Small Asian Knives

Metalware may be a more accurate category, I wasn’t sure so I flipped a coin.

Not sure what to make of these. No other marking other than what’s seen in the photos. The two different styles are marked a little differently, both are steak knife sharp and fairly small, around 6” oal. The handles don’t “feel” or sound like synthetic(we call it mother of toilet seat in my industry). I suppose there could be a tang running through the handle making them seem more solid. They’re not tarnished like every other piece of silver/silver plate I’ve found in the house so far so I’m guessing they may be stainless?

 

For starters, they don't look Asian, although I think you were probably going of the "scimitar" shape of the blades, right?

 

The marks look(ed) like Asian characters to me...now that I’m looking at them more.......not as much

 

The marks are in Gothic font. Can you get a better focused image of the group of 5 marks on the second group of blades?

 

I don’t have them with me...this is the best I can do for now....sorry.

 

mother of pearl handles....desert knives..fruit knives...cheese knives... whatever...
most likely plated with those markings..... i'm not seeing stainless..

 

Very cool! Thank You!!
Would it be helpful to add a clear photo of the marks? I’ll be back with them in a week or so.

 

I don't think so.
These were fairly common.....I had two cased sets I could barely sell at a yard sale.... so I doubt the maker if known would add any value to two unboxed half sets .......
imo....

 

Gotcha, makes sense. Thank you again

 

Good chance the bolster is sterling, the blade probably not. Mother of pearl handle as stated.
Fruit knives.
Look closely on the flat area near the end of the bolster. You may find a mark.

 

Will do....keep you posted and thank you.

 

Oh and there is no full tang.
The blade has a small rod that passes through the bolster into the handle. And not very far down.
You often find these with broken MOP and the bolster and blade loose. Probably from trying to cut something too hard.

 

You know, now that you mention it I found some similarly constructed knives with synthetic handles that have off-gassed and delaminated exposing exactly what you’re describing construction wise.

 

they look to wide and shiny for sterling.....and the pics don't show any marks...
just sayin..

 

The knives with the 5 punch mark were made by Harrison Brothers and Howson of Sheffield, England. The blades (and probably the collars) are silver plated.

https://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_H.html

 

If the "scimitar" ones are sharp, then cheese. If blunt, then butter. The other three, if sharp, are fruit. Collars might be silver, they often are, even unmarked.

 

They are sharp, I’ll look closer this weekend for a mark or not.