Forged from layers of recycled bourbon barrel straps and copper with a high performance 26C3 carbon steel core, this large blade, small handled, full tang paring knife has an energy that is hard to photograph. The form fitting African Blackwood (Paris clarinet factory reject) begs to be handled yet directs the user to hold her delicately for the laser like precision of this hair popping edge demands full presence of mind. The grip is small and fits intimately into your hand.

What originally started as making a unique material for a custom order turned into a rabbit hole. I have become obsessed with making this material combination work and am still working through it. Countless hours and failures have lead to some of the smallest useable chunks for steel to forge blades from - a process that is both heartbreaking and challenging. Each attempt yields just enough success to keep me coming back for more. Every completed blade represents four that ended up in the scrap bucket.

• size: 4 1/2” blade / 8 3/8” overall / 1 1/16” heel

• weight: 81 grams

• blade: 26C3 carbon steel, bourbon barrel straps, copper, hand finish

• handle: African Blackwood (Paris, clarinet factory), mosaic & black hardware