Michigan artist Niko Nicolaides’s contribution to The Art of Cutlery, a chef knife named”Stepping Stones,” on show during summer 2024 in Tribeca, NYC, presents a bold and uniquely styled materials combination in function-first form. Darkly etched, homemade canister damascus forged from ball bearings and powdered steel is layered atop 1084 high-carbon steel to complete a blade baring Niko’s purposeful convex geometry and balance. A sculpted integral handle bolster showing the aforementioned damascus steel’s captivating pattern in condensed appearance is paired with nickel silver and ancient bog oak for a comfortable grip. The handle is completed with an inlay of the same damascus at the rear face. Stepping Stones is razor-sharp and designed for daily cooking.