Comments on: Auriou, French Rasp Maker Since 1856, Closes Its Doors

By: Earl Harding

Earl Harding — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:38:27 +0000

Mr Penn,

Having lived in France for 5 years I can assure you that the labor laws in France are insane and result in very high unemployment in the under 30 age bracket.

The economy is stagnant and investment in industry is very low. Did you read the press release and notice that the workers got 2 years pay when the company went under?

I’d suggest that you move to France for a few years ahnd get some first hand experience like I did and speak from experience, not innuendo.

Earl.

By: R. Penn

R. Penn — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:57:20 +0000

I just wish to add, at this late date, that I, for one, fully support the workers, after all, it was the workers that made the rasps, not the management. It’s easy to blame people who actually want a life beyond their work & then hire "Eastern European" workers who will work for a pittance. Then all of us woodworking artistes can have our gorgeous rasps. But, at what expense?

By: Jim Linn

Jim Linn — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:17:34 +0000

Chris,

Michel should move to the UK and open up with Eastern European immigrants. I’m serious. They are proving to be the hardest workers we have and would certainly welcome overtime. It would also stick two fingers up to the French. I’m not sure but I think it’s the law that the British do that at every opportunity. (that last bit wasn’t serious)

Jim

By: Tom Scott

Tom Scott — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:03:52 +0000

Hey Chris,

I notice that the LN website now says that Auriou is "temporarily" out of business, and that they are no longer taking web orders.

"Temporarily"?

Is there something they know that the rest of us don’t?

Tom

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:30:44 +0000

I have two of Michel’s rasps and they are wonderful. One can only hope that he will start a new company soon, or that someone like Tom Lie-Nielsen will invite him to join his company and continue production.
-Andy

By: Christopher Fitch

Christopher Fitch — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:44:32 +0000

Quite sad…I have 3 of them…not sure what other’s to buy.

By: Elo

Elo — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:51:10 +0000

Thanks Chris!

I ordered two rasps from Lee Valley. Stock is not going to last long.