Short in stature but bold in presence, this 125mm nakiri-inspired kitchen knife from Dmitriy Popov embodies the fusion of style, geometry, and craftsmanship we expect from the talented Australian chef and artisan. Forged from VToku-2 high-carbon steel clad in forge-welded jackets of stainless steel over copper, the blade features both rough, forge-finished flats and silky, hand-sanded satin primary bevels. Beneath it all a hard, extremely sharp, and especially thin edge sits at the ready to part ingredients small and large. The stout, rectangular profile offers big utility in even the most compact workspaces, making high-speed vegetable prep using push-pull cuts a breeze. Balanced and nimble in the hand, the knife is controlled via a wa-style handle of richly figured sheoak wood capped with a black micarta bolster and collar. With a fine linear grain that complements the hues of the exposed copper, the sheoak’s traditional, versatile, and symmetrical shield profile, faceted alone the top and sides and founded along the bottom, is as handsome as it is functional. A custom-made saya with copper pin is included.