Laguiole Pocket Knife Double Plates in Snakewood with Damascus Blade

659

  • GBP: 561£

This remarkable Laguiole pocket knife showcases a handle shaped from dense snakewood, highly prized for its expressive grain and exceptional hardness. Each piece is polished to reveal rich colour variations and distinctive markings, ensuring no two handles are alike.

The Damascus blade, crafted by Balbach, displays mineral-like waves that flow through the steel’s cross-section. These patterns are created by centuries-old forge-welding techniques rather than superficial etching, guaranteeing authenticity and lasting strength. Hand-engraved double plates lend resilience and visual harmony, while polished bolsters enhance the refined profile.

Finished with the iconic forged bee, this knife is entirely handmade in France by an experienced craftsman. It is an elegant example of French cutlery tradition, destined to become an heirloom.

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In Stock - Estimated delivery date at your shipping address : 17 November 2025

The Damascus blade is crafted from multiple layers of stainless steel, expertly forge-welded and folded to create distinctive patterns that are never etched but emerge naturally within the metal itself. A true visual hallmark that perfectly complements the double liners and refined construction of this exceptional knife.

Laguiole Pocket Knife with Damascus Balbach Blade & Double Liners – Snakewood Handle

This Laguiole knife is meticulously handcrafted in the Aubrac region by dedicated artisans. The handle is carved from rare snakewood, valued for its remarkable density and distinctive scale-like grain. Polished to a satin finish, it showcases natural reddish hues and unique patterns that make each piece one of a kind.

  • Handle: 12 cm – snakewood, high-gloss polished.
  • Shepherd's cross inlaid on the left side of the handle.
  • Double liners, hand-guilloché with detailed filework.
  • Blade: 11 cm – Balbach stainless Damascus steel, forged pattern.
  • Forged bee and hand-engraved back spring.
  • Hand-assembled in the Laguiole en Aubrac workshop.
  • Includes cotton pouch and numbered certificate of authenticity.
  • Comes with a 14-page artisanal charter celebrating craftsmanship.
  • Lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects.

An exceptional knife combining rare tropical wood, traditional forging and French refinement — created for discerning collectors.

Please note that Damascus blade knives are individually unique. All photos are for illustrative purposes only and are not contractual. The bee decoration (chiselled or plain), the style of decorative motifs on the plates or double plates, as well as the grain, colour and natural markings of the handle, will vary from one piece to another. Each knife is truly one of a kind.

laguiole pocket knife double plates in snakewood with damascus blade

Harvested from rare tropical trees, this snakewood handle is renowned for its density and dramatic figure. The surface displays striking patterns reminiscent of reptile scales, ranging from warm reddish-brown to darker streaks that catch the light. Smooth and weighty, the handle offers a unique combination of elegance and substance.

The Balbach Damascus blade is forged from layered stainless steel, producing flowing, wave-like patterns that run through the entire blade. These intricate motifs are never etched but are formed by folding the steel over and over, a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship. Polished bolsters and the forged bee emblem add heritage and refinement.

Hand-guilloché double plates and detailed filework along the back spring provide strength and a touch of ornamentation. Entirely handmade in Laguiole en Aubrac by a skilled artisan, this knife is a tribute to enduring skill and the beauty of genuine materials.

snakewood scales

Snakewood

Snakewood is a remarkably dense tropical hardwood, selected from sections where the grain is at its most vibrant and compact. Naturally smooth and resilient, it displays striking patterns resembling reptile scales, with warm tones from golden brown to deep reddish hues. Every piece has a distinct identity.

Once polished, snakewood develops a subtle sheen that enhances its intricate grain and fine details. Small variations or natural markings are not imperfections but authentic traces of the wood’s origin — each handle telling its own story shaped by the forest.

In knife making, snakewood is valued for its beauty, weight, and balance in hand. Paired with Damascus steel, it creates a refined fusion of tradition, natural elegance, and individuality.

This video offers the opportunity to appreciate every aspect of this handcrafted Laguiole knife — from the unique grain of its handle to the intricate, forged Damascus patterns. Crafted entirely in France by Laguiole en Aubrac, it stands as a testament to superb workmanship and timeless design.

Damascus Blades: A Heritage of Craftsmanship and Modern Excellence

A Damascus blade is far more than a simple cutting tool — it embodies an ancient craft perfected over more than two millennia. First developed in ancient India and later refined throughout the Middle East, this technique involves layering steels with different properties, forge-welding them under intense heat, and repeatedly folding and hammering the metal. The outcome is a blade that combines strength, flexibility and remarkable sharpness. Its distinctive wave-like patterns, reminiscent of natural mineral formations, are forged into the steel itself, ensuring that each blade is entirely unique.

Historically, Damascus steel was susceptible to rust and needed frequent maintenance. Thanks to advances in metallurgy — particularly by forges such as Balbach in Germany — it is now possible to create stainless Damascus blades. These retain their captivating forged patterns while providing excellent resistance to everyday corrosion. Modern Damascus truly offers the best of both worlds: the noble tradition of hand-forging and the innovation of contemporary steel craftsmanship.

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