Early Forschner ‘XXX Damascus’ Foster Bros 10″ Bullnose Scimitar Carbon Steel USA 1920s?

Foster Bros 10″ bullnose scimitar (curved spine and edge rather than straight edged bullnose) with carbon steel blade and beech handle made for the early R.H. Forschner Co with their “XXX Damascus” brand mark. Blade is 99% full, it was found with a dull factory edge along with some rust which needed to be removed leaving some pepper spots and shallow pits. The old style brass pinned beech handle has a little bit of play and some gaps but is free from damage. 

While this would be a great user it should be considered as part of a collection as an example of a piece of important American butcher supply history. 

These Foster Bros bullnose scimitar have a very unique distinctive geometry and were made with really great high carbon content steel and deserve their cult status. Bonus points for the early American butchery supply connection to the now giant Forschner company who is now synonymous with Victorinox knives (which they also do not make, Forschner is not a manufacturer themselves.) 

This blade is not stainless, expect a patina to form with use, it can rust so no dishwasher or soaking. Clean and dry after use. 

Richard H Forschner began selling butchery equipment at the turn of the century, importing butchers scales, knives and equipment mostly from Germany and began working with Victorinox in Switzerland in the late 30s in the lead up to WW2. This relationship with Victorinox became synonymous with Forschner.