BAF Western Chef 210mm

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Forged in small batches in the spirit of Blue Arrow Forge, Andy Billipp's original studio going back 15 years, the new BAF Western Chef 210mm carries forward the spirit of Andy's r ecent prototype while introducing a refined blade architecture and a more compact, agile profile. At its heart lies a core of 52100 high-carbon steel—a well-loved culinary alloy Andy has mastered over more than a decade of work—now encased in a san-mai construction with mild-steel cladding and a vein of pure nickel that gleams along the blade’s bevels. This layered composition brings visual subtlety, structural resilience, and a timeless sense of craft to a 210mm / 8.3” blade shaped entirely by hand. Standing tall, confident, and built for daily performance, the blade exhibits the complex geometry that defines Andy’s culinary work. Purposeful hammering establishes the deep, darkened concave hollows above the edge, while freehand grinding reveals lower convex bevels finished to a silky, hand-sanded satin sheen. The interplay between these surfaces delivers superb food release and a thin, razor-sharp edge capable of gliding through herbs, vegetables, proteins, and detail cuts with equal assurance. Thick and stout at the heel, the spine tapers steadily from a wide base to a slim, needle-like tip, giving the knife both backbone for demanding prep and finesse for the most precise slices. As with the original, Andy employs his signature sub-integral construction—a hallmark of both the BAF series and his signature one-of-a-kind builds—allowing the forged bolster, spine, and tang to flow as a seamless, sculptural transition into the handle with comfort and control at its heart. The geometry naturally guides the fingers into a confident pinch grip while lending the tool exceptional rigidity and power. Balanced just ahead of the choil, the BAF Western Chef 210mm moves with a steady, grounded presence on the board. In the hand, the Western handle form feels both familiar and elevated. Sculpted from richly toned local cherry wood and sealed with a dark, fire-burnished finish, it offers a warm, organic contrast to the steel. A stepped, heirloom-fit ferrule of solid copper adds a touch of quiet refinement—an unmistakable signature of Andy’s approach to craftsmanship. Compact, versatile, and forged with uncommon intentionality, the BAF Western Chef 210mm embodies the enduring soul of Blue Arrow Forge: a daily companion that marries rugged honesty with modern technical excellence. Show more