The compression in the maple combined with what feels like a release of energy in the blade takes me to those blustering Autumn days when you can feel the weather changing, cooling minute by minute. Highlighting the beauty of salvaged materials, this versatile and large blade is made by fusing retired bourbon barrel bands, nickel and high carbon steel into a single, homogeneous piece. Meticulously forged to keep the core steel centered, the high carbon working edge is protected under the labor intensive recycled cladding. The k-tip blade features a versatile, slightly convex grind that is thin behind the edge and easy to maintain. The full tang bolster imparts a confident feel, while the majority hidden tang adds to the comfort and ease of maintenance while also shedding weight. Check out that honey gradient maple!

• size: 8” blade / 13” overall / 2” @ heel

• weight: 186 grams

• blade: bourbon barrel strap (Willett Distillery, Bardstown, KY), pure nickel and 26C3 carbon steel

• handle: stabilized Gibson guitars maple (TN), African Blackwood (Paris, clarinet factory)