Steelport Knife Co. 6" Chefs Knife

Made in downtown Portland by a small team, Steelport knives are heirloom quality, handmade from classic materials with modern methods for an elegant aesthetic that synthesizes elements of Japanese and Western design. Forged from 52100 carbon steel, a tried-and-true steel produced for more than 100 years, the 6-inch knife features a broad blade, but transitions more quickly to the tip to shave length (a bit like a santoku). We love how the blade butt of each knife gently arcs, providing comfort and knuckle clearance when choking up on the handle for control. It stays wickedly sharp thanks to a heat treatment followed by rapid cooling, or cryogenic quenching, that aligns and toughens the blade steel to create an edge with 65 Rockwell hardness, significantly tougher than the 57 to 59 hardness of most kitchen knives. The knives’ integral bolster and full-length tang lend them a pleasant heft. The locally sourced Oregon maple burl handle is fully stabilized with resin, so it’s impervious to moisture (though not the dishwasher!). The ergonomic shape fills the palm but remains neutral enough to shift back for leverage or forward for control in perfect balance. Plus, this knife comes with custom-fit magnetic Japanese wooden knife guard, called a saya. Beyond protecting the edges during storage or transport, it’ll absorb and wick away any moisture, preventing potential rust spots.