LAGUIOLE THE MOST FAMOUS FRENCH KNIFE Made in France since 19 th century

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Eric Nicholson
6 years ago
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1 LAGUIOLE THE MOST FAMOUS FRENCH KNIFE Made in France since 19 th century France has a long tradition of knife manufacturing and the Laguiole knife is the most famous of all. The first Laguiole Knife was made by a farmer in 1829, in the small village of Laguiole in the Aveyron region of France. Laguiole is not a brand name and therefore doesn t belong to 1 specific company, which is why you can find Laguiole style cutlery made in different countries (legally), across a range of prices and quality points. The top of the knife had a small triangular relief with the carving of a bee. The bee has become the signature of the Laguiole knife and is present on every contemporary model. The symbol of the bee is famously known to have been passed on to the village of Laguiole by Napoleon himself, to signify his approval and recommendation of their knives after he was delivered one as a gift. There are two main sites of production, the city of Thiers, the French cutlery capital situated in Massif Central- where more than 30 companies produce Laguiole knives (craftsmen and industrials) and the village of Laguiole in Aveyron, with a few craftsmen. Since 1999, Provence imports has been exclusively importing Laguiole from Coutellerie Neron (3d generation manufacturer based outside Thiers City), considered one of the best knife manufacturers in France. The laguiole cutlery, made from high grade stainless steel, is stamped, ground and then polished. Each item includes an authenticity certificate and is dishwasher safe. The Neron Laguiole cutlery brings a touch of sophistication and style to your table. Each handle features the trademark "bee", stainless steel bolsters, five-rivet construction and Abs plastic for extra durability and maintenance free use. Blades are made of high grade stainless steel, stamped, ground and polished. Then micro serrated to give a sharp cutting edge. In recent years, some laguiole knives made in china have been seen in europe, america and australasia; quality and style are very mediocre. Beware of poor quality imitations from Asia available in some chain stores, your customers deserve the best

2 La Rochere Founded in 1475, La Rochere is the oldest glass factory still in production today in Europe. La Rochere glassware is made at very high temperatures and is famous for it's uniquely clear glass, elegant style and sturdiness. Products are obtained by melting at high temperature around 1450 degrees Celsius, a mixture of sand, soda, and lime to create glass. Various other elements are added to refine and improve brilliance to create heavyduty glassware (safe in the dishwasher or microwave) that's perfect for every day. La Rochere collections are timeless classic and include the iconic Napoleonic bee (inspired by a set of glassware owned by Napoleon during his reign as King of France), the Dragonfly, Lyon ( this design dates back to the middle ages from Lyon,a major silk trading centre in France; the drapers each had wine goblets that they used to hang from their waist with this tear drop design), Perigord, Lys, Versailles, Artois and more designs. Beware of poor quality imitations from Asia, your customers deserve the best Lothantique made in Provence since 1920 Lothantique story began in the 1920 s in the Provencal village of Chateauneuf Saint Donat; it has been run by the same family for 3 generations; the brand is nowadays renowned worldwide. It is from the natural treasures of Provence that Lothantique draws all the richness of its amazing products;this love of nature has built the unique identity of Lothantique. Products made in France, mostly in Provence Selected ingredients Cosmetic products formulated with no parabens, phenoxyethanol, PEG, mineral oils, silicone, etc. Finished product not tested on animals Fragrances specially created for us by our perfumers in Grasse and created to ensure the lowest presence of allergens Environmentally sensitive approach: all packaging can be recycled, recycled paper used, local suppliers preference for minimise carbon footprint, etc.

3 Liquid soap: 95% biodegradable vegetable formula Soap: Marseille soap enriched with shea butter Shower gel: soft foaming agent from vegetable origin Hand cream: cream enriched with 20% of organic shea butter Room spray: highly concentrated in perfume for high quality diffusion. A few sprays are enough to scent your home. Perfumed candle: perfumed wax, for a slow and continuous diffusion Fragrance diffuser: 85 degres formula; the fragrance seeps up through the wooden sticks for a continuous diffusion Pillow mist: 50 solution for safe application on textile Fragrances Lothantique black line: the fragrance is made of combined notes musk, rosewood, mandarin Lothantique white Elisa: the fragrance is made of combined notes jasmine, musk, citrus Lothantique Grey: the fragrance is made of combined notes jasmine, lilac, rose Lothantique Lili flowers: the fragrance is made of combined notes hibiscus, jasmine, lily of the valley Lothantique Maison line Japan flower: the fragrance is made of combined notes cherry flower, musk, mandarin Lothantique Maison line cotton flower: the fragrance is made of combined notes rose, musk Lothantique marseille soaps: made with olive oil from Provence & enriched with shea butter Amelie white: the fragrance is made of combined notes musk, jasmine, lily of the valley Amelie Heart: the fragrance is made of combined notes vanilla, musk, rose Amelie sea: the fragrance is made of combined notes water lily, bergamot, white musk

