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Product Description
The process of creating handmade knives is a long one, and it’s what sets them apart from the crowd. Made by a single craftsman in the historic Aubrac region of France, these Laguiole steak knives carry a legacy of tradition that dates back to 1829 Read More
CracktowerOverpriced and if I may say ugly , more novelty than anything else , for $250.00 , there are a lot of German & Italian even Japanese companies I'd look to.
As seblick pointed out, Laguiole is a village (or region) in France, NOT a brand. In fact, there are lots of "Laguiole" knives that are made in Pakistan.
By reading the spec you learn that these are made by Laguiole en Aubrac, but listing them as "Laguiole Steak Knives" tells you nothing - except, maybe the overall style of knife.
The illustrations are also misleading, the drop is for either pressed horn or juniper handles - so why are other (apparently not available) varieties used as illustrations?
Once again, I'm not likely to join a drop if I can't tell exactly what it is that I am buying.
Recently saw a much less expensive version of this set (same manufacturer) at both Crate and Barrel and Williams Sonoma ($49). While I'm sure there must be material differences between the two versions, I'm not sure they are material to me! The less expensive set uses a partially micro serrated blade, with ivory colored handles. Still comes in the same kind of presentation case.
I assume the cheaper set is made in the Peoples Republic of Inexpensive Knives, rather than France (?), but as I say, that may not be particularly important to people who don't care to pay for the premium set. Certainly worth a look if you like the look of these knives more than the price.
Anyway you slice it, they're just too damn much money for the intended application. Even if they were especially nice (and according to the comments they're not), what can a forty-two dollar knife do that a ten-dollar knife can't? And why do I have to buy six of 'em to find out?
A luxury item achieves that level/classification/reputation by being significantly more desirable than a lessor item. Again, judging from the comments, these knives aren't actually better or more desirable than less expensive alternatives. Most folks would agree a Timex keeps time okay, but not that they'd prefer one over a Speedmaster.
For me a laguiole is only a folding knife, I can't imagine having something else.
As for French knives, most of them are produced at Thiers which is the French capital of knives.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguiole_knife
Having owned a set identical to these, in my opinion they are tremendously overpriced. The design is awkward to hold and cut with, and the fit and finish is surpassed by many, many steak knives costing much less, including from China.
An item for Francophiles with too much spare cash, not for those looking for effective, well-designed cutters.
Too many excellent alternatives out there.
seblickSo I have no way of knowing which ones you bought, but it is important to note that Laguiole is not a brand. It is the name of a small mountain village in France and the generic name for the style of knife produced there. This means that anyone can produce a knife with that name, anywhere in the world, with no legal ramifications. The knives offered here are Laguiole en Aubrac, and are crafted start to finish by a single person. You may notice that Williams Sonoma only sells two types of Laguiole knives, Laguiole Aubrac, and Dubost Laguiole. This is because they are the only two left that have any link to the originals and are still produced in the region.
kstokleyFully aware of all of your points. I have the hand-crafted Laguiole en Aubrac, and my comments are referring to these.
IMHO, the fit and finish is not great, and the design /utility is inferior.
I believe there are many superior alternatives out there.