{"title":"Simon Krichbaum","description":"\u003cp\u003eSimon Krichbaum works from Seewalchen, Austria, where he has built a quietly distinctive practice at the intersection of contemporary design and traditional bladesmithing. He trained for three years under the respected Austrian bladesmith Martin Huber, an apprenticeship that grounded him in the fundamentals of forging, grinding, and heat treatment before he developed a voice of his own. That foundation is visible in everything he makes: even his most modern silhouettes are built on disciplined, classical process. Austria has produced a small but exceptional cohort of contemporary bladesmiths, and Simon sits comfortably within that lineage while pushing in his own direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis knives are shaped by a deliberate tension between old and new. Traditional Japanese geometry and finishing methods inform much of the work, while his aesthetic draws on the contemporary Austrian design world — including artist Benjamin Kamon, whose influence sits alongside that of his former master. The result is a stone-ready bevel that is easy to maintain, a grind tuned for genuine cutting performance, and an overall composition that reads as quietly considered rather than busy. Simon's restraint is what carries the work: every detail feels chosen, and nothing is added simply because it could be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive Krichbaum touch is in how readily his knives invite use. The bevels are honest, the profiles feel resolved under the hand, and the finishing rewards close inspection without ever shouting. Each piece is essentially one of a kind, with small variations in materials and surface treatment — and increasingly with octagonal takedown handles in African Blackwood, textured Gidgee, or Thuya Burl — that mark it as the work of a single maker rather than a production line. Simon is also a contributor to Modern Cooking's MCx Design Studio, where his contemporary reinterpretation of Japanese form sits alongside the work of fellow European makers — including the Krichbaum × Johnsson release with Swedish Honyaki smith Jonas Johnsson. His combination of contemporary design, traditional technique, and stone-ready geometry adds a thoughtful Austrian voice to the Collectors Selection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mcx-gyuto-sanmai-kasumi-zebrano-bog-oak","title":"MCx Gyuto SanMai Kasumi By Simon Krichbaum","description":"\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe latest MCX collaboration series comes from Simon Krichbaum, an Austrian bladesmith. Simon trained under artisan bladesmith \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moderncooking.com\/collections\/martin-huber\"\u003eMartin Huber\u003c\/a\u003e. His work is inspired by local Austrian artists like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moderncooking.com\/collections\/kamon-knives\"\u003eBenjamin Kamon\u003c\/a\u003e, along with traditional Japanese methods and naturally his former master. The result is a combination of contemporary design, and technique, with the subtle beauty that can only be achieved by polishing knives on whetstones. Aggressive tapered geometry, beautiful, hazy Kasumi polish and consistent stone ready bevels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen we began the discussion with Simon about what an MCX Krichbaum series would look like we wanted to give the knife a unique profile that would set it apart from previous MCX series. However, it needed to be a knife that also embraced the design aesthetics of Simon's typical work. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe blade we settled on features a slight santoku tip with an aggressive taper at the spine. Each blade is forged 100% by hand in Apex Ultra steel. The blades are finished on whetstones, which gives very consistent and easy to maintain convex bevels. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor the handles, I was lucky enough to be able to meet Simon at Martin Huber's shop in Austria and Simon and I found this lovely zebrano wood, which we paired with some beautiful Bog Oak that was borrowed from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moderncooking.com\/collections\/birch-and-bevel\"\u003eBirch \u0026amp; Bevel\u003c\/a\u003e handle stock. As is now standard with MCX we gave this series a Rokkaku Hanmaru shape, which Simon has given his own unique style to.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSimon has really impressed us with this batch, one of these is absolutely going to be staying in the Modern Cooking collection. We are sure you will enjoy them just as much.