The knife in the middle is the most common knife blade in use today. It's often called the "modern hollow knife" and may be available in three or more sizes for a particular pattern (e.g., "Luncheon", "Place", "Dinner", etc.).
The knife on the bottom has a French blade. It also may available in three or more sizes. This blade shape is older. French blade knives:
- Are not steak knives
- Are not necessarily sharper that other knives
- Simply have a different shape blade
Most of the time, a set of sterling flatware will include either modern hollow knives or French blade knives but not both. Some people own sets with both shapes included but it's not very common. It's a matter of preference for one shape or the other. Or, it might be that a person inherited a set with a particular blade shape and they have stuck with it.
If you are starting a brand new set, select one blade shape or the other. If you have no preference, we recommend you select the modern blade.
If you are adding to an existing set, the decision may have been made for you.
If you are buying knives as a gift for someone, investigate a bit to determine the proper blade shape and length so you will match what they have already.
Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions/comments.
4 comments:
I am looking for a sterling identification/guide book which is heavy on commentary, such as the characteristics of particular patterns -i.e. This pattern is unusually heavy, the detail is deeply carved and so looks less machined manufactured, etc. It seems that most guide books focus solely on pattern identification. Also, it would be nice if there were a book which discussed "old" versus "new" marks for the manufacturers and the implications of such. Any thoughts on the existence of such a sterling flatware guide? Thank you. A reader.
Good morning!
I have featured a link to this page in our blog to explain what a French blade is. Thank you for the information for our readers! The blog with the reference to your link will post Friday March 4.
Andrea
-tablescapex3.blogspot.com
Lovely! These French sterling silver blade knives are very stunning and modern designed. As an investment antique silverware will always be valuable. Knives are still the most popular choices when it came to actual eating.
I have seen the middle one which is a hollow knife being used to spread butter and mayonaisse lol.
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