A few years back, when my garden knife 'went missing' from Haddock's, my then neighbour (now sadly deceased) showed me the above and asked if it was the one I'd lost.
It wasn't. Mine was an old fixed bladed kitchen knife, so she said 'just keep it anyway'; and I did.
I re-discovered it recently, gave it a good oiling and cleaning, and I'm now using it again (in her memory).
I have a feeling that it's a home-made knife. I know that knife making is a popular pastime in France, and it certainly looks very amateurish.
The blade on my regular Opinel pocket knife had become rather loose, and was opening whilst in my pocket; I have the scars to prove it. The one above is quite pleasant to use, and the blade stays in place.
Whilst Lady M was recently away gallivanting, I did consider buying myself a traditional 'Nontron' pocket knife, as an alternative eating knife to my Opinel. They are our local knives from a bit to the north of here, but when I saw the prices I decided to stay with my Opinel. A quite simple 'Nontron' knife starts at about €60, and goes into the €100's; way beyond my pocket.
p.s. Having put a 'friendly' notice on the garden gate at Haddock's, my knife was later returned. I have no idea who had half-inched it, but I was pleased to have it back. Naughty, naughty.
My brother went to France to see farming in the early 1960s and he brought me a penknife back. I was looking at it the other day.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter first went off to see the world I gave her a beautiful Taylor's Eye Witness penknife. She lost it.
DeleteI remember my grandad had one of those curved knives, I think for vine pruning. My mum still has it, wrapped in tissue paper.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
I have a curved Mushroom knife. I can't wait to use it again!
DeleteIt looks well loved, nice that you are using it again.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly seen better days, but it does the job, and doesn't stab me.
DeleteI have a favourite knife for chopping .... I can't and won't use any other knife ... someone doing some work here borrowed my last favourite one and broke the handle off !!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteOh dear. That would be a hanging offence in my book.
DeleteI have set knives for set tasks, and if going on holiday in the UK a take a little diamond sharpener and one good kitchen knife. I cannot stand using blunt knives. If going overseas and taking a bag in the hold I take my Swiss Army knife and the sharpener.
ReplyDeleteThe Swiss Army knife is my gardening and fishing knife, if cuts open bags of compost, prunes things like tomatoes, cuts fishing line and cuts up my lunch.
I am hardly ever without my Opinel. I even have one permanently in the car. At the last count I had about 8 of them. I also have an Opinel Mushrooming knife.
DeleteMy father always had a pocket knife in his front pocket, a pairs of pliers in his back pocket. He was ready for anything. My farmer brother do the same, I carry a knife in my purse.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know how anyone can live without one!
DeleteI have never found a use for a knife - am I unique (penknife I mean - use a knife and fork for eating of course and a knife for carving.)
ReplyDeleteI think it's more a male thing. Gardening, DIY, and certain sports, all require a pocket knife. Personally I eat with a penknife too, but that's just a local tradition.
DeleteIf you want to open a meal bag or cut a piece of string on a bale and litter a penknife is a must. My mother always carried one too. No time to put everything down and scratch your head and say "where's a knife?" you would be very unpopular.
DeleteLast year when I was in France walking the Le Puy Chemin, I bought an Opinel knife for my picnics. I was delighted to find that so many knives are still made in France. In Australia everything is made in China.
ReplyDeleteI use a No 9 stainless Opinel for eating, and I have lots of steel bladed No 8's for all other purposes. I'd be lost without them.
DeleteI am an idiot when it comes to pocket knives. Can never get them open can never get them shut. So I am always hiding scissors all over the farm, in case a bale of hay needs cutting open. One day Keith brought in 8 pair. I told him to put them all back where he found them. The nerve of some men.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're next in France, buy yourself an Opinel knife. You'd love it.
DeleteAfter all these years it is wonderful that your knife came back to you.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
I lost my treasured blue penknife when I was 9. I went back day after day to where I dropped it and I never found it. It's now under a motorway. Your post reminded me that my Opinel (given to me in my 'French' days) which no longer serves me at the village fête but is my garden companion is not in its usual place. I know exactly when and where I last used it but it's gone AWOL. Doubtless it will turn up. The alternative would be an unbearable loss of memories.
ReplyDelete