FINE Antique Sheffield Shear Carbon Steel Paring/Sm. Chef Knife withBone Scrimshaw

PLEASE NOTE: We take our photos in natural light outdoors and as a result there are sometimes reflections or shadows or glare shown in the blades. In person none of these exist; we will say so in the description if it may be otherwise. Please read our Terms below for details. With exotic beauty and maximum functional quality, this is simply one of the finest--and oldest--knives of its kind we've yet been able to offer. We didn't think so.

Stamped only "SHEAR STEEL, " we date it to the period of 1830's-1850's, as evidenced by its scrimshawed bone handles and by the old-style stamping used on its blade. GRAVES, a noted British maker from Sheffield of this period and there is a strong chance this is one of their knives, too--probably an older one. In terms of craftsmanship, condition, materials and utility, it is superb and should exceed the requirements of even the most delusional chef. It comes hand-forged with an integral blade/bolster/tang, with a very unusual but useful offset blade profile. It possesses the kind of superior steel that made Sheffield famous and I think there is literally nothing it can't do well in even the most demanding kitchen.

Even more than its beauty and condition, the most remarkable thing about the piece, by far, is its performance in the kitchen. It is a VERY remarkable knife, indeed, waferizing anything you'll put in its way. Measuring 10.5" in length with a RAZOR sharp 6-3/8" blade, it's most obvious applications would be slicing, chopping, dicing, mincing, peeling, paring and other utility work, and for filleting fish, it will truly excel. Best of all, this exceptional knife was recently given an EXTREMELY sharp professional edge and must be treated with extreme care or will land a careless user in the ER needing stitches.

In the old days, many classically trained French chefs didn't consider a knife fit for professional use until it received its first "working" edge upon receipt from the factory. Sushi chefs continue this tradition with their rituals of water stones and the resulting keen of their blades is virtually alien to casual (and to many professional) users of Western indoctrination. This knife comes pretty close to just that kind of sharpness and you'll have no trouble finding a myriad of uses for it.

You know how difficult it is to come by fine, smaller chef knives in carbon steel, since most knowing chefs won't part with theirs until they're dead of the knife is worn out. Do your kitchen arsenal a favor and don't pass on this heirloom-quality little gem. Also will make an exceptional gift for any hard-to-shop-for chef on your list! Our store's inventory is searchable using the search field or may be browsed by clicking on categories, with each option found on the left side of the store's homepage.

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If you dislike this or find this unfair, PLEASE shop elsewhere; we only want happy customers and it's our feeling that no one should be able to claim dissatisfaction with this policy, since we're stating it up front. It's not an attempt to profit, simply the only way my elderly bones can continue to offer so many items. WE SELF-INSURE using our business policy. I will gladly send you the forms necessary to file. Late, so again, we ask you in advance to please forgive our humanity.

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IMPORTANT: After TWELVE YEARS of doing everything we could to hold the line on int'l. If you're not in total agreement with us here or disagree for any reason, again, we can only urge you to PLEASE shop elsewhere. We'd like to sell'em cheaper..

The seller is "ralph1396" and is located in Los Angeles, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom