Saussure
"Saussure" Fine Custom Chef's Knife
- Size (Knife): Length overall: 13.0" (33.0 cm), Blade Length
(at cutting edge): 8.5" (21.6 cm), Thickness: .263" (6.7 mm)
- Size (Stand with knife): 13.5" (34.3 cm) long,
3.8" (9.7cm) wide, 6.75" (17.2 cm) tall
- Weight: Knife: 1 lb. 8 oz. (680 grams) Stand: 1 lb. 12 oz.(794 grams)
- Blade: 440C High Chromium Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, satin finished
- Fittings/Bolsters: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, satin finished
- Handle: Polished Stabilized Box Elder Burl Hardwood
- Stand: American Cherry Hardwood, American Pecan Hardwood Base, Neoprene Feet
- Knife: It was a great pleasure to make this
fine custom handmade knife for my client. The Saussure was named for
a lunar crater system and has a reputation of being a substantial
and tough proven chef's knife. There is no task too big for the
Saussure, and this one begs to be used. I made it in satin finished, extremely
corrosion-resistant 440C high chromium martensitic stainless tool steel for low
care and maintenance with excellent wear resistance. I ground the
strong blade with a very deep and thin hollow grind to offer a great
geometry that is razor keen at the cutting edge. The blade has a
nice curved array of milled holes to help release foodstuffs from the blade
flats and balance the knife, and even the inside of these holes is
satin-finished for easy cleaning. The blade is clean, too, with no filework
that could trap debris, and a simple rinsing should be all that is
necessary for cleaning. The blade drops deeply to the cutting board,
while the design of the handle keeps the fingers clear while
offering a comfortable grip. This Saussure
has an excellent front bolster geometry that encourages a pinch-type
spine grip, necessary for lighter chores with this substantial
knife. This, combined with the curve of the cutting edge, makes for
just the right balance for rocking and mincing. The bolster also
incorporates the thumb rise into a wide ramp for the thumb to apply
pressure for heavier cutting tasks. The bolsters are satin-finished
for easy care, and are made of completely corrosion resistant 304
high nickel, high chromium austenitic stainless steel. This is the
same stainless used on nuts, bolts and fasteners, and the same
stainless steel used in zero-care stainless steel cookware. The
bolsters are dovetailed and bed a pair of unique handle scales. The
scales are Box Elder Burl, with light touches of green, that have
been pressure-stabilized with over 19,000 pounds per square inch of
polymer resin for absolute solid penetration and stabilization. This
is as close to waterproof as wood can get, meaning the handle will
fare well in the damp kitchen environment. The handle is bedded and
sealed, mounted with eight through-tang stainless steel pins for
absolute durability. All surfaces are smooth and comfortable. The
completely contoured and finished
knife handle feels great in the hand, and the massive nature of this
knife is well balanced when in the pinch-grip style.
- Stand: My client opted for a display type
stand, one that would compliment the knife without hiding it. I
carved this one with a Cherry hardwood upper holder that
accommodates the knife while allowing the blade drainage and access
to free air to aid in keeping the knife dry. The Cherry is strong
and beautiful in its natural color, and is secured to a base of
solid Pecan. The Pecan is an incredibly tough and hard wood,
being a member of the Hickory family means that this wood is
extremely durable and long lasting. The light color of the Cherry
and Pecan sets off the handle in a complimentary fashion without being too
dark. The Pecan has inlaid feet of neoprene to keep the base off
damp counters and access to dry air while providing great stability. All of the hardwood is oiled
with Danish penetrating oil and sealed with hand-rubbed wax finish
for a soft glow. The choices of all American hardwoods for this
entire project work very well together, and the knife handle begs to
be grasped from the stand.
- A beautiful and striking working knife and piece of art.
Thanks, J. F.!
Hi, Jay.
Just wanted to tell you that the knife was beautiful and my wife loved it!!!
Thanks again,
J.F.
Please click on thumbnail photos