Integral Utility Knife (6-1/4 in.) with Damascus and Curly Koa

Product Description for Integral Utility Knife (6-1/4 in.) with Damascus and Curly Koa

Maker: Andrea Lisch, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99540
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 6.10 in.
Total length: 11.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.34 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.07 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.01 in.
Item weight: 7.20 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged to shape from 1080 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Integral damascus
Handle: Presentation grade curly koa
Description: Washington knifemaker, Andrea Lisch is both a bladesmith and a blacksmith. She has worked alongside her husband, Mastersmith David Lisch in both these roles for many years. Her skill in design and bladesmithing clearly shows through on this elegant slicing utility knife. This is as good as a kitchen knife gets!
The utility knife is between a chef’s knife and a paring knife, but its blade is narrower and straighter. It's perfect for a multitude of small tasks where more precise cuts are needed, such as trimming broccoli, green beans, or other smaller vegetables. Some cooks like to use it in their hand, too—almost like a large paring knife. Others like its smaller size as an alternative to the chef’s knife. Its slightly curved belly enables it to do moderate rocking cuts. It’s nimble enough to peel an onion in hand, then slice it up in short order. Utility knives are sometimes called sandwich knives because they work well on almost everything that goes into a sandwich—from thin-skinned vegetables such as tomatoes, to meats and cheeses.
Andrea began forging this integral utility knife beginning with 1080 and 15N20 carbon steels. The bold pattern is immediately captivating and draws attention from a distance. By forging closely to shape, she ensures optimal grain structure for a keen, long lasting edge. The blade is beautifully thin with a nice distal taper for clean, perfect cuts. A convex grind assists food to release from the blade while slicing.
The handle is formed from curly koa. The presentation grade wood is particularly beautiful with a nice striped figure. It is nicely contoured for a secure, comfortable grip - swelling at the palm, moving into a slimmer waist, and swelling again at the end of the handle. The stabilized koa wood will hold up beautifully to hard use, though this knife would feel at home in most any collection. Alternating black fiber and silicon bronze spacers assist the handle to adjust to temperature and humidity changes in the kitchen. The bolster is fully integral to the blade, with the damascus pattern moving seamlessly from bolster to blade. This technique has superior structural integrity and requires a particularly talented smith. The bolster is carved to encourage a comfortable pinch grip.
Exceptional work throughout!


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