Laguiole Le Fidèle Folding Knife

Traditional Laguiole Le Fidèle Folding Knife with Thuya Burl Handle

French Elegance and Premium Materials

The dominant feature of the knife is the slender Yatagan-style blade, made of high-quality Swedish Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. This steel is prized in cutlery for its high corrosion resistance and ability to hold an edge for a long time. The blade proudly bears the manufacturer's mark "Le Fidèle" and the inscription "France," guaranteeing its European origin.

The scales are made of exotic Thuya wood (Thuja), specifically from the root burl. This wood is sought after for its unique grain full of "eyes" and clusters, resembling marbling. As a result, every knife is an unrepeatable original. The handle is finished with stainless steel bolsters, which protect the wood and add strength to the knife.

Symbolism and Mechanism

Like every genuine Laguiole, this knife bears traditional decorative elements:

• The Bee (Mouche): Detailed "bee" (or fly) sits on the spine of the spring, at the transition to the blade, symbolizing the knives of the Aubrac region.
• Shepherd's Cross: The rivets on the handle are arranged in the shape of a cross (Croix du berger). Legend has it that shepherds in the mountains would stick the knife into bread or the ground and use it as an altar for prayer when they could not attend church.

The knife is equipped with a traditional Slipjoint mechanism (French cran forcé) with a strong backspring. The blade does not have a mechanical lock in the modern sense but is held firmly in the open position by the pressure of the spring. To close it, this pressure must be overcome, which we recommend doing with both hands for maximum safety.

Care Instructions

This jewel deserves gentle handling. Never wash it in a dishwasher! Hot water and aggressive salts would destroy the wooden handle and the blade. After use, especially after cutting acidic foods (fruit, sausage), wipe the knife with a damp cloth and dry it. The wooden handle should occasionally be treated with oil (e.g., linseed oil) to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its lustre. When closing, do not let the blade "snap" shut to prevent the edge from hitting the internal spring (known as "silent closing saves the edge").

Product Specifications