Extraordinary in every way, Nick Anderson cuts no corners in the creation of this handsome, buttoned-up, one-of-a-kind chef knife. To complement the remarkable beauty of his Arboreal pattern mosaic damasacus steel, the artist has sculpted a grip in tapering full-tang construction from carbon fiber and brass with polished, domed stainless steel pins. To see the forest for the trees is the effect this incredible object has on the viewer. The botanical damascus pattern, designed and forged by hand at Nick’s one-man Humboldt County, California studio, mixes 1084 and 15n20 high-carbon alloys that have been etched and hand-polished to a striking, nearly three-dimensional sheen. Precise heat treatment and hardening, the spine’s full-distal taper, a finger rest at the choil for comfort in the pinch grip, and of course, Nick’s superb compound ‘S-grind’ symmetrical bevel geometry, make the blade much more than the visual work of art that it is. A tool built for the rigors of cooking day in and day out, in the home or working kitchen. With integral bolster construction through which the same arboreal pattern flows, the handle is as handsomely refined as any we have had the honor of holding. Wide, carved, ergonomic outer layers of carbon fiber provide the hand its resting place. Gorgeous fit and finish as contoured brass separates carbon fiber from steel highlights thoughtful details at every turn. Weighted and powerful in the chef’s hand, this heirloom culinary object is bound for greatness.