Baladeo Laguiole Knife - Juniper Handle

Don't own this one myself, just tried to open a bottle with one that a friend bought a while back. Worked ok, but corkscrew was loose, and overall it just looked flimsy compared to a original French Laguiole. Owner opened a second bottle a bit later and this time the corkscrew broke, only glad it wasn't me and that we had a swiss army knife as backup with us. I guess it's ok for occasional use or just display (if you are into fakes ;) ), but wouldn't rely on it. List price is an total joke, knowing that you can get a real Laguiole for it.

a thing of beauty, made to last, of grate quality - to use day to day, but in the mark of special occasions - and could be passed on to future generations.

This beauty is as nice as one a bought my son years ago for 130.00(except it doesn't come in a nice wooden box) [*]. I plan to buy more for gifts if they're offerred again

Unfortunately Laguiole is the name of a town in France, not a protectable trademark, so fab houses in China are free to make these passable fakes. This corkscrew is better than some 15-20 dol waiters corkscrews, but fit, finish, and smoothness don't come close to my two French ones that have very strong forged screws. Good for leaving out on the counter in a big party when I might worry a bit about the others being abused or disappearing. Just don't expect it to never break or to have the great feel and look up close of a real Laguiole.My fake is only a year old, while the real two (rosewood and green stained cypress) are more than fifteen. This fake is still okay, but only used during parties. If you choose this fake, still get your hands on a French Laguiole sometime to play, the action and finish is so much more refined, though costlier.

This corkscrew is uniquely unable to accomplish the purpose intended. Designed for appearance but not functionality. It does not easly open a bottle of wine, slipping of the rim of the bottle. A disgrace to Laguiole. Buy a $10 plastic corkscrew instead. [...]