Gyuto 250mm Apex Ultra X8Ni9 Clad Limited Edition
Crafted to balance uncompromising performance with refined aesthetics, this Apex Ultra composite blade is clad in X8Ni9, a low-carbon, nickel-alloy steel valued for its toughness and corrosion resistance, and incorporates a nickel diffusion barrier between cladding and core. Through acid etching, the cladding resolves into contrasting layers of deep blacks and muted greys, with subtle alloy banding elements intermittently emerging through the surface. These layered transitions are honest to the forging process, creating a restrained, technical visual character that is structural rather than ornamental, and entirely unique to this blade.
The blade’s geometry is defined by a pronounced forge taper and a confident spine above the heel, measuring approximately 4 mm, which provides stability and authority at the rear of the blade before thinning decisively toward a fine, agile tip. Wide, hybrid convex bevels flow cleanly into a razor-keen edge—clearly legible in both choil and edge views—promoting excellent food release and smooth, controlled cutting across a wide range of ingredients. The Apex Ultra core steel is known for its exceptional edge stability, fine grain structure, and sharpening responsiveness, allowing the blade to take extreme sharpness while remaining composed and durable in demanding use.
Completing the knife is the Rokaku Hanmaru Birch & Bevel handle, shaped for balance and control and finished in Masur birch with complementary Micarta, G10, and brass details. In hand, the proportions feel deliberate and neutral, reinforcing the blade’s composed, work-focused character. This one-of-a-kind, limited-edition knife presents as quietly confident—defined by clarity of geometry, disciplined material choices, and performance that is evident both on the board and in the hand.
Cladding note:
The visible alloy banding within the X8Ni9 cladding results from subtle compositional and thermal variations introduced during forging and diffusion bonding. These bands are not decorative treatments but a natural outcome of the material and process, revealed through controlled etching.
Why X8Ni9 cladding
X8Ni9 was selected for its functional contribution rather than visual excess. Its toughness and corrosion resistance support the Apex Ultra core, while the nickel diffusion barrier ensures long-term structural stability and a clean metallurgical transition. The resulting surface—layered, subdued, and technically expressive—reflects the construction of the blade rather than masking it, aligning with our preference for materials that earn their aesthetics through performance and process.
Product Specification
Blade Type: Gyuto
Overall length: 360mm
Edge Length: 250mm
Spine Heel: 4mm
Spine Mid: 1.9mm
Spine Tip (20mm before): 0.95mm
Blade Height: 57mm
Weight: 205g
Cutting Edge Steel: Apex Ultra
Stainless: No
HRC: 66
Blade Construction: 3 Layer (San Mai)
Blade Finish: Brute de Forge and Acid Etched (Forced Patina)
Grind: Convex
Handle Construction: Hidden Tang
Handle Materials: Masur Birch, Micarta, G10, Brass
Handedness: Ambidextrous
Saya, Hand Crafted Storage or Display Included: No
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We process orders 5 days a week (Monday - Friday) and ship from our shop in Sydney, Australia. We ship with FedEx, UPS and DHL.
We are happy to offer free international shipping on a variety of orders depending on location and order value. You can check to see where things sit for you below.
Free Shipping Regions and Minimum Order Values
The service provided is at our discretion, but these values have been calculated based on our shipping rates.
For Australia and New Zealand the minimum is $500AUD for the rest of the world it is approximately €1000EUR. The discount is applied automatically when you reach the minimum cart value and will be applied at checkout. It is approximately a 5% discount :)
Returns
At Modern Cooking, we want you to be inspired and delighted by your purchases. However, we understand that sometimes a return is necessary. This policy is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Standard Returns (Change of Mind)
If you're not entirely happy with your purchase, you can return it within 14 days of delivery for a refund. The item must be in its original condition with all original packaging.
To start a return, please log into your customer account and process the request, or send us an email and we'll be happy to assist you. Please note that all returns are subject to our approval.
- Returns are accepted for 14 days.
- The customer is responsible for return shipping costs.
- A 15% restocking fee may be applied to returns for change of mind.
- We do not accept returns on second-hand items for change of mind.
What if my item is faulty or damaged?
In the unlikely event that your order arrives faulty or is damaged in transit, we're here to help. Your purchase is protected by the Australian Consumer Law.
- You must notify us within 5 business days of receiving your order to be eligible for a return or replacement. All of our logistics partners provide insurance, but it's only valid if we are notified within this timeframe. Please inspect your order immediately upon receipt.
- You will need to provide photographic evidence of the damage.
- Once approved, Modern Cooking will cover the costs of return shipping.
After we receive the damaged goods, we will issue a full refund or send a replacement, whichever you prefer.
Why do I have to pay tariffs and duties?
Tariffs and duties are taxes imposed by the destination country's government on imported goods. These charges are not set by our company but are determined by your country's customs agency. The specific amount can vary based on the item's value, type, and the country it's being shipped to.
What happens if I refuse to pay tariffs and duties?
When you place an international order with us, you are responsible for paying any tariffs and duties that your country's customs agency may charge. If you refuse to pay these fees and the package is returned to us, please be aware that we will deduct all shipping costs from your refund, including the original shipping to you and the return shipping back to us. Additionally, a 15% restocking fee may be applied to cover the costs associated with the return and processing of the item.
We strongly encourage you to understand your country's import regulations and be prepared for these potential fees before placing your order. This will help you avoid any unexpected charges and ensure a smooth delivery process.
Product Care:
Cleaning: Clean by hand with warm water. Avoid wetting the handle when possible.
Sharpening: We advise using whetstones to sharpen your knives and a honing rod or steel to maintain the burr between sharpening sessions.
Reactive Steels: Reactive steels like Aogami Super, Apex Ultra or one of the many premium reactive German and Swedish steels are susceptible to rust if not properly cared for. In this case we advise that you keep the knife dry between uses and when storing the knife for longer periods wiping the knife blade with Tsubaki oil or another food safe oil is a wise choice. This will not stop a patina forming on the blade, but it will stop rust. A patina can be a beautiful personal feature on your knife and helps to stop rust forming. So, dry your knife regularly between uses, store in a dry place and apply some Tsubaki oil from time to time when storing for long periods.
A reference guide to steel types
Handle Care: If you have a knife with a non-stabilised wooden handle, you can apply Tsubaki oil or another food safe oil to your handle from time to time. Food safe wax can be applied to both stabilised and no-stabilised wooden handles. Never apply hot wax or oil as you risk warping or damaging the handle.