I have 3 pocket knives in daily use.
The 'Laguiole' (bottom) has a horn handle, and stainless blade. This is an indoor, all-purpose knife, that is used for general cutting, nail cleaning, and assorted DIY tasks. I'd rather bite the neck off a wine bottle than use that corkscrew.
The No 8 'Opinel' (center) has a beechwood handle and steel blade. This is in my pocket at all times. It's the knife I use outdoors; mostly when working up at Haddock's. It has no fears.
My latest acquisition, however, is the very new looking No 9 'Opinel' (top) which again has a plain beechwood handle, but this time with a stainless steel blade. This is the knife with which I now EAT.
It's possibly a dying tradition, but here in France, when dining out with country folk, one was always offered a plate, fork, and spoon, but rarely a knife; one supplied one's own. It's a tradition I've always rather liked, and still adhere to.
I'd never imagined myself buying a stainless steel bladed 'Opinel' (heaven forbid), or even a size 9. But, having thrown all caution to the winds, it's proved to be an excellent decision.
Looking at the picture above, the thing that stands out most, is the table-top. I had it made from old 'cuve' wood. The old 6 ft high 'cuves' were used for fermenting wine, and every farmhouse had one in its cellar. Now these huge open-topped barrels are mostly unused, and their well-aged oak planks make fabulous furniture.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful knives and indeed a beautiful table top. I especially love the Laguiole.
ReplyDeleteNot quite as chic as you Cro, but I've carried a swiss army knife most of my life...amazing how handy the thing is!
The Opinels are a wee bit rustic, but much better as eating knives than the Laguiole.
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