Description
A thoughtful build conceived as the singular tool a chef reaches for to perform every cut in the kitchen, this 209mm / 8.3” blade delivers a thin, hard, razor-sharp edge to the cutting board. At the same time, it stands as a one-of-a-kind object of functional art—meant to draw the eye and be passed down through generations of cooks.
Forged by hand in his Detroit studio, bladesmith Niko Nicolaides creates his striking Riptide mosaic damascus by setting nickel-rich 15N20 high-carbon steel into a darkly etched and polished field of 1084 carbon steel, the pattern churning with a sense of frozen, natural power. The knife’s versatility—equally capable of demanding prep work and delicate, detailed cuts—is driven by Niko’s freehand, symmetrical convex bevel geometry, honed for cutting performance and clean food release. A full distal taper along the spine supports this balance, slimming steadily toward a glass-thin, needle-like tip for slicing precision.
The hand meets the blade at a gently sculpted integral bolster forged from the same damascus steel, presenting the Riptide pattern in a bold new expression. A ring of carbon fiber transitions seamlessly into a beautifully figured piece of dyed and stabilized amboyna burl, completing a comfortable Western-style grip that balances presence with control. Purposeful, expressive, and deeply capable, this knife is built to earn its place as the chef’s constant companion.
