About Laurent Gaillard..."My approach to the knife is simple and rational. Initially passionate about the knife as a utilitarian and functional object.
But these two criteria should not overshadow its aesthetics. It is its use in its environment that is the starting point for my passion. Whether hunting, hiking, cooking or during a simple meal, the knife reveals its personality and effectiveness. And I think that, like many cutlers, it is to create effective and aesthetic knives that I tried the adventure of artisanal cutlery. Each craftsman or artist in this professional category has his own vision of the knife and mine is close to Nature.
I would not conceive of giving birth to knives anywhere other than in a place that lent itself to this vision. My workshop is therefore established in an old barn from the early fifties. Entirely made of local wood, Landes pine, this building contributes to my inspiration.
The geographical isolation of the workshop adds a certain serenity to the creation. My knives are not works of art, but they reflect my personality and my idea of what a faithful tool can be."
This is Laurent Gaillard's interpretation of the classic French Opinel. This is his Opinel No. 09. He refers to it as an "Opigaillard". It is a limited custom collectible, of which, at the time, only three (3) were made. This example was the second. Laurent's Opinels were made with the permission of the Opinel Company. The handle is a solid piece of natural Sambar Stag - an outstanding example and hard to find. The drop point blade is hand-forged XC75 steel, done in a "brut de forge" style. It is marked "L. GAILLARD" in the "rough" area of the blade. The burnished ferrule (ring), which is twisted to lock and unlock the blade, is marked "No. 09" and "MADE IN FRANCE".
Included with the knife is beautiful custom tooled leather pouch sheath made by Chantal Trocmé, a French leather artisan, who among other things, makes knife cases and sheaths. It appears to be lined with ostrich, but I cannot confirm that. The knife will also include a padded, zippered case.
The knife was previously owned by the one, and only original collector. It is in new condition. The blade is unused, and the stag is perfect. It locks tight with the ring, and the blade sits center in the stag when closed.
Condition: Previously owned. Excellent.
Never used, carried or sharpened.
- Overall length: 7 3/4"
- Blade length: 3 1/2"
- Handle length: 4 1/4"
