Village Blacksmith Washington Cutlery Co. 12.75" Chef Carbon Steel Walnut 1920s-30s

Hand forged after drop forged 12" carbon steel chef knife made under the Village Blacksmith brand by Washington cutlery in Watertown Wisconsin.

This knife has a thin hand ground blade with a narrow bolster and a large handle, like many old 12" chef knives, it is more nimble and lighter than it looks. This one was found in great shape with an old patina but no active rust at all, with the light acid etch on the blade intact (this would be easy to lose if rusted or buffed over), it has been left as found minus a fresh edge (it has hardly been sharpened) and a little oil. A rare find from this great old maker.

The Village Blacksmith line for chef's butchers and home cooks was made by Washington Cutlery Co. between 1898 and the 1940s. Washington Cutlery Co. also contracted pocket knives in Watertown. Under the Village Blacksmith name made a number of knives for chefs, butchers and home cooks. Washington Cutlery contracted with the US government during WW2 to make a heavy round tipped bolo knife for Hospital Corps medics to cut saplings for stretchers. 

Village Blacksmith made high quality knives, most made in standard American patterns of the day, though they did make an unusual carving/utility knife based off of an old German pattern most likely due to Germans being the largest immigrant group in Wisconsin by the early 20th century.