Chef's Set Knives, Block, and Bowls

A great set made for a great client, this Chef's set has many fine features. The blades are all 440C high chromium martensitic stainless steel, chosen for high wear resistance and a great reputation. The blades are all hollow ground and mirror polished for high corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. The blade tempers vary to their use; the thin and springy boning knife is less hard and more tough, the thick spice chopper is more hard and less tough. All of the blades have matching full filework and fully tapered tangs. The handle shapes are all derived from my standard La Cocina pattern, with a noticeable forefinger groove for good control of the knife. The bolsters are all 304 austenitic high nickel, high chromium stainless steel for the ultimate in toughness and corrosion resistance. They are all dovetailed and bed scales of deep golden brown Crocidolite and Quartz gemstone, with veins of Red Jasper and bits of Hematite. This gem is tough and solid, taking and keeping a great polish. The blades are based on my Vega master chef's knife, my French Chef Sabatier, my serrated Bread knife, the La Cocina fruit and utility knife, my Boning knife, Paring knife, and the hemispherical Spice Chopper.

The block for this ensemble is hefty and durable. I made it from Rock Maple, one of the hardest woods known, and American Black Walnut. The block has dedicated spaces for all seven knives, and is fashioned in a radial shape, with special cutouts at the base for two bowls, also made of Rock Maple and Black Walnut. The nested bowls are contoured on the inside to match the hemispherical shape of the Spice Chopper; one is circular for nuts and hard spices, one is kidney- shaped for leafy spices.

A substantial set for the master's kitchen.

Thanks, K. D.!