Assorted BC Historically Inaccurate J A Henckels 5-5.5" Paring Knives Carbon Steel Cow Bone Handle Solingen, Germany

Assorted late 19th or early 20th century J A Henckels carbon steel, bone and nickel table knife re-ground into an office /  paring knife, average 5” blade.

These have the old Henckels mark with thin and wide twins, and lack "Germany" on the blade indicating that these were either made pre-1891 for export to the US, or pre or post 1891 for the European market. These have a forged carbon steel blade, very German shaped flared nickel ferrule and a (cow) bone handle. 

A quick word from Josh Donald about these:

From time to time, I have found vintage paring knives ground from antique carbon steel table knives. While they had an appeal (it's super hard to find old paring knives), there was something that I couldn’t get past. They are historically inaccurate, bordering on fakes if sold as "(fill in name of old maker here) paring knife".

I resisted the temptation to make them despite seeing the possibility of great little knives; however, after using one in my personal kitchen that came in through an antique collection, I conceded that its a great re-purposing of an old knife. It's far more useful to most people than a carbon steel table knife, which let's be honest, got their clocks cleaned with the invention of stainless steel.

For over a hundred years, the necessity of using a table knife that would rust or interfere with the flavors of food has not been a concern. While most early stainless steels underperformed compared to carbon steel in terms of edge retention and cutting ability, they were significantly easier to use and maintain. Carbon steel table knives bit the dust in the 1920s, and it’s not surprising that by the 1950s a separate knife for cutting meat had become a regular part of Western tableware. Newer stainless steel table knives often sucked at cutting meat, but back when carbon steel was the norm these were super uncommon.

Anyway, with the addition of a laser to our workshop and the ability to provide the mark “historically inaccurate” to re-purposed antique table knives, I feel confident about starting to make these here, given the vast trove of often unloved antique table knives.

These are great for all those little jobs that a larger knife is less suited for and a great addition to a knife kit. They look damn fine on a charcuterie board for guests, and you'll have an answer for when they ask you why the knife says "historically inaccurate".

Please note, online orders of assorted knives are chosen at random. We cannot accommodate special requests or requests for specific items. We will not be able to provide extra photos. Each order receives 1 item.

Sold as is. No returns or exchanges.

"...you gotta as yourself one question." - Harry Callahan