woodwalker wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:12 pm
Good Old Luke wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 11:24 am
A new addition. Thanks to Stephane from KOF. (He may get a kick out of my old coffee mug.)
Sweet blade shape, good stainless and Broom scales! Just so good lookin’ and she cuts too!
This one gets a pocket today.IMG_1158.jpegIMG_1159.jpeg
Sweet knife!! Great photos!!
Thanks, it really is sweet. I'm especially pleased with the Broom Wood. It has gorgeous contrast and colors--seems a little harder than walnut. Plus, the blade pattern is unique and the geometry is very good--it cuts very well. I only have a couple of these French traditionals, but have handled a few others from the "Grandfather" line. (Knives made with original dies and equipment from days past--some over a hundred years old...) One thing you notice right away is that these knives are straight tough! Backsprings and blade stock is 3mm. (Both of mine, one each, from two different brands/makers, measure just over 3mm.) the bolsters are forged steel, scales are slim and comfortable, but still quite substantial and heavily built. Everything is pinned up tight as a drum with a rock-solid lockup. Fit and finish are very good, but you do have to adjust your expectations a small bit. Sort of like Italian "Flicks," these French blades are basically hand made, using the old dies, machinery and techniques. Materials are first rate, and each knife is unique and individual. So while you may not see the flawless F&F of a true, spec built custom, or the consistency of a GEC, or a $400 Boker Club knife--you are getting a finely made, unique and usable knife, that is going to last you quite a while under hard use.
And service from Stephane at KOF is great. He inspects and grades each knife that comes to you, and provides you with a print out of the "scale system" he uses to "test" or "grade" them. With both of my knives, he added a short hand written note of thanks, and offered support, if you should ever need it. It's clear that this fella loves his French traditional patterns and cares about what he sells. I haven't had the chance to speak with, or message Stephane, but his blog has good info and he's a member here--always posting with a good pic or two, and I get the feel from reading those things--that he has a lot of great info about these French knifemaking traditions, and likes sharing it!
Do yourself a solid, and check out his site. Many cool patterns and materials there, great pics and videos-- a few varied price points (something for everyone..) and an easy lay-out. If you are into carrying and using an uncommon knife--that starts an admiring conversation each time you take it out to use--then one of these GRs, LeSabots or La Thiers may be up you alley. (LOL! They are certainly up mine. I just put in an order for another one, yesterday, and am checking the shipping info, as we speak.)
Thanks also, Folks--for all of the beautiful and interesting pictures of your dailies. People in this forum have good taste!