My friend Joe Brown tipped me to this just in time for last-minute gift-giving: These folders served as French army and Foreign Legion-issue pocket knives. And they still make great daily-carry knives now, some 70 years later. They meet all our standard requirements, too, including a standard drop-point blade and a nice thin profile, and checking in at under $25 total.
But what really turns us on about these is their durability. The blade snaps out of the steel case with a comforting snick, reassuring you that jamming the point into a recalcitrant cardboard box isn’t a problem at all. And even better, the Douk-Douk is much thinner than it looks — about the same thickness as three stacked credit cards — which means it’s comfortable pocket-fodder for the office or shop.
The small version’s blade is just 2-1/2″ long, and runs $19. The 3-1/8″ large is just $23. This would make a killer stocking stuffer — especially if the stocking is for me.
The French “Douk-Douk” Knife [Garrett Wade]
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10 Responses to French Douk-Douk: Fancy Simplicity
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I’m an ignoramus when it comes to knives, so someone explain: what’s the purpose/benefit of the drop-point blade over, say, a standard Swiss Army-style blade?
cl
I used to have a knife very similar to that, the blade was different, but the handle was almost exactly the same. It was decent, but I didn’t care for the really thin handle. It was nice in the pocket, but less so in the hand.
I’ve always wanted one of these. If for no other reason than to add to my collection.
And that is more of a ‘clip point’ blade. Purpose? It has a slightly more pointed tip but I think it’s mostly looks.
Re:
Chris Says:
what’s the purpose/benefit of the drop-point blade
——–
The clipped point has a finer tip for more delicate work. This is usually found on larger knives, like hunting or Bowie knives, rather than pocket knives.
When working in wood, I like a nice clip point, it makes it easier to turn corners when whittling. When working in deer, I like a nice drop point, less likely to snag the guts when dressing. When working in people, I like a nice centered tip that won’t break off. Uhh, just ignore that last part.
It has a real “Ubu Roi” look to it. Neat.
I’m kind of curious about one thing: are you sure about these being French army and Foreign Legion-issue pocket knives?
yep these really were and are French issue knives.
Will, I wish you’d give some more information on that.
I always thought the Opinel was the knife of the French foreign Legion. That I have read about and have seen photos.