Honyaki Chef's Knife (7-1/4") with Spalted Koa

Product Description for Honyaki Chef's Knife (7-1/4") with Spalted Koa

Maker: David Lisch, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100417
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 7.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.30 in.
Total length: 12.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.99 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 9.40 oz.
Blade: Hand forged W2 carbon steel with a traditional clay zone heat treatment
Bolster: Integral W2 with a silicon bronze spacer
Handle: Presentation grade spalted koa
Description: Master Smith David Lisch is a knifemaker located in Yelm, WA. Over the last several years, David has been creating some of the best chef's knives to be found anywhere. As well as being a bladesmith, David is a renowned blacksmith and teacher of knifemaking at the Studio 4 School, which he runs.
The 7-1/3 inch blade was forged to shape from W2 carbon steel. It was heat treated using a traditional Japanese clay zone heat treatment and quenched in water. This technique, known as mizu honyaki, produces some of the longest lasting edges found anywhere. The ultra-hard edge steel is supported by the softer spine. The dramatic heat treatment line (called a hamon) shows the transition between the soft and hard steel. By forging closely to shape, David creates an optimal grain structure (performance). Showing his tremendous skill at the forge, the bolster is integral. Though this technique is regularly done in production knives, forging an integral bolster in a custom setting is extremely difficult and shows the maker's skill at its best.
The handle is formed from presentation spalted koa wood. Black spalting lines travel through the wood and nicely match the lines of the hamon in the blade. The 'Coke bottle' style handle swells at the palm, moves into a slimmer waist, and swells again at the end. It provides a sure, comfortable grip in either a pinch grip of by holding the handle directly. Alternating silicon bronze and black G10 spacers set between the handle and integral bolster assist the wood to adjust to temperature and humidity changes. The stabilized spalted koa will hold up well to the high demands of either a professional or home kitchen.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available