In a go mai (five layer) formula created by metallurgist and bladesmith Tobias Hangler employing ApexUltra carbon steel for the edge, a layer of pure copper to restrict carbon diffusion, and gorgeous cladding of wrought iron, this one-of-a-kind chef knife is made by none other than Martin Huber. The blade material traveled only a few hours from Tobias’ shop outside of Graz in Austria’s south to Martin’s shop in Garsten in Austria’s north, where Martin forged it to shape, resulting in the full-size, versatile, 262mm / 10.3″ blade seen here, delivering a very thin, very sharp edge beneath wonderfully shaped, mid-height convex bevels. The long, rounded blade spine tapers steadily from handle to tip, providing strength and rigidity in the rear for the most demanding work, and a paper thin, needle-like tip for slicing and detail work. Merging with the blade’s flats that reveal the knife’s hand-forged origins is a shield-style wa handle as beautiful as it is comfortable. Curly narra wood with its striking grain and deep reds and browns is matched to bog oak and copper, with hand-hammered texturing on the ferrule’s front face. An impressive and eye-popping tool to cook with daily and enjoy for generations to come.