The artistry of Silas Blacklow is on full display in this striking gyuto forged, engraved, and finished by hand at his Elmira, New York studio. Silas’s rare ability to unite technically superb cutting geometry, balance, and heat treatment with sculptural expression places his work firmly at the boundary between art and tool. The Underbrush Gyuto begins with a beautiful house-made damascus of 1084 and 15N20 high-carbon steels, its meandering layers flowing gently through the polished and etched bevels of the 248mm / 9.7” blade. Like the dense undergrowth of an untouched forest, the pattern feels organic and alive. That same steel extends rearward through the integral forged bolster before becoming the top face of a handle unlike any other. Carved entirely by hand over countless hours, the steel handle surface is engraved and inlaid in remarkable detail with a metallic underbrush of flowers, vines, and ferns. Fine .999 silver and 24k gold inlays are complemented by carved and polished silver pins, which secure the damascus to a stunning piece of Tasmanian Blackwood. When not admired as a sculptural object, this knife is meant for daily use. Tall, convex bevels deliver a long, thin, razor-sharp edge ideal for precise slicing, efficient chopping, and detailed work alike. The blade tapers steadily from bolster to tip, remaining stiff and powerful in the rear before gaining a touch of flexibility as the fine, needle-like tip approaches. A singular expression of patience, precision, and imagination, the Underbrush Gyuto is a knife to be used, contemplated, and treasured for a lifetime.
