J A Henckels 102-10" Chef Knife Transitional Carbon Steel Walnut 1960s

J. A. Henckels 10” chef knife made near the end of their production of solid wood-handled carbon steel knives. One style of manufacture followed this one, with a wider bolster, from the mid-60s to the early 70s. This is most likely early to mid-1960s, possibly 1950s. This knife was hand-ground after drop-forging but does not appear to have been hand-forged, as older ones are. The blade is thinner than 70s and later production, and the face grind is hand-ground, as shown by the convex face, especially at the bolster.

This knife has been sharpened very little and did not need thinning; the handle shows use but has no damage or issues. 

The blade has fine, tiny pits consistent with a heavy patina. A nice example of mid-century transitional Solingen production.