LOL!
Yes, it is German Carbon Steel, I doubt it is Solingen, but don't know.
On the blade near the hilt it says: German Steel - X50 Cr Mo V-15 - Stain Free *, above that sez: NFS KP-10
It was pretty sharp out of the package, but I always have to touch up, to occasionally reform a cutting edge.
In this case, I merely gave it a few licks across and antique butchers sharpening steel that has been passed down through generations, and it is razor sharp for cutting meat, with a fine wire edge.
I got to use some Cimeter shaped blades at the SIL's home while in Sacramento. I liked how the shape rocks downward, then slides gently to finish the cut.
I've only done a batch of Baby Backs so far, and some chicken, but I really like the knife. It's large and wicked looking, with a handle that is big even for my Extra Large hands.
My wife doesn't know I have it yet. :eek:
* -
How to choose kitchen knives
X50CrMoV15
- German steel. Very stain resistant. Other than that not much to speak of. The cryptic X50CrMoV15 stands for 0.5% carbon, the other 15% is composed of 14% or 14.5% of Cr, some Mo and V. X in the name is a an indicator for high alloy steel, 0.5% C content means, by definition X50CrMoV15 isn't a high carbon steel, despite of some marketing claims. In fact it has less C content compared to 440C steel. However, it's plenty tough and resists corrosion well and it is a high alloy steel. If you don't want to bother maintaining your knives this is a good choice. Except for the low edge holding ability of course. In the end, you end up sharpening it a lot more often, so low maintenance statement is really arguable. Used by Wusthof, Victorinox and others in their high end knives. Ref - X50CrMoV15 Steel Composition. If you are interested, you can also read up on DIN And EN Steel Standards Naming Conventions.
Note this:
Used by Wusthof, Victorinox and others in their high end knives.
My apologizes for veering so far off your subject, Steve. :rolleyes: