Western Santoku - 170mm (7-1/8 in) - with Afzelia Lay, Suminagashi

Product Description for Western Santoku - 170mm (7-1/8 in) - with Afzelia Lay, Suminagashi

Maker: Daniel O'Malley (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 90033
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 7.00 in.
Total length: 11.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.85 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.10 in.
Item weight: 6.50 oz.
Blade: Deeply etched stainless nickel Damascus san mai with SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel, Rc 64-65
Bolster: Satin finished pinned steel bolster
Handle: Stabilized afzelia lay
Description: This one-of-a-kind knife is a collaboration between bladesmiths Asai and Daniel O'Malley. During one of his visits in Japan, Mr. O'Malley met with Asai to discuss the possibility of working on a series of collaborative knives. Asai would forge and finish the blade. Mr. O'Malley would finish the tang and bolsters, completing the knife with deluxe handles better fit for the Western market.
The santoku is the traditional Japanese chefs knife. This comfortable design is a fantastic multipurpose chopper. The Santoku style has quickly become the new favorite for chefs in the West.
This knife was hand-forged by Asai beginning with an SG2 powdered metallurgical (PM) stainless steel core (hagane). The smaller crystalline size of this PM steel results in superior edge holding when compared to nearly any stainless steel. The central core is surrounded by many layers of deeply etched nickel Damascus. These many layers of steel result in a surface that helps food release from the knife's side when cut. This time consuming process creates a knife with outstanding edge holding and beauty. The blade is distal tapered for optimal balance and has an extremely thin, keen edge for the highest performance.
The handle was formed from stabilized afzelia lay wood. A single piece of wood was cut so as to have the wood's complex grain pattern travel across the distal tapered tang. The dramatic figure of this Asian hardwood is immediately captivating and nicely reflects the suminagashi pattern in the blade. The handle is profiled so as to be very comfortable and provide a secure hold. It swells both at the palm and at the back. Two hidden bolt rivets and a complex mosaic pin secure the scales to the tang. The rivets are stainless steel and have been profiled to match the wood. The mosaic pin combines stainless steel with copper. This knife feels as good as it looks.


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