Compare Laguiole en Aubrac Champagne Sabers
Every Laguiole en Aubrac champagne saber is made in Espalion, in the historic Laguiole area of the Aubrac, by the workshop founded there in 1992. All six share one blade: 10.6 inches (265 mm) of mirror-polished 12C27 stainless steel, deliberately left unsharpened, because sabrage works by striking the lip of the bottle with the back of the blade, not by cutting. The saber measures 16.2 inches (405 mm) overall and weighs 10.5 oz (298 g). What changes from saber to saber is the handle. This guide puts them side by side so you can choose by look and by how the saber will be used.
Compare the sabers
| Handle | What it looks like | Feel and care | Blade | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood handles | |||||
| Olivewood | Warm honey tones with dark, swirling grain; every handle is different | Dense and oily; the most forgiving of humidity | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $269.95 | A first saber, or a gift that will be used outdoors |
| Juniper | Pale, creamy wood with a darker heart | Light in the hand, with the faint scent of the Aubrac | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $269.95 | A lighter, brighter look |
| Ziricote | Dark brown wood with black, spider-web figuring | A hard exotic wood; oil it once or twice a year | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $269.95 | The most unusual wood in the range |
| Horn handles | |||||
| Buffalo horn | Deep black, polished to a gloss | Smooth and cool; dislikes heat and very dry air | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $279.95 | A formal, classic look for weddings and celebrations |
| Solid horn | Translucent cream and amber tones with darker streaks | The most traditional Laguiole material; oil it occasionally | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $299.95 | Traditionalists |
| Sheep horn | Natural horn with visible growth lines | Spring polished inside and forged in one piece with the bee | 10.6" 12C27, mirror finish | $299.95 | The most finely finished saber in the range |
Every saber comes in a French wooden gift box with a certificate of authenticity. Use the buttons above to show only wood or horn handles. Swipe the table sideways on a phone.
Wood or horn?
Wood handles
Choose it if: the saber will travel to parties, boats and gardens; wood copes best with changes in temperature and humidity.
Think twice if: you want the glossy black or translucent look of horn.
Horn handles
Choose it if: you want the most traditional Laguiole material and a saber that looks formal on a table or in a display.
Think twice if: it will be stored somewhere hot or very dry; horn needs a drop of oil now and then.
How sabrage works
Chill the bottle well, to about 45°F (7°C), so the pressure is even. Remove the foil and the wire cage, find the seam that runs up the side of the bottle and hold the bottle at roughly 30 to 45 degrees, pointed away from people. Lay the back of the blade flat on the bottle, slide it firmly along the seam and follow through against the lip. The collar and cork break away cleanly. Never point the bottle at anyone, and never use a warm bottle.
Caring for your saber
Wipe the blade after use and dry it; never put it in the dishwasher, which dries out wood and cracks horn. A light wipe of mineral oil on the handle once or twice a year keeps it from drying out. Store the saber in its wooden box. Full instructions are on our care and tips page.
Questions
Is the blade sharp?
No. The blade is left unsharpened on purpose. Sabrage relies on a firm strike of the back of the blade against the lip of the bottle, not on cutting.
Do the sabers differ apart from the handle?
No. All six use the same 10.6-inch (265 mm) mirror-finish 12C27 stainless steel blade, are 16.2 inches (405 mm) long overall and weigh 10.5 oz (298 g).
Which handle is easiest to look after?
Olivewood. It is dense and naturally oily, so it handles humidity well. Horn handles need an occasional drop of oil.
Where are Laguiole en Aubrac champagne sabers made?
In Espalion, Aveyron, in the historic Laguiole area of the Aubrac in France, by Laguiole en Aubrac, founded in 1992.
What comes in the box?
The saber, a French wooden gift box and a certificate of authenticity.
What does the warranty cover?
A lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. It does not cover misuse or dishwasher damage.
Shop all Laguiole en Aubrac champagne sabers · Pair it with a sommelier corkscrew.