Landers Frary & Clark Universal 9.5" Chef Knife Carbon Steel Nogent / Cuisine Massif New Britain Ct 1909-1950 *LEAD WARNING*

Very uncommon Nogent / cuisine Massif style chef knife from LF&C of New Britain, CT. Made in the French style with a forged carbon steel blade, mild steel or iron ferrule, and one-piece wood (fruitwood?) handle.

This knife represents the massive influence of French cuisine on professional cutlery during this time period, which far outpaces the actual production numbers of knives made in France. At this time, every knife-making region in the West offered French-style knives in thier catalog for professional chefs, even as regional styles persisted. 

Not only are French-style LF&C less common, but small knives like this rarely survive being used up or lost. 

This knife had been sharpened enough to warrant a bit of thinning on the face of the blade; it is thin behind the edge but with a good amount of convexity keeping it from being super thin. Handle has a crack, but is otherwise stable. 

9.5" blade, 1.5" wide at heel 14.5" overall length 

Note: This knife's handle has been set with lead, which is visible at the butt. It is recommended that this knife not be used with food and be purchased only as a historical artifact.