Chef's Knife (7-1/2 in.) with African Blackwood - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Product Description for Chef's Knife (7-1/2 in.) with African Blackwood - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Maker: Viktor De Bonte (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $395.00
Item num: 112959
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 7.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.50 in.
Total length: 12.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 2.18 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.08 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 52100 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Blackened 1018 carbon steel
Handle: African blackwood
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Description: This exceptional chef's knife was custom made by Seattle bladesmith Viktor De Bonte. At just 10 years old, Viktor (b. 2006) began forging while volunteering at a local renaissance fair, where he was taught the basics of blacksmithing and bladesmithing. Over the next five years, he built up his own shop and skills with the help of the internet and many local makers, all of whom contributed greatly to his learning of this craft. In 2022, De Bonte travelled to Colorado to take the ABS Introduction to Bladesmith Class through Kilroy's Workship, under the tutelage of Mastersmith James Rodebaugh. Upon returning to Washington State, De Bonte took a private class with Mastersmith David Lisch. Both Lisch and Rodebaugh continue to be great inspirations and resources for De Bonte to this day. Currently, he works out of his home workshop and takes great pride in every knife he creates. Given the level of work, it is perhaps no surprise that he won 2nd place in the 2022 Fall Fantasy Knife Building Challenge and 3rd place in the Spring 2022 Dagger Building Challenge run by Tyrell Knifeworks. Victor achieved his Journeyman Smith ranking with the American Blade Society in June of 2025.
This chef's knife was part of Viktor's JS test set. When a maker tests to become a journeyman, they create five knives that are the height of their work. These five knives are then judged by established masters to determine if the maker's work is up to snuff. Often, prospective journeymen spend 2-3 times as long creating these five knives as they would generally do, as they know that their work will be poured over by the masters. These five knives are generally considered to be among the most collectable knives of a maker's career.
Viktor forged the 7-1/2 inch blade from 52100 carbon steel. 52100 is considered by many knifemakers and knife users to be among the best steels (if not the best!) used in modern knifemaking. It combines exceptional edge holding with durability and ease of sharpening. The blade features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. The spine and choil are rounded for comfort. The blade is beautifully thin for high performance cuts. Because the blade is forged from carbon steel, we recommend using camellia oil to protect the blade and natural wood handle.
The handle is African blackwood, sculpted to provide a comfortable grip. African blackwood is one of the densest woods in the world and is highly prized for its almost jet black appearance. The front of the handle is sealed with a blackened 1018 steel bolster. The handle is slim and lightweight, yet extremely comfortable. Like other knives, this knife should not go in the dishwasher.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days