When I started to make knives in 1988, my trade as a precision machinist
facilitated me much the task of manufacture. It allowed me to concentrate
on the drawings and drafts of my future knife. Quickly I found what today
identifies me at first glance: My line, my style. The only problem I came
up against was the finish, which did not satisfy me; so I asked Steve
Johnson, celebrated American knifemaker, to help me improve during a week
long visit at his place.
Regarding the inserts, I make an interframe that can be divided into two
parts to give freedom to my desire or to that of my customer. Any materials
can be inserted in these spaces, wood, ivory, mother-of-pearl, coral,
etc.. When the interframe is located on the backside, the front side of
the handle is very interesting for a beautiful engraving. See for example
the Bennica-Torcoli or Bennica-Fracassi knives. The lock by butt cap is
unique and requires much precision and care at the assembly (as shown
on a other folder on the up-side picture).
Unlock by butt cap
My knives are always of quality, with simple lines but complex to realize. Perfectionist, I push very far the tolerances and during all the manufacture, the parts must reach very strict criteria of dimension, finish and hardness. I have in my workshop traditional machines, lathe, milling machine, pantograph, drill press, grinder, a furnace for the thermal processing and a lot of files and sand paper. When I created my folding knife in 1991, I wanted to reach two goals: the knife should have the same line that my straight knives and it should bring an innovation in regards to the lock. I believe to have made a success of this bet, because often at a show the visitors do not make the difference between a straight and a folding knife. And they are surprised and filled with enthusiasm when I unlock a folding knife to close it.
All my knives are delivered with a leather case entirely hand made by
my wife Chantal
(photo on the left side)
During all manufacture the parts are controlled one by one to give a running clearance of 0.02. The smoothness of the action is due to some interior innovations, which at the same time helped me eliminate the "play" of the blade. For these reasons I put approximately 60 hours to make a folding knife!
For the "Laguiole" and the "Thiers" two traditional French knives, I use another closing system; a pushbutton with very small parts which increase the difficulty of the assembly. For the Liner, I also use an interframe with a liner held by screws; that enables me to temper it and to set it on the blade with facility and precision. My straight knives are made with as much care, the blade fitted and not welded to the guard and with an inimitable feeling.
For my integral knife too I wanted to bring a small innovation by making it with an interframe, while keeping a fluid line and a pleasant touch. For the steels, many tests allowed me to choose sintered ATS 34. For the Damascus I have chosen talented blacksmiths like Conny Persson (Sweden), Hanck Knickmeyer (USA), Henri Viallon (France) and more recently Alberto Mlack (Italy). For the handles any materials, wood, ivory, mother-of-pearl, stone, gold, coral, etc… attract me.