How to Buy Antique Fruit Knives

Fruit knives are collectible utensils that can still be used in culinary applications to cut fruit. They were traditionally made in either folding styles to fit in a pocket, or non-folding styles with different handles for table service.

Styles

Antique fruit knives can be found in folding or non-folding styles. Non-folding fruit knives were used table side and had either elaborate or plain handles, depending on the menu choices or table service. The folding styles were transportable for picnics or eating fruit outside. Some folding fruit knives were multifunction units, and also came with a fruit pick, or apple or pear corers.

Blades

Since the juice of fruit can discolor common carbon steel knives, the blades of antique fruit knives were made of other materials to preserve the look of the blade. Look for antique fruit knives to be plated with silver plate or made of gold or pure silver.

Handles

There are many different handle choices for antique fruit knives. Handles can be made of hand-carved wood, or be made from bone, ivory or tortoiseshell. Other choices for handles include plain and simple styles, or those that were inlayed with gold or mother of pearl.

References

• Daniel Bexfield Antiques: Examples of Antique Silver Fruit Knives