Honyaki Gyuto (8-1/2 in.) with Ironwood and Buckeye

Product Description for Honyaki Gyuto (8-1/2 in.) with Ironwood and Buckeye

Maker: Enso Forge (William Kalkbrenner) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 104771
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 8.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 8.40 in.
Total length: 13.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 2.13 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 8.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 27.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 26c3 carbon steel with a Japanese clay-zone heat treatment
Bolster: Arizona desert ironwood
Handle: Arizona desert ironwood with a buckeye wood spacer
Description: William Kalkbrenner of Enso Forge is a 32 year old talented blacksmith and bladesmith from Pittsburgh, PA. He has been welding and working with metal since he was 14 years old and was a full time welder until he made his venture into full time knifemaking. William specializes in making kitchen knives influenced by the high performing knives of Japan. He has an extremely high attention to the detail and builds knives that will be just as pleasurable to use as it is to look at. William uses the Enso sacred symbol in Zen Buddhism as his maker's mark. This symbol is traditionally drawn using only one brush stroke as a meditative practice in letting go of the mind and allowing the body to create, as the singular brush stroke allows for no modifications. While at first glance, the enso symbol appears no more than a misshapen circle, it symbolizes many things: the beauty in imperfection, the art of letting go of expectations, the circle of life, and connection. The Enso is a manifestation of the artist at the moment of creation and the acceptance of our innermost self. It symbolizes strength, elegance, and one-mindedness. An incomplete circle allows more movement for development as William is constantly improving his craft.
The gyuto is modeled after the French pattern chef's knife. Longer and slimmer than the santoku, it is the general purpose chef's knife. The long blade is needed for the sawing motion required to cut meat and the slim profile keeps the weight low and the balance right. Additionally, this knife has plenty of finger clearance for the rocking chop needed to chop onions and other vegetables. This is an elegant chef's knife that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
The 8-1/3" blade is forged from 26c3 carbon steel. This high carbon content steel has clean grain structure and the ability to achieve exteme levels of hardness (Up to 67 Hrc!). The blade was heat treated using a traditional Japanese clay zone heat treatment. This technique, known as honyaki, creates 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. The top of the blade features a hammered finish to help food release from the sides of the blade. The spine and choil have been nicely rounded for comfort. A notch in the choil lets the user choke up on the knife for more control.
The Japanese-inspired octagonal handle is made from Arizona desert ironwood (Olneya tesota). Ironwood is among the most desirable woods used in knifemaking and will hold up well to the harsh demands of a professional kitchen. A buckeye spacer adds contrast. The front of the handle is contoured to accommodate a comfortable pinch grip. Like other knives, this knife should not be put in the dishwasher.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available