Queue de Poisson
The QUEUE-DE-POISSON [kø də pwa.sɔ̃], in English fishtail, is a slim pocket knife whose origins are in western and north-western France. Its handle clearly refers to the ermine tail in the ... know more
The QUEUE-DE-POISSON [kø də pwa.sɔ̃], in English fishtail, is a slim pocket knife whose origins are in western and north-western France. Its handle clearly refers to the ermine tail in the Breton coat of arms and it is said that it was also occasionally made with a third central point. In 19th century it was produced by the Lacroix cutlery and was highly appreciated for its elegant shape and versatile blade. It was never suitable for rough work in a farmers' environment. It was more popular with the bourgeoisie, for whom it was also made with precious handle materials such as bone, ivory or tortoise shell. Women always preferred it because the slim knife easily fits into their handbags.
When the Lacroix cutlery closed down, the atelier and its tools were sold to the famous knife manufacturer Pradel in Thiers. When Pradel closed its atelier, the Coupérier-Coursolle cutlery took over the brand and has since been producing it with the original carbon steel parts and, more recently, with precious handle materials.
Copyright 2023 © PassionFrance®