From railway relic to forged heirloom this knife is hand-forged with reclaimed iron from New Zealand's pioneering railway history in Marlborough. The handle and display stand are crafted from a durable Australian hardwood—likely Grey Box wood—sourced from Bridge 189 (Bridge 189MNL) on the Main North Line, which spanned the Waiotari "Blue Hole" freshwater spring near Koromiko. This spring, long cherished by local iwi like Te Ātiawa as a traditional mahinga kai rich in food, flax, and resources, became a vital rail crossing in the late 19th century. In recent years, the Blue Hole has undergone its own revival: willows cleared, over 1000 native plants replanted, and the site enhanced as part of the emerging Whale Trail—a shared cycling and walking path celebrating the region's natural and cultural treasures while breathing fresh life into this historic waipuna. A local historian dates this wooden pile to Bridge 189’s original construction in 1879, part of the early Picton-Blenheim line that took root in the 1870s under Julius Vogel's visionary public works and immigration schemes. British wrought iron rail—imported to fuel the expansion and the thunder of the "iron horse"—clads 1084 and 15N20 Damascus steel, hand-forged into this one-of-a-kind heirloom integral chef's knife. Blade length: 170mm Overall length: 305mm Year: 2025Artist: Benjamin Madden ⚔️ If you would like to purchase this piece but live outside of New Zealand or Australia, please contact us directly to discuss your international shipping options. Thank you!
