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Nontron Pocket Knife No25 - Feathered Grand Duc

The Nontron knife shares the name of the French village of its birth located in the Dordogne department. This knife's history is filled with so many legends that it is difficult to date its exact origin; however, most experts agree that the Nontron knife is the oldest French folding knife dating back to the 13th century. Today, the cutlery that bears its name since 1928 produces handmade knives using ancestral methods. The procedures used to conceive todays' Nontron pocket knives are nearly the same since the fifteenth century.

Handle type: Conical
Safety ring: This knife features a simple brass locking ring to keep the knife's blade locked while open.
Safety evolution: Early Nontron knives did not have a locking mechanism; the blade was held open by the wood's pressure in a similar way as this small knife.

Open size: 20.8 cm (8.18")
Blade Size:
 9.2 cm (3.6")
Blade Type: Drop-point
Bade:
 Forged T12 alloy
Handle Size: 11.6 cm (4.56")
Weight: ~ 50 grams (1.7 oz.)

Hand-shaped from 40 to 50-year-old Boxwood harvested from locally grown trees and air-dried for 5 years.
Using old boxwood assures an unprecedented degree of hardness and prevents splits commonly found in such hardwoods. Boxwood
 is best suited for turning and is commonly used to create small wood objects such as chess pieces, musical instruments, and knife handles.
Fact: Old-growth boxwood is extremely dense, hard, and tends to be very expensive.

boxwood being cut and stored before making nontron knife handles

 

 The wood burned patterns, whose origin and meanings are still not fully understood, are made from “flies,” a kind of reversed V surrounded by 3 points and rows of small dots. Religious symbols? Perhaps a reference to the Freemasons' compass or the Compagnons du Devoir? No one really knows.

Of course, many are convinced that they know the meaning of this mystical symbol. We, at Laguiole Imports, are no different; we are certain that the symbol is one of a compass (V) and the three dots (∴) representing the first three craft degrees of initiation in the Masonic Honor Points. These fascinating symbols first appeared with the clog handle design. Today, they decorate all boxwood models of pockets and table knives. Fact: The Nontron shop is the oldest continuously operating cutlery in France.

The legendary Nontron symbol being apply to a boxwood handlenontron pocket knife boxwood handle burned with famous symbol

french flag color with made in france text

The Nontron knife factory, located in the village of Nontron, Francenontron knife factory

How to Maintain Your Pocket Knife

Pocket Knives are designed for cutting only. Do not use it as a screwdriver, crowbar, wood chisel, as this can cause irreversible damage and void the warranty.

To keep your pocket knife in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

  1. Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically apply a few drops of lubricant to all moving parts. This ensures smooth operation and extends the life of your knife.
  2. Hand Wash Only: Always hand wash your pocket knife. After washing, dry it quickly with a soft towel to prevent rust and corrosion.
  3. Recommended Lubricant: We highly recommend using Sentry-Solutions Tuf Glide for all our folding knives. It provides excellent lubrication and protection.

Important Note: Tuf Glide is not considered a "food-safe" product. Avoid using it on knives that come into contact with food.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pocket knife remains reliable and ready for your next adventure.

Sentry-Solutions Tuf Glide 1/4 oz. Pen-Applicator

The Nontron knife shares the name of the French village of its birth located in the Dordogne department. This knife's history is filled with so many legends that it is difficult to date its exact origin; however, most experts agree that the Nontron knife is the oldest French folding knife dating back to the 13th century. Today, the cutlery that bears its name since 1928 produces handmade knives using ancestral methods. The procedures used to conceive todays' Nontron pocket knives are nearly the same since the fifteenth century.

Handle type: Conical
Safety ring: This knife features a simple brass locking ring to keep the knife's blade locked while open.
Safety evolution: Early Nontron knives did not have a locking mechanism; the blade was held open by the wood's pressure in a similar way as this small knife.

Open size: 20.8 cm (8.18")
Blade Size:
 9.2 cm (3.6")
Blade Type: Drop-point
Bade:
 Forged T12 alloy
Handle Size: 11.6 cm (4.56")
Weight: ~ 50 grams (1.7 oz.)

Hand-shaped from 40 to 50-year-old Boxwood harvested from locally grown trees and air-dried for 5 years.
Using old boxwood assures an unprecedented degree of hardness and prevents splits commonly found in such hardwoods. Boxwood
 is best suited for turning and is commonly used to create small wood objects such as chess pieces, musical instruments, and knife handles.
Fact: Old-growth boxwood is extremely dense, hard, and tends to be very expensive.

boxwood being cut and stored before making nontron knife handles

 

 The wood burned patterns, whose origin and meanings are still not fully understood, are made from “flies,” a kind of reversed V surrounded by 3 points and rows of small dots. Religious symbols? Perhaps a reference to the Freemasons' compass or the Compagnons du Devoir? No one really knows.

Of course, many are convinced that they know the meaning of this mystical symbol. We, at Laguiole Imports, are no different; we are certain that the symbol is one of a compass (V) and the three dots (∴) representing the first three craft degrees of initiation in the Masonic Honor Points. These fascinating symbols first appeared with the clog handle design. Today, they decorate all boxwood models of pockets and table knives. Fact: The Nontron shop is the oldest continuously operating cutlery in France.

The legendary Nontron symbol being apply to a boxwood handlenontron pocket knife boxwood handle burned with famous symbol

french flag color with made in france text

The Nontron knife factory, located in the village of Nontron, Francenontron knife factory

How to Maintain Your Pocket Knife

Pocket Knives are designed for cutting only. Do not use it as a screwdriver, crowbar, wood chisel, as this can cause irreversible damage and void the warranty.

To keep your pocket knife in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

  1. Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically apply a few drops of lubricant to all moving parts. This ensures smooth operation and extends the life of your knife.
  2. Hand Wash Only: Always hand wash your pocket knife. After washing, dry it quickly with a soft towel to prevent rust and corrosion.
  3. Recommended Lubricant: We highly recommend using Sentry-Solutions Tuf Glide for all our folding knives. It provides excellent lubrication and protection.

Important Note: Tuf Glide is not considered a "food-safe" product. Avoid using it on knives that come into contact with food.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pocket knife remains reliable and ready for your next adventure.

Sentry-Solutions Tuf Glide 1/4 oz. Pen-Applicator