Quote:
Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel
brilliant.  looks like it's not a laguiole knife, to me. although i can't see the bee. maybe there is not a bee to show that it's not a laguiole.  |
You're correct, Zelda... It's not a Laguiole. But it is perhaps one of the best 'value for money' knives ever made, and it is very French! It's an "Opinel" knife.
Where the upper class used their Laguiole to open wine bottles, the farmers and workmen used their Opinels to cut bread, cheese, and sausage. With only two moving parts, including its carbon steel blade, and locking steel collar ring (which is what you see in the middle of the sculpture) it is almost indestructible, takes an edge easily and holds it a long time, and costs less than $8-$15 USD for most models. Almost unknown outside of France for many years, these little gems can now be found in almost every country. In fact, they are even sold in America's 'Walmart!'
http://www.opinel.com.au/images/History-no12.gif
I collect knives and I own several Opinels myself, and use them when traveling as I don't worry about losing one or having it taken away at airports. I still have the two that I first bought in Chambry, France back in the early 70's. Used a lot, but still just as good as the day I bought them!
Stitchawl