Integral Damascus Nakiri (7-1/4 in.) with Ringed Gidgee and Fordite

Product Description for Integral Damascus Nakiri (7-1/4 in.) with Ringed Gidgee and Fordite

Maker: Casey Vilensky (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 113448
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 7.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.20 in.
Total length: 13.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 2.44 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 10.20 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1084 and 15N20 carbon steel
Bolster: Integral damascus
Handle: Ringed gidgee and Fordite
Description: Bladesmith Casey Vilensky (b. 1979) of North Vancouver, British Columbia, creates exquisitely forged mosaic damascus and integral chef’s knives. He favors Japanese-inspired knives for the ultra-fine cutting edge they enable him to achieve. Casey’s work reflects a balance of mechanical precision, functional artistry, and a lifelong fascination with knives as essential tools — a craft that connects to his family’s engineering heritage.
Like a European chef's knife, the nakiri is a multipurpose knife. It is a traditional Japanese knife ideal for chopping fruits and vegetables. The edge is double beveled, like a Western knife. Though sometimes called a vegetable cleaver, the thin edge geometry makes it a precision tool, rather than a Japanese equivalent to meat cleavers. Nakiri make fast, accurate work of thin slicing and chopping.
The 7-1/4 inch blade is forged from Casey's own mosaic damascus, combining 1084 and 15N20 carbon steel to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. Casey first forged the damascus pattern. He then split the billet in half to feather it, creating a complex and vivid pattern. The blade is convex-ground for food release and razor-sharp. Casey's touchmark is on the right side of the blade. Because the blade is forged from carbon steel, we recommend using camellia oil to protect from rust.
The bolster is 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 to create in a custom setting.
The handle is ringed gidgee (Acacia cambagei). Gidgee is a member of the acacia family (same family as koa). It grows in arid regions of Australia, resulting in dense wood with a hardness similar to Arizona desert ironwood. Slow-growing gidgee may hang on for hundreds of years and produces one of Australia’s hardest and most durable timbers. A Fordite spacer adds a beautiful contrast between the bolster and handle. Fordite is created from old automotive paint that has hardened sufficiently to be cut and polished. It was formed from the buildup of layers of enamel paint on tracks on which cars were painted. The multi-colored material is tremendously engaging, beautiful, and captivating. Like other knives, this knife should not be put in the dishwasher.
Excellent work throughout!


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