Benjamin hand-forged this striking chef knife using 1084 and 15N20 Damascus carbon steel, creating a blade with a distinctive layered pattern, good edge retention, and balanced performance for kitchen tasks.
The handle is crafted from pōhutukawa, New Zealand's iconic "Christmas tree" known for its brilliant crimson blooms in December. This dense, heavy, reddish-brown wood—strong, durable, and highly figured with a often swirled or tortuous grain—has long held cultural significance. Māori regarded pōhutukawa as a chiefly tree (rākau rangatira), using its hard heartwood for tools, paddles, and weapons, while legends link its red flowers to the blood of the warrior Tawhaki. The material was gifted to us by a Master Carver (Tohunga Whakairo) acquaintance we met through woodcarving.
This one-of-a-kind knife comes with a custom display stand made from salvaged tōtara fenceposts, repurposed from old Wairarapa farms—giving a nod to the region's farming heritage and the enduring qualities of native timbers.
Year: 2025
Artist: Benjamin Madden
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If you would like to purchase this piece but live outside of New Zealand or Australia, please contact us directly to discuss your international shipping options. Thank you!