$215 · 'Exactly As-New' Laguiole Folding Pocket Knife (On hold)

Laguiole Knife by 'Laguiole en Aubrac' This knife has been in my collection, unused since purchase. I have the original receipt, bag, pouch, brochure, etc. Hand-made in Laguiole, France in the Aubrac region. Laguiole knives have a rich history going back to 1829, and production continues to this day. This knife has Mammoth Tusk Ivory inlay of the Fleur de Lys (originally the symbol of the French royalty) on the presentation side of the knife. Crafting the inlay is a very delicate operation requiring a very skilled artisan.   The last mammoths roamed the earth over 4500 years ago, making the inlay alone quite something to ponder in terms of history.   The handle scales are briar wood (bruyere) which is very hard, and has a very deep, rich brown colour. Due to briar wood's complex grain, it changes in appearance rather significantly when viewed from differing angles, especially under sunlight.   The blade is very high grade Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel which has been polished to a mirror-like finish. The blade is marked with the 'Laguiole Origine Garantie' stamp which is only allowed to be used if the knife was made in the village of Laguiole, versus being made elsewhere in France.   This knife has a forged bee which is forged as one piece with the spacer/spring and takes much more time, cost, and skill to produce. Lower-end Laguiole knives have a soldered-on 'bee' or 'fly'.   The backside of the spring, which is only visible when the blade is open, is also polished, again requiring more time by the artisan.   The hand-crafted guillochage on the spring is unique to the artisan who created it.   12cm handle (approximately 4 3/4inches)   10cm blade (approximately 4 inches)   Handle materials: Briar wood, Mammoth Tusk Ivory Inlay, Stainless Steel Bolsters (Original price with tax $276 Canadian, Quebec)