Description
Artist Silas Blacklow of Elmira, NY rouses the senses once again, delighting both hand and eye with a one-of-a-kind chef knife that is as much art as tool. A 195mm / 7.6” blade forged by hand from Silas’ homemade random-pattern carbon damascus is both artistic canvas and precision instrument. A differential heat treatment and hardening process produces a beautiful two-tone finish across the polished and etched faces. Tall and convex, slightly flexible in the forward inches, and shaped for performance, the symmetrical bevels descend from a steadily tapering, rounded spine and culminate in a very thin, very sharp edge. Set into the upper reaches of the bevels on each side are carved inlays of 999 fine silver and pure 24k gold—the silver appearing as eyes watching over every cut. As blade transitions to bolster, the damascus pattern yields to an exquisitely detailed carving depicting flowers and beech and oak leaves, linking the steel directly to the handsome oak handle. Within the carving, still more silver and gold highlights catch the light with extraordinary subtlety. From damascus, Silas moves first through a textured ring of fine silver with heirloom fit, and then to the comfortable oak grip, secured with a single hand-peened silver pin. A knife of rare character and intent, it elevates both the craft and the quiet moments it was made to serve.
