Laguiole en Aubrac Balbach Damascus Double-Plated Knife – Aubrac Wood

Experience the exceptional craftsmanship of the Laguiole en Aubrac Double-Plated Folding Knife, a masterpiece handmade in France by skilled artisans. Celebrated for its refined elegance, structural strength, and meticulous hand-finishing, this luxury pocket knife represents the finest traditions of French cutlery.

The term double-plated refers to the knife's distinctive construction, where two stainless steel plates reinforce the spring. This design not only enhances durability but also provides an unmistakable aesthetic. Each pair of plates is individually hand-carved by master cutlers, transforming every knife into a unique work of functional art.

The forged bee and spring are crafted from a single piece of stainless steel and finished entirely by hand, a hallmark of authentic Laguiole en Aubrac knives. The decorative hand-carved plates add another level of sophistication, making this knife highly sought after by collectors and discerning enthusiasts alike.

Balbach Damast Damascus

Blade designed and manufactured by master German Blacksmith Markus Balbach.  His damascus blades are globally renowned for its patented DSC® (Damascus SuperClean) process, which eliminates impurities and seam lines to create incredibly durable and precisely patterned steel.

Whether carried as an everyday companion, displayed in a collection, or presented as a meaningful gift, this Laguiole en Aubrac folding knife embodies generations of French craftsmanship and timeless design.

Aubrac Wood: A Piece of the Laguiole Homeland

Aubrac wood is wood sourced from the Aubrac plateau, the same high, windswept region of southern France where the Laguiole knife was born. Carrying it means holding a piece of the landscape that gave this knife its name.

This handle is especially dramatic. Rich honey and amber tones deepen into pools of toffee and chestnut brown, set against flashes of pale cream. Bold black lines run through the grain like brushstrokes of ink, outlining swirls and islands of color. On one face, a dark, flowing figure runs the length of the handle, with the traditional shepherd’s cross of pins set right at its center. The other face is lighter and more open, with a large amber figure ringed in black rising toward the bolster. Because every piece of wood is different, no two handles are ever alike.

Each scale is hand-selected, shaped, and fitted at the Laguiole en Aubrac workshop. Framed by satin-finish bolsters and the hand-filed double plates, cut in a flowing wave pattern around a central leaf motif, the warm wood and the black-and-silver Damascus make a striking pairing of nature and steel.

Features

• Balbach roll damascus blade made of carbon with 160 layers, great contrast and high hardening 61-63 HR
• Double-plated construction with intricate hand-filed plates
• Aubrac wood handle: wood from the Laguiole homeland, with honey, amber, and chestnut tones traced by bold black grain lines, making every piece one-of-a-kind. Each scale is hand-fitted at the Laguiole en Aubrac workshop and set with the traditional shepherd’s cross.
• Brushed stainless steel bolsters and spine
• Traditional shepherd’s cross inlaid in the handle
• Traditional forged bee and spring from a single piece of stainless steel
• Blade length: 4 in (10 cm)
• Cutting edge (bolster to tip): 4.75 in (12 cm)
• Net weight: 3.70 oz (105 gr)
• Certificate of Authenticity included
• Made in Espalion, France, within the historic Laguiole region