A Supplimental Guide to the True Laguiole Folding Knife : eBay Guides

There is another guide on this site with good information on the nature and history of the laguiole folding knife, I will not duplicate the information there, but rather suppliment it.

Firstly, it is important to note that there are hundreds of "manufacturers" in Thiers France alone, and many outside who make copies labled Laguiole. The reason is that the original knife was never patented under French law, and the statute of limitations on patents ran out. As a result anyone can make anything and call it a Laguiole. Do not be taken in by forgeries! Keep reading to find out how you can tell the difference.

Firstly, the other article got most of it's information from one manufacturer located in the village of Laguiole, I know this because I own one of their knives and have seen the same information at their workshop and online. The english language website for this manufacturer is www DOT layole DOT com/uk/index.php (I had to break it up because external links aren't permitted) and I recommend them very much. They have won the awards mentioned by the other author, and in my opinion are the most authentic, highest quality mnaufacturer still opperating in Laguiole. You will not be dissapointed with their products. That said, there are two, maybe three other manufacturers that you should trust. Rather than going into those specific manufacturers, I will give you an idea of how you tell what's real and what's not.

Firstly, the real thing is made by one artisan all the way from start to finish, if an add or a dealer indicates that "many artisans were necessary" they are lying. This is not tradtional laguiole practice.

Second, laguiole knives don't lock. This is one of the basics of the tradtional laguiole knife, they are made with extremely power springs built into the back of the knife (actually the most personalized and decorated part of the knife usually). They have a unique and complex system used only on the laguiole which gives the benefits of a locked blade when open with the ability to close it without unlocking it, very cool. This spring system is why the true laguiole takes 109 steps to complete!

Third, true laguiole will have pins in the handle in the shape of the "Shepherds Cross". If they do not form a cross in the handle it is not a genuine laguiole!

This picture demonstrates the cross in the center of the handle (download full size). It is usually made with six pins. One big one in the middle, one small on on the top, bottom, and right sides, and two on the left. If you can't see it in this picture because it's been shrunk you can find other examples on the website above. Please note that legitimate manufacturers can make knives without this feature, they just aren't traditional. That same company may make tradtional ones as well.

Fourth, the "honey bee" or "fly", depending on which school of thought you follow, should be forged as part of the spring, not a piece by itself soldered on. This is usually one of the easiest way to tell a fake in person. You can tell online because high quality craftsmen often make part of the bee (or fly) extend into one of the lines on the spring, making it clear that it was not a separate piece. Again some of the cheaper models from real manufacturers may be separate pieces, this will not be their 'real' traditional laguioles! Be careful what you buy, you get what you pay for!

Fifth, the spring will be hand carved, usually chiselled, not cast or stamped, with a design unique to the artisan that created it. Always look for for ornate, unique, clearly non-stamped patters in the spring (the long piece of metal on the back of the handle, starting with the bee). Again the bee should be a part of this, not a fixture on it.

Sixth, the blade will have the name of the company on it and the word laguiole, and ideally the signature of the artisan who created it, along with the type of metal used. Note that on true damascus none of this will be present due to the nature of the steel, do not be worried if a Damascus blade has no writing on it, look to other indicators.

Seventh, all true Laguiole's (bought new anyway) come with a certificate of authenticity, location of manufacture, name of artisan, and guarantee! This is because they can be faked. The real deal will always go to these lengths to prove themselves genuine. Note however that some fakes also offer fake certificates! This is a way to exclude products, not prove in and of itself that something is genuine.

Eigth, some, but not all, genuine Laguiole knives will include an upper case L with a circle around it on either the blade or the certificate of authenticity. This is specifically used by three high quality manufacturers from the Laguiole area who wish to ensure buyers recognize their products. Again this CAN be faked but if the other indicators are present and this is also it's a good sign.

Well I hope that was helpful! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me via eBay and I'll try to respond. Please note that due to time constraints I will not often be able to go to links of Laguiole knives, determine their veracity and value, and get back to you. You may feel free to ask but often I won't have time. True laguiole's are really a unique, beautiful, and functional piece of French history. Good luck.

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