GALEAM

Sauvagnat-Grimaud was a cutlery in Thiers, created in 1860, and that no longer exist.

Eric Keller, from Thiers-Issard, came across an old stock of Sauvagnat-Grimaud’s blades from the 1930’s.

The history behind those blades is a bit unclear, but they are what remains of a big production run.

The blades still bear the SG mark with the cuirassier helmet, that represents the helmet of the Napoleonic imperial guard’s cuirassier cavalry.

Blade stamp
Cuirassier

The blades were made of forged Holtzer cast carbon steel, a steel really famous back in the days to make straight blade razors for example.

Credit Frank Pitelet

The original design of the handle is unknown, and Eric created a design matching what it could have been at the time, with an easy pull notch since the blades don’t have a nail nick.

He made 2 different patterns:

A classic 2 pins friction folder with a plain full handle.

And a slipjoint shadow pattern with a fileworked backspring.

On the 2 patterns, the blade is riveted using NOS rosettes to give an authentic feel.

Find those knives on https://knives-of-france.com/

Langres knife

Langres French knife Le Sabot

The Langres knife gets its name from the eponym city, Langres, in eastern France.

Langres knife blond horn
French knife Langres blond horn

Its origin can be dated to the end of the 16th century, but since 1900 in its current form.

French knife Langres Parapluie a l'epreuve wood handle

It can be considered as the French equivalent of the boy’s knife with its rather small size and sheepsfoot style blade, it was traditionally given to boys for their religious confirmation, around 12/14 yo, which marked the end of childhood.

Vintage French knife Langres by Le Sabot
Vintage French knife Langres Au Sabot
Vintage French folding knife Langres Le Sabot
Vintage French knife Langres Sheepsfoot blade

It’s a simple slipjoint, with traditionally a round handle with a single but strong top bolster and a sheepsfoot blade.

French knife Langres parts sheepsfoot blade

The handle can be of various materials: horn, synthetic or wood.

Vintage Langres French knife slipjoint black horn
Vintage Langres Brossard carbon steel knife

The size can vary, but it’s rather small

Vintage Langres knife alternative handle

A utilitarian knife, easy to slip in the pocket.

Langres French knife wood handle slipjoint folder

Find some on http://knives-of-france.com