This hunting knife embodies the raw essence of Wairarapa's rugged landscapes—shaped by relentless geological forces and the untamed coastal conditions of the eastern shores.
The clipped blade is a striking go-mai (five-layer) construction, hand-forged by Benjamin from high-carbon 1084 and 15N20 steels for exceptional pattern and edge retention, clad in historic wrought iron salvaged from an old wharf. Its fibrous grain reveals the layered forging process, evoking the craftsmanship of New Zealand's pioneering past.
The handle is carved from shimmering, curly Wairarapa redwood, felled from historic late-1800s giant sequoia plantings in Masterton. Prized for its vibrant grain—dramatic lightning-bolt swirls and fiery reds—this wood echoes ancient trees that withstood storms and elemental fury across centuries.
Complementing it is Riversdale Beach yellow “storm” jasper: iron-tinted microcrystalline quartz with luminous pale agate inclusions that glow ethereally blue. Born from the region's dynamic geology, these stones are sculpted and polished by frequent gales, pounding surf, and storm-driven erosion on the high-energy cobble beaches and crumbling cliffs, leaving harder jasper-agate as polished treasures amid the chaos.
Accents include local antler, and a bronze bolster cast in Riversdale Beach sand, binding the piece to its storm-scoured source.
Paired with a custom hand-crafted vegetable-tanned leather sheath, hand-embossed and accented by Marisa with 24k gold leaf, Storm Hunter transcends utility. It's a narrative artifact linking deep geological history, pioneering heritage, and contemporary craftsmanship.
Blade length: 120mm
Overall length: 240mm
Year: 2020
Artist: Benjamin Madden & Marisa McLuckie
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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!