The meticulous subtleties of this handmade chef knifes geometry and balance are matched only by the stunning artistry and style of bladesmith Joseph Schrum. Forged by hand from Josephs homemade mosaic damascus steel, the 215mm / 8.5″ blade is honed to perform every cutfrom the largest to the most detailedthrough dynamic bevel geometry that evolves across the blade from top to bottom and back to front. Where the blade stands 53mm tall at the heel for chopping tasks, the bevels are tough and robust, Joseph’s superb and pronounced freehand symmetrical convexity slimming downward to a near-zero edge aimed at smooth cutting performance and efficient food release while rocking on the cutting board. As the rounded spine tapers forward, so too does the material beneath it, creating a fine edge supported by gradually thinner bevelsproducing an increasing sense of finesse and control toward the front of the knife. At the culmination lies a glass-thin, needle-like tipone of the thinnest weve seenperfect for delicate slicing and intricate detail work. World-class performance aside, the blade is a visual work of art: darkly etched 1084 high-carbon steel forms the canvas for a feathering of pure nickel damascus “flames” that sweep through the integral forged bolster and flow into the bevels as though fanned by the wind. Completing a handle as elegant and comfortable as a one-of-a-kind custom kitchen knife ought to enjoy, the flames of the damascus bolster meet first a ring of black G10, followed by a nickel spacer, and finally a sculpted piece of beautiful, ancient Ukranian Bog Oak forms the primary element of the oval wa profile. Balancing naturally in the hand just forward of the choil, this knife exemplifies Joseph Schrums masterya fusion of performance, form, and soul, ready to be brought to life in the kitchen.