The Old School model is an approximate replica of the most common Laguiole knives found in France during the mid-to-late 1800s. Stripped of modern bolsters and ornate file work, this design reflects the era when Laguiole knives were prized for their utility and accessibility. While the originals utilized carbon blades, this refined replica features high-performance Swedish steel.
Entirely handmade in Thiers—France’s historic capital of cutlery—this knife is part of the Gilles® Fontenille Pataud collection. Each piece is crafted from start to finish by a single master artisan, ensuring world-class quality and an unparalleled sense of pride in ownership.
Handle Character: This "Full Handle" model is carved from genuine Maple Burl (Loupe d'Érable). Celebrated for its intricate and chaotic grain patterns, Maple Burl features a mesmerizing array of tight "eyes," swirling textures, and a creamy-gold palette. The bolster-less design allows the complex, natural geometry of the burl to flow uninterrupted along the entire length of the handle, offering a warm, tactile feel and a truly unique aesthetic. The knife pictured is the exact one you will receive.
The Forged Bee: This model features a prestigious forged bee, meaning the bee and the spring were fashioned from a single solid piece of metal. Unlike common soldered bees, a forged bee offers superior structural integrity and seamless aesthetics—a hallmark of original 19th-century craftsmanship.
| Authenticity & Warranty |
|---|
|
• 100% Made in France: Handcrafted in Thiers by Fontenille Pataud. • Lifetime Warranty: Guaranteed against manufacturer defects. • U.S. Support: Warranty and repair coordination via Jacksonville, Florida. |
What is a Forged Bee? You can recognize a forged bee when you look just below it, where it meets the decorated spring. If you do not see any gaps, it's a good sign that the bee and spring were forged from the same piece of metal. You can also recognize a soldered bee by noticing a straight gap/ridge where the bee meets the spring.
Most inexpensive Laguiole pocket knives found on the market have a soldered bee. The process of adding the bee to the spring by soldering saves time and money, this is why the cost of soldered bee knives can be substantially less. The original Laguiole knives had forged bees - welding was not invented until 1881.
Blade: Stainless Swedish 12C27 steel, 3 mm thick. Hardness: 56-57 Hrc.
Plates: 1.5 mm stainless
Decorated Spring: 3 mm stainless - stainless steel Z20c13
Blade Size: 9.65 cm (3.80")
Handle Size: 12 cm (4.5/8")
Open Size: 21.65 cm (8.50")
Weight: ~ 76.5 grams (2.70 oz.)
Genuine Burled Maple stabilized for strength, harvested in France.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Pocket knives are shipped same business day from Florida when ordered by 4 PM Eastern time. UPS delivery can be expected in 1 to 3 business days depending on destination. International shipping options are available at checkout.
The Old School model is an approximate replica of the most common Laguiole knives found in France during the mid-to-late 1800s. Stripped of modern bolsters and ornate file work, this design reflects the era when Laguiole knives were prized for their utility and accessibility. While the originals utilized carbon blades, this refined replica features high-performance Swedish steel.
Entirely handmade in Thiers—France’s historic capital of cutlery—this knife is part of the Gilles® Fontenille Pataud collection. Each piece is crafted from start to finish by a single master artisan, ensuring world-class quality and an unparalleled sense of pride in ownership.
Handle Character: This "Full Handle" model is carved from genuine Maple Burl (Loupe d'Érable). Celebrated for its intricate and chaotic grain patterns, Maple Burl features a mesmerizing array of tight "eyes," swirling textures, and a creamy-gold palette. The bolster-less design allows the complex, natural geometry of the burl to flow uninterrupted along the entire length of the handle, offering a warm, tactile feel and a truly unique aesthetic. The knife pictured is the exact one you will receive.
The Forged Bee: This model features a prestigious forged bee, meaning the bee and the spring were fashioned from a single solid piece of metal. Unlike common soldered bees, a forged bee offers superior structural integrity and seamless aesthetics—a hallmark of original 19th-century craftsmanship.
| Authenticity & Warranty |
|---|
|
• 100% Made in France: Handcrafted in Thiers by Fontenille Pataud. • Lifetime Warranty: Guaranteed against manufacturer defects. • U.S. Support: Warranty and repair coordination via Jacksonville, Florida. |
What is a Forged Bee? You can recognize a forged bee when you look just below it, where it meets the decorated spring. If you do not see any gaps, it's a good sign that the bee and spring were forged from the same piece of metal. You can also recognize a soldered bee by noticing a straight gap/ridge where the bee meets the spring.
Most inexpensive Laguiole pocket knives found on the market have a soldered bee. The process of adding the bee to the spring by soldering saves time and money, this is why the cost of soldered bee knives can be substantially less. The original Laguiole knives had forged bees - welding was not invented until 1881.
Blade: Stainless Swedish 12C27 steel, 3 mm thick. Hardness: 56-57 Hrc.
Plates: 1.5 mm stainless
Decorated Spring: 3 mm stainless - stainless steel Z20c13
Blade Size: 9.65 cm (3.80")
Handle Size: 12 cm (4.5/8")
Open Size: 21.65 cm (8.50")
Weight: ~ 76.5 grams (2.70 oz.)
Genuine Burled Maple stabilized for strength, harvested in France.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Pocket knives are shipped same business day from Florida when ordered by 4 PM Eastern time. UPS delivery can be expected in 1 to 3 business days depending on destination. International shipping options are available at checkout.
