With fully forged blades shaped in 52100 high-carbon steel, featuring performance-driven compound bevel geometry, artist Andy Billipp’s BAF collection carries the name of Blue Arrow Forge, the workshop where he began crafting chef knives more than 15 years ago. This large, hand-filling 256mm-long by 65mm-tall prototype, fitted with an octagonal wa-handle of local cherry wood and stepped copper ferrule, represents a design we are honored to help bring to chefs around the world. Like his signature masterpieces, each BAF knife — including this striking rendition — is forged by hand with a sub-integral approach, where the wide, tapering tang and spine emerge seamlessly from the handle, allowing a natural, secure pinch grip and exceptional control. The hammer marks of its hand-forged origins remain proudly visible, the tang, spine, and upper concave portion of the compound bevels darkened by fire and pressure, while the lower, pronouncedly convex sections shine in silky satin, slimming to a razor-sharp, hair-popping edge. Tapering steadily from more than 7mm thick to scarcely more than 1mm near the tip, the blade's spine overall form is robust and resilient yet dynamic and versatile — built to be a true daily workhorse. At 11.1oz / 316g with balance set just ahead of the blade's choil, the knife offers a steady, weighted feel in the hand, as functional as it is beautiful. Though part of Andy’s slightly simpler and more approachable BAF collection, this knife reflects the same artistry and mastery that define his most elaborate creations. It is a piece of craft meant not only to serve, but to be lived with — a companion in the kitchen, and a testament to the enduring beauty of hand-forged steel.
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