4 SAVON DE MARSEILLE MARSEILLE SOAP extra pure The fabrication of Savon de Marseille is thought to have started around 1230 in a small workshop in Marseille (south of France). The soaps formula was constantly improved until 1688 when, Colbert, Louis the 14th s minister, imposed, by decree, very strict rules regarding the fabrication of the soap. The fabrication has 4 stages:. Saponification or paste producing Vegetable oils (or olive oils) and sodium carbonate (often called soda) are mixed together in cauldron which can contain 20 tons of raw materials. Under the action of soda and heat, the oils gradually become soap paste. This chemical reaction is the saponification or paste production. The soap paste is rinsed several times with salt water to remove the remaining soda. The cooking of the soap in a cauldron The soap mixture is cooked for 10 days, at a temperature around 120 C; during this stage, the excess water and impure elements are eliminated. Washing the mixture to get rid of any impurity The mixture is rinsed with pure water: it is this final procedure that awards the name extra pure to Marseille soap. Liquidification of the soap The mixture is poured while hot into large recipients and dried for 48 hours in sunshine and fresh air, allowing for evaporation and solidification

5 Once dry, the soap is cut, in the moulds, into 35 kilo blocks by a wheeloperated blade. These blocks are then cut up in a machine producing 2.5 kilos, I kilo, 600g, 500g and 400g blocks. The white film that you can see on the external surface of the Marseille soap (called "le masque", the mask), is a sign of purity and authenticity. It's due to the natural reaction of the salt contained in the soap with the outside air; when the soap dries the mask comes through and gives the soap its aged and antique look. The mask disappeared after the 1st use of the soap (once in contact with water). Knowledge of the ingredients and different stages is not enough; only the secret know-how passed down for generations can guarantee successful soap making. Le Serail & La Corvette are the only traditional Marseille soap manufacturers still in activity in Marseille. All other manufacturers are industrial factories who don t follow the authentic manufacturing process; the quality of their soaps can be inferior. It takes 14 days to produce the genuine Marseilles soap Extra pur. It must contain 72 % of oil, percentage which is stamped on every cube of soap. Natural and effective: Marseilles soap is more and more recommended by doctors as an alternative to other modern products which can cause skin problems. Respectful of the environment: Marseilles soap does not pollute. It is 100% biodegradable (no artificial colouring). As a natural product, it contributes to the protection of nature. Gentle: Recommended for all skin types and also recommended to wash clothes, silk, lace and baby clothes. Not tested on animals: research and quality controls do not require animal testing. Economical: Marseilles soap lasts up to twice as long as ordinary soap, and is perfumed in the mass. Its longevity makes it an economical product

6 Marseille black liquid soap: A very effective natural cleaner for the whole house, ecological and economical, it can easily replace about a dozen other specific household cleaning products. Made from vegetable oil, linsee oil, solvent-free and with no artificial colouring La Corvette lavender black soap is biodegradable and safe for the environment. Its highly concentrated formula means that only a little goes a really long way; it needs to be diluted with water To use around the house and in the kitchen: La Corvette liquid black soap Lavender with linseed oil is made solvent-free, with no artificial colouring, according to tradition and cooked in cauldron; it is biodegradable and safe for the environment. La Corvette lavender black soap is a very effective natural cleaner for the whole house, ecological and economical; It degreases and removes, feeds and cleans in depth all types of surfaces: floor, terra-cotta, stone floor, wall, toilet, ceramic...

THE LEADING MARSEILLE SOAP SINCE 1894

w w w. l a - c o r v e t t e. c o m Photo for information Savonnerie du Midi, belongs to Compagnie du Midi 72, rue Augustin Roux 13015 Marseille Tél : +33 (0)4 91 60 54 04 THE LEADING MARSEILLE SOAP SINCE