For anyone who has been following my work, you know that I generally create very useful and medium-size and smaller kitchen/chef knives as my regular inspired-flow. Certainly I have made larger chef knives, but honestly, I know that in most kitchens, it is these smaller and more manageable knives that get the most use.
As a Trained Chef, Artist and Bladesmith/Kitchen Knife Specialist is that, I study knives. I have studied vintage and antique knives from Europe and the USA and also contemporary designs both production and by other contemporary makers. In this case, the inspiration came from what looks like a small French knife, that was marketed as a “wide fruit knife” created by the well known maker Mastersmith Murray Carter. This knife has been mainstay in my kitchen for well over 20-years. It was one of the first Japanese style knives I experienced that really stuck; and became my day “Go-To” knife in my own kitchen. Worth relating as well, is that, when I gather to create and cook with friends be they kitchen enthusiasts or experiences chefs, they almost always say “hand me the Carter” when in my kitchen.
Now…..I have made some smaller French knives over the years no doubt, but they were always a little this or that, sometimes hitting the sweet-spot for a smaller knives and sometimes just lacking that special something. SO, I thought that, if I created something very close to this beloved knife and offered it for an great price-point, it could be a fun project. So IN COMES my version of this knife I am now calling The Carter French.
I will be creating these throughout 2025 and after that will most likely move-on, out of respect for Murray Carter, and because I have so many new designs to explore always! I feel it in my heart and soul that I would love to get a these out there into the community of those who love to cook so they too can experience the usefulness and joy of smaller and very capable knife(s) in their kitchens.
Please take a look at my Available Page as I will be doing my best to have this model there in various handle options till the end of this year and ideally throughout 2025.
In the world of diminishing quality of simple carbon steels, I decided on 26C3 as my mainstay for these knives. It is a German Made version of a Japanese steel with about 1.3” carbon and still with great toughness at a Rockwell of around 62-63. I am opting for wooden handles with Man-Made Bolster-Laminates as I feel that this is a warm and exciting way to create and fits this model very well, however….. some may be created in Micarta if I feel so inclined.
Thank you for taking a look and taking the time to read this. Nothing “Groundbreaking” here, just simple and sweet tool, a time-honored classic profile created for daily use that I am excited to share with you All.
