Professional Kitchen Knife

Hand-Forged Chef Knife — 5160 Carbon Steel, Full Tang, Made in Kathmandu

This is a working chef knife, not a display piece. The 12-inch blade is hand-forged from 5160 high-carbon spring steel — the same steel we use for our Gurkha kukris — heated in a coal forge, shaped on the anvil, oil-tempered, and hand-ground to a working edge. The result is a kitchen knife with real weight (660g blade-only), real balance, and the kind of character that only comes from hand work. Every blade carries slight variations in the grind and finish that make each knife unique.

The full-tang rosewood handle runs the full 6 inches and is pinned through the steel for permanent strength. Total length is 18 inches. Available in three blade lengths (10, 12, and 14 inches), multiple handle materials, three blade finishes, and a range of leather and wooden scabbard options — all selectable above the Add to Cart button. Free personalisation (name, initials, date, or short message engraved on blade or handle) is included with every order at no extra cost.

For a fully bespoke chef knife — custom blade profile, non-standard length, exotic handle, logo engraving — visit our custom forge service.

How this knife is forged

For the complete forging process with photos and video, see how every Everest Forge blade is forged.

Specifications

Customise your knife

Every option is selectable in the dropdown above the Add to Cart button — pricing updates automatically as you choose.

Why a hand-forged chef knife over a factory blade?

Factory chef knives are stamped from sheet steel — the grain runs across the blade. Hand-forged blades are shaped from solid bar stock, which aligns the grain along the length of the knife. The result is a tougher, more flexible blade that handles real kitchen work — including the occasional bone, frozen vegetable, or heavy chopping session — without chipping. For a full comparison read our guide on why hand-forged chef knives outperform factory-made blades.

What every Everest Forge kitchen knife includes:

• 5160 high-carbon spring steel — oil-tempered, ~58 HRC, tough and easy to sharpen
• Full-tang construction — steel runs the full length of the handle, pinned for permanent strength
• Hand-forged in Nepal — by the same blacksmiths who make our Gurkha kukris, since 2010
• Free personalisation — engraved name, initials, date, or message at no extra cost
• Free worldwide shipping — DHL Express & FedEx International
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee — return within 30 days if it's not right
• 6-month craftsmanship warranty — covering forging, heat treatment, and handle fitment

Care instructions

5160 is a high-carbon steel — it performs better than stainless in edge retention but needs basic care. Hand-wash with warm water and mild soap after each use. Dry immediately with a towel. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil before storing. Never put this knife in a dishwasher. Sharpen on a whetstone or honing rod as needed. The blade will develop a grey-blue patina with use — this is normal and protects the steel. Store flat or on a magnetic rack, not loose in a drawer.

Also in the collection

Browse the full hand-forged chef & kitchen knives collection — 30+ knives including cleavers, kitchen hatchets, boning knives, fillet knives, and the Pizza Axe. All hand-forged in Nepal from 5160 spring steel. Free personalisation on every order.

Frequently asked questions