NEW XXL Vintage Gustav Emil Ern Chef's Wider Carbon Steel 15" Blade Knife - RAZOR SHARP - Made in Germany

MAMMOTH SIZE!!!

Forged and hand grinded knife
Overall Length: 21"
Blade Length: 15"
Blade Width: 2 11/16" at widest point
Weight: 1lb 3 oz
Handle: Walnut, Oiled, 3 Rivets
Material: Carbon Steel
Type: Extra Large Chef's Knife
Condition: New and unused, razor sharp.
Age: Made in 1950-1960s
Made in Solingen, Germany

Tthis is one of the most difficult carbon steel knives to find by ANY maker in ANY condition, and it's being offered here by one of Germany's most outstanding (though, sadly, now defunct) makers in beautifully preserved condition. You may have never heard of Gustav Emil Ern's knives before but in Germany and throughout the rest of Europe they were once among the best-known (and definitely one of the most expensive) brands of knives among professional chefs, butchers and others who value the finest cutlery. Sadly, they're also a company that is no longer existence, a casualty of changing economics that spelled the doom of companies worldwide who invested in the quality of their goods instead of in the marketing and distrubution that have kept companies like Wusthof and Henckels at the top of the market. They were made in Solingen, Germany and have a meat-cleaver stuck into a butcher's block as their logo, which can be found on the blade and stampings of this particular knife. If you value the finest vintage cutlery for your kitchen, do NOT let this one go.

With its LONG and wide blade, this is one of ANY skilled chef's most essential knives in the kitchen, and the finest example. Long and comparatively stiff, yet fully forged and rock solid in every way, it's so much more than a mere Chef's knife. If you've never used a carbon steel knife before, you're in for a treat.  Experienced chefs know that only a true carbon steel blade can consistently attain the razor-sharp edge that makes cooking a true pleasure (you must wipe the knife after every use to avoid stains and rusting, but will be richly rewarded with superior performance!). This knife is perfectly balanced and fully lives up to the outstanding reputation of all Gustav Emil Ern knives. It was made long ago in Solingen, Germany (1950's--60's), and is a superb representative of the company's ability to produce professional cutlery as good as any other--some of the finest knives ever produced for the kitchen.  It's never been easy to find carbon steel Ern knives in the USA, and it's getting harder all the time, though you'll certainly want to, since the blade is forged from pure virgin steel (as was the norm prior to 1987) rather than from recycled steel stock, as is the practice today.  The difference is real-I've had several contemporary knives SNAP in mid-use, but I've NEVER had a vintage one do it, and as a serious collector of vintage kitchen knives, I use the vintage ones in my own kitchen FAR more often.  A very slight amount of contaminant in recycled steel can be made quite evident under the stress of even normal usage.  This is an especially critical consideration in THIS knife, due to the fact that a flexible knife is often called upon to FLEX, putting pressure on the blade.

The knife also has design details that no longer exist in Wusthof, Henckels or any other German makers' wares.  Notice how the tang of the blade extends all the way through the handle, and the way the tang grows VERY thin as you get closer to the butt of the handle AND towards the tip (a feature called a "feathered tang")? Notice the extreme taper of the spearpoint tip. When you hold a knife like this it truly feels like an extension of your hand, not like something you're simply holding.  As the photos show, it's remarkably well-preserved, with full blade, undamaged ebony handle--good as new and ready to provide a lifetime of outstanding service.  It employs a German-style bolster between blade and handle, and comes in a truly majestic size, measuring 20" long with a 15" blade, which leans forward, toward the edge JUST a bit to give more leverage on each stroke. Here's your chance to pick up one of the best investments any chef or serious cook can make.  

Whether you're an amateur or professional chef, you know how important the finest cutlery is to your state of mind while cooking. Here's your chance to relax and let your hands take over with what you'll soon come to think of as an heirloom.