille-pataud.html
who are based in Thiers in the heart of the knife producing area of France.
They produce regional knives , their famous Gilles® Le Thiers Knife and Laguiole in various sizes and styles .
The company is small and a lot of the processes are done by artisans with traditional methods as far as is practical.
Every knife has different options for different steels and some knives have further options up to damascus in rose, twist and the cream as far as I am concerned 176 layer carbon damascus by master blacksmith François Morier of Switzerland.
The detail is wonderful and possiby even the most exotic knives are at a feasible price which adds to the appeal in that they are usable ; I carry my carbon damascus Laguiole and use it daily for cutting sausage and bread although I would not use it for everything just as I would not use a Japanese Santoku for cutting bone.
Above and below is the Gilles® Le Thiers knife with Swedish rose damascus 120 layers and Ebony handle
Above are two examples of Laguiole 12cm without locking blade . The top one is Swedish rose damascus 120 layers with Curley Birch scales and brushed stainless steel bolsters and a bee with Mother of Pearl insert.
The lower knife is of carbon damascus 176 layers with Juniper scales & brushed brass bolsters
The detail is beautiful not forgetting the scent of the Juniper
This page was written by Leo Barr
