Trusbx --

Laguioleis an old and respected name in French industry, and a beautiful vintage design in the folders. There is a company who have been in continuous production for many years.

However, in a conversation at a trade show booth, the Laguiole vendor told me that the name is not protected by patent under French law, and that several companies now manufacture "Laguiole" knives, of varying quality and various price points. "Anybody can set up a factory and market a Laguiole knife," he said.

Don't know if that's fact or fiction, but I do know that I have a very nice Laguiole "waiter's friend" that cost a lot and is beautifully finished, and a set of dinnerware of the same design that has grind marks all over the blades-- obviously not of the same quality.

My advice is to inspect it carefully before you buy, and suspect its provenance, especially if the price seems too cheap!