Gyuto 230mm Damasteel Apex Ultra By Tobias Hangler

This knife represents the second generation of the MCX series developed in close collaboration between the MCX Design Studio and artisan blacksmith and metallurgist Tobias Hangler. It builds on the foundations of the first generation with refinements driven by real-world use, deeper material exploration, and an even clearer design language. The blade profile is a considered hybrid inspired by both the Japanese Gyuto and the European chef knife, blending the strengths of each into a form that feels immediately familiar yet distinctly modern. A gentle, continuous edge sweep—neither too flat nor overly bellied—creates an elegant, versatile board action that works intuitively across push, pull, and rocking cuts. The tapered spine and precise, pointed tip enhance balance and control, while the substantial 56 mm blade height adds confidence, practicality, and generous knuckle clearance. In hand, the knife carries a reassuring, well-judged weight that communicates stability without feeling cumbersome.

The blade geometry takes full advantage of that height, allowing for an exceptional convex grind that defines this knife’s cutting performance. Sufficient thickness is retained at the top of the bevels to promote excellent food release and structural stability, before flowing seamlessly into a thin, fine, and razor-sharp edge. From heel to tip, the geometry is delicately blended to maintain consistency and predictability, ensuring the knife performs effortlessly across a wide range of tasks. Dense root vegetables, fine herbs, and delicate proteins are all handled with the same sense of control and ease, resulting in a cutting experience that feels refined, versatile, and deeply satisfying for both professional and passionate home cooks.

At its core, the blade combines two of Europe’s most respected edge-tool steels: Apex Ultra and Damasteel. The Apex Ultra core delivers an edge that is exceptionally hard yet impressively tough, capable of taking an ultra-fine, highly durable edge at approximately 66 HRC. This is protected by Damasteel cladding, whose corrosion resistance and striking damascus pattern provide both functional resilience and visual depth. Forged upright, the blade reveals a distinctive eye-like pattern on its face—affectionately dubbed the “Eye of Sauron”—a singular signature that underscores the knife’s character. The custom handle, developed by the MCX Design Studio, mirrors the hybrid philosophy of the blade. Inspired by the faceted Japanese Rokaku Hanmaru for precise indexing and paired with the swell and taper of a classic western coke-bottle profile, it offers comfort and control in both pinch and hammer grips. Executed in GripX, Desert Ironwood, and nickel silver, this second-generation design reflects Tobias Hangler’s exceptional craftsmanship and metallurgical expertise, making the MCX series something truly special.