Hand forged in the U.K. by Korben

Stainless San-Mai Chef Utility

1 14

Your Investment

£655.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

What's Included

One of a kind handmade knife
Presentation box
Microfiber cloth

Lifetime Guarantee

The guarantee of a handmade product is that of the maker's logo - a mark both displaying, and creating a reputation for high quality work. Any issues will be made right. We're always happy to maintain, sharpen, or refinish your knife.

Product details below

Knife display stand £45.00

Details →

KWB Iron-Guard £50.00

Details →

KWB Sharpening System £195.00

Details →

The story behind this knife

An electric, ocean-hued workhorse blending laser-sharp performance with heirloom-grade mechanical design.

One of one. Never to be repeated.

"A 170mm chef utility is the ultimate bridge between a full-sized chef's knife and an agile petty. For this piece, I wanted to showcase the magic of San-Mai etching: by treating the exposed 80CrV2 core, we brought out a rich, electric deep blue patina along the edge. Combined with our signature removable heirloom construction, this knife is engineered to deliver unmatched cutting joy and last for generations."

Korben Bloomfield

Features & Details

Deep Blue Etched Core: The high-carbon 80CrV2 cutting edge undergoes a specialized etching process that yields a dramatic, vibrant indigo-to-azure blue hue, framing the bright satin stainless jacket.

170mm Versatile Utility Profile: Ample blade height for knuckle clearance on the cutting board, paired with a sweeping belly and nimble tip that handles both delicate garnishes and heavy protein prep.

Removable Heirloom Construction: Engineered with a fully mechanical, removable handle fit-up. This allows for professional maintenance, or repairs down the road.

Stabilized Chestnut Burr Handle: Crafted from heavily figured chestnut burr dyed in rich teal, ocean blue, and natural golden tones, providing a chatoyancy that mimics deep water.

Thin Semi-Convex Grind: Ground extremely thin behind the edge with a gentle convex geometry, ensuring effortless food release and laser-thin slicing ability.

Specifications

80CrV2 core, Stainless clad San-Mai steel.
170mm - 6.7” blade length.
45mm - 1.75“ tall at the heel.
Weighs 162g - 0.36lb.
~61hrc.
'Special black' finish.
Take-down handle build.
Stabilised chestnut burl handle.
KWB-Iron-Guard coating.
Thin semi-convex edge.

Shipping & Delivery

UK orders are dispatched within 1–2 working days via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Age Verified). International shipping available — calculated at checkout.

All knives are carefully packaged to arrive in perfect condition.

Care & Maintenance

Hand wash after use and dry thoroughly.

Full care guide →

The Making of This Knife

Forging the Ocean Edge

Creating high-contrast San-Mai is equal parts precise metallurgy and chemical artistry. The core of this 170mm chef utility starts with tough 80CrV2 steel, jacketed in stainless steel with a pure nickel interlayer.

The real magic happens after the blade has been ground down to its thin, semi-convex edge geometry. Through precise surface oxidation, the exposed carbon steel core shows a deep blue hue that shifts depending on how the light hits the blade face. This rich indigo border acts as a dramatic buffer between the bright satin stainless cladding and the razor-sharp apex.

To complement this oceanic aesthetic, the handle was shaped from a extraordinary block of stabilized chestnut burr dyed in striking teal and deep blue hues. Fitted using our heirloom removable assembly, the handle can be taken off for maintenance, making this stunning functional art piece as practical to care for as it is striking to display.