LAGUIOLE knives and tableware....should I?????

[erica]

Just returned from France where I fell in love with the knives and flatware made by Laguiole. Was not in the region they are made so did not buy there. Have been investigating web sites and also have seen what look to be Laguiole cutlery sets in new Williams Sonoma catalog. Before I take the (very expensive) plunge, would love to hear any opinions on this subject....are there places that sell at a discount? Can someone recommend a source???? How does one choose between the seemingly endless array of options with this product? AND: Would I dare put them in the dishwasher??????

[Dale]

I bought, a couple of months ago, six Laguiole steak knives on EBay. There are always several sets for sale there. I am very happy with the knives, but have not tried them in the dishwasher.

[Louisa Chu]

Invest in a small set of authentic table knives. Do not ever again even think about putting them in the dishwasher.

[Bruce Cole]

Just be aware that the Laguiole name is licensed by many manufacturers in France. The quality will vary from exquisite to mediocre, even though they may have the Laguiole "bee" on the handle. The traditional - and more expensive version - will usually have a bone handle, while the less expensive knives will have a wood or synthetic handle. The best way to purchase any knife is to see it in person. Pick it up, feel the weight, balance, etc. The "authentic" Lagiole knives definitely have more heft to them than the "knock-offs" so-to-speak...Unless you know for certain what exactly, you are getting, purchasing knives on-line is a little risky...

Link: http://www.sautewednesday.com

[erica]

Bruce, that is very helpful. I was in Zabar's today and saw a set of 6 "Laguiole" steak knives for $35.00. And on the "official" Laguiole site (www.Laguiole-france.com), 6 knives cost about $150 and boy is there a HUGE difference in quality that is discernible even on the small screen. The expensive ones have engraving all down the back and are absolutely gorgeous. They come in either bone or some kind of wood/resin mix and there is not much difference in price between the two. The ones I saw in Zabar's are just steak knives, the others look like works of art. But that does not solve the issue of holding them and seeing in person...let me know if you know a non-on-line source. I enjoyed SauteWednesday and bookmarked it!!

[Stanley Steven]

Love SauteWednesday. I wanted the links to various newspapers around the country for food links. For example, someone visiting SF might not know the SF Chronicle has food reviews or that the web site is SFGATE.COM.

They also have a link to Chowhound there.

[Samo]

Also check prices for Laguiole knives on the Professional Cutlery Direct website.

Link: http://www.cutlery.com/

[bibala]

The authentic Laguiole products are delivered with a manufacturer's certificate of authenticity and a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee! An interesting link:
http://www.laguiole-passion.com/

[RGC1982]

I bought some inexpensive Laguiole knives on e-Bay a few months ago, and they came with a certificate of authencity too. I know these are not the same knives as the most expensive, but they have the bee, and the manufacturer has a license to use the Laguiole name. They are even made in France in the same region as the original. So, the COA is NOT a guarantee that you are getting a "genuine" item if your definition of a genuine item is the most expensive Laguiole.

This is similar to the Sabatier situation, in that the name is licensed by numerous manufacturers whose history predates modern patent and licensing laws.

I would try the more expensive ones in person, and if you can't , see if there is a good return policy if they are less wonderful than the ones you saw in France.

BTW -- they are wonderful, but even at these prices, I would NEVER put them in the dishwasher. It will ruin the handles and can actually cause small rust spots if you leave them in a damp environment to drip dry, just like other "stainless" cutlery.