From The Inquistive Kitchen...Chefs' Cookware Blog
Gustav Emil Ern French Cook's Knife vs German Cook's Knife
Q What is the difference between Gustav Emil Ern French Cooks Knife and the Gustav Emil Ern German Cooks Knife ?
A Hi, if you look at the images in the links below for each knife, you will see that theGustav Emil Ern German Cooks Knife has a squarer bolster/handle where the blade joins the handle. The Gustav Emil Ern French Cook's Knife has a much rounder shaped bolster. It is a matter of personal preference as to which bolster design is more comfortable for the user. Personally I prefer the French, but it is the German style that is the most popular, by some way. Some find the French slightly more slippery but I prefer not having a sharper edge pushing into the finger.
Hope this helps
Claire