Handcrafted by GreBec Knives, the Dunstan Chestnut French Trade Knife #438 is a versatile kitchen and utility knife inspired by 18th-century French trade knives—rugged, reliable tools once carried by early American households, fur traders, and frontiersmen. Part of our exclusive Florida Wood Series, this knife features stabilized Florida-grown Dunstan Chestnut from a tree that required pruning after fungal damage. The wood was carefully dried and stabilized to ensure lasting beauty and stability. These knives are always popular at our market displays thanks to their heirloom character, low-maintenance durability, and razor-sharp cutting performance.
Measuring 9 3/4″ overall with a 5 5/8″ drop-point blade, the Dunstan Chestnut Trade Knife excels at slicing vegetables, carving meats, and everyday prep. Its finely honed convex grind delivers excellent edge retention and effortless cutting. The full-tang blade is crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel and finished with an antiqued patina that develops character over time while offering added corrosion resistance.
The Dunstan Chestnut handle displays striking figured grain with warm golden-brown tones unique to this historic American hybrid wood. The story behind the Dunstan Chestnut is remarkable, bringing blight-resistant American Chestnut genetics back into cultivation after the near destruction of native Chestnut trees in the early 1900s. Because growers mainly cultivate these trees for nut production, they produce only limited wood suitable for knife handles. Peened 10D bright common nail pins secure the scales and create a durable handle designed for generations of use.
Optional Custom Leather Sheath for the Dunstan Chestnut French Trade Knife #438
Upgrade with a handcrafted pouch sheath made from vegetable-tanned leather, hand-cut and dyed with our house-brewed Vinegaroon or Oak Bark dye. We hand-stitch each sheath with heavy linen thread and seal it with beeswax for added water resistance.
Care & Maintenance
As with all high-carbon steel blades, hand-wash promptly, dry thoroughly. Before storing, apply a light coat of food-safe oil or Wiseman Axe & Knife Wax. The antiqued patina will continue to deepen with use, enhancing protection and character. Store in a dry place. Visit our Knife Care page for full care instructions.
Specifications
- Overall Length: 9 3/4″
- Weight: 4.3 oz
- Blade Length: 5 5/8″
- Blade Width: 1″
- Blade Thickness: 3/32″
- Blade Style: Full Tang Drop Point
- Blade Finish: Antiqued
- Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: Stabilized Florida-grown Dunstan Chestnut with peened 10D bright common nail pins
- Sheath Options: Custom veg-tanned leather, dyed with Black Vinegaroon or Brown Oak Bark
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