Benjamin hand-forged this exceptional Chef's knife from layered 1084 and 15N20 Damascus carbon steel, delivering performance with stunning pattern contrast.
The handle is shaped from Northern Rata wood, unearthed from beneath Mount Taranaki's ash deposits—relics preserved by the volcano's fiery past.
Mount Taranaki's turbulent history has repeatedly entombed forests beneath ash falls, pyroclastic flows, and debris avalanches, safeguarding ancient timber under protective tephra layers. The most powerful recent blast—the AD 1655 Burrell Lapilli eruption—blanketed vast areas in pumice, lapilli, and thick ash, while a smaller ash event followed around AD 1755. Across centuries, these cataclysmic forces have buried lowland and mid-slope woodlands time and again, encasing organic treasures like this Northern Rata for generations.
A truly unique piece, it includes a custom display stand fashioned from local totara farm fence post.
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!