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Help in identifying an old knife

post #1 of 6
2/14/11 at 10:19am
Thread Starter 

I have an old 13" chef knife that was passed on to me by my father. It was used professionally during the 1950's and 1960's. It is carbon steel with a wood handle, fully forged with the only identifier being a engraved chef wearing a toque and a smile.

 

Any help in identifying this gem would be  appreciated.

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post #2 of 6
2/15/11 at 8:23am

Picture.

 

BDL

 

What were we talking about?
 
http://www.cookfoodgood.com
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post #3 of 6
2/15/11 at 9:11am
Thread Starter 

IMG_0141.JPGIMG_0142.JPGIMG_0143.JPG

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post #4 of 6
2/15/11 at 1:11pm
Thread Starter 

picture attached in previous post.

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post #5 of 6
2/15/11 at 6:46pm

Sorry, can't help you.  The knife could be French, German, or possibly even American.  If I'm not mistaken the petit chef marque is OEM put there by the manufacturer for the importer or retailer. 

 

The profile has been altered and the belly flattened by sharpening over the years.  I could probably tell you if the knife is French or German if I had it in my hands -- French knives tend to be thinner and lighter -- but not from the picture.  The handle and finger-guard/bolster are of a style common throughout the twentieth century -- at least up to the mid sixties -- so I can't even give you a good idea of the date of manufacture. 

 

What's left of the profile looks more French than German (or American), so if you held a gun to my head and made me guess, I'd lean towards one of the Sabatiers as manufacturer, martinet forging, with the knife intended for the North American market.   I kinda sorta think I might kinda sorta vaguely remember the "petit chef" marque as belonging to a large retailer.  But that's all very speculative -- I certainly wouldn't lay money on it.

 

BDL

 

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http://www.cookfoodgood.com
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post #6 of 6
2/16/11 at 6:29am
Thread Starter 

BDL,

 

Thank you.

 

Your insight and understanding of knives is to me, a treasure.  I have learned a great deal reading your posts and would like to express my appreciation.

 

It is not often in these time that one encounters an individual who is so willing to share knowledge and passion so freely as you.

 

I suspect you are correct about the knife origins being French, up close it is similar in design (bolster in particular) to a Canadian Sabatier.  It is light for its size - and still performs with amazing ease and grace.

 

Best regards,

 

Ken

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