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MCx","offers":[{"title":"210mm","offer_id":44489495806217,"sku":"MC-101-731","price":988.7,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240mm","offer_id":44489495838985,"sku":"MC-101-732","price":988.7,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/V1-9.jpg?v=1754643642"},{"product_id":"gyuto-212mm-gomai-1-2210-bogoak","title":"Gyuto 212mm Damascus GoMai 1.2210 BogOak","description":"\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSimon Krichbaum is the newest member of the Modern Cooking Collectors Selection. Simon brings a unique contemporary style which combines modern design aesthetics and aggressive lines with traditional methods and finishes. For example, this knife features a facetted, unique handle design with textured elements around the stainless-steel bolster and an aggressive, tapered, K-Tip profile with tradition stone polished bevels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe results are very nice, and the benefits are substantial. You get a unique looking, high performance kitchen knife with stone ready bevels that are easy to maintain and beautiful to admire. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe blade on this Gyuto features a dense Damascus cladding over 1.2210 steel, and a brushed brute de forge finish above the stone finished bevels. The handle is made from bog oak and features a stainless-steel bolster and pin. Simon has give the handles some interested cross linear texturing, give it some nice tactile feedback around the touch points.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAside from the exception batch of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/moderncooking.com\/collections\/mcx\/products\/mcx-gyuto-sanmai-kasumi-zebrano-bog-oak\"\u003eMCX Gyuto's\u003c\/a\u003e this is the first blade that we have from Simon and its quite impressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44519737688329,"sku":"MC-116-849","price":699.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto212mmGoMai1.2210BogOak-37.jpg?v=1754629028"},{"product_id":"bunka-163mm-nickel-damascus-sanmai-1-2210","title":"Bunka 163mm Nickel Damascus SanMai 1.2210","description":"\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA beautiful Bunka from Austrian Blacksmith, Simon Krichbaum. A classic profile, tapered spine, and consistent, stone ready convex bevels. This is a fantastic little utility knife that is guaranteed to satisfy. The knife has a smooth action on the board and a satisfying weight and balance to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eClad in a beautiful Damascus and with a 1.2210 core the knife will not only perform exceptionally well, but it also looks stunning. The dark etching provides contrast and pairs beautifully with the stunning Koa and Bog Oak handle. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimon is an exceptional artisan, passionate about his craft, focused on forging exceptional kitchen knives with unquestionably high standards. This is a lovely knife and will certainly elevate your cooking experience and bring many years of joy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44595298107657,"sku":"MC-116-850","price":577.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Bunka163mmNickelDamascusSanMai1.jpg?v=1754628966"},{"product_id":"gyuto-230mm-takedown-purple-heart-ancient-oak","title":"Gyuto 230mm Takedown Purple Heart \u0026 African Blackwood","description":"\u003cp\u003eSimon Krichbaum is perhaps one of the most exciting new knife makers in Europe. Trained by Martin Huber and part of a collective that includes the likes of Benjamin Kamon, Tobias Hangler and many other talented Austrian craftspeople.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a mix of traditional Japanese and contemporary Austrian knife design being clear influences this stunning mono steel blade features an aggressive profile which feels very nimble and surgical, while the geometry is more in the directly of a workhorse. A very fine and sharp convex bevel that have been finished on Japanese whetstones for easy maintainability and a constant finish. The edge profile is a consistent radius from heel to tip resulting in a lovely smooth action on the board, perfect for push cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe takedown handle is a very nice touch, convenient for cleaning and maintenance. A simple hex screw holds the beautiful purple heart and African blackwood handle securely in place. The handle features Simon's rokkaku hanmaru or hex round shape, which feels comfortable and ergonomic in the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall an elegant and practical performance first design. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45357092667657,"sku":"MC-116-851","price":1483.87,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto230mmTakedownPurpleHeart_AncientOak.jpg?v=1754642138"},{"product_id":"cleaver-200mm-100mm-au-mono-yew-antler-takedown","title":"Chinese Cleaver 200mm\/100mm AU Mono Yew \u0026 Antler Takedown","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eAustrian blacksmith Simon Kirchbaum recently forged an exquisite Chinese cleaver as part of a competition with fellow smith Benjamin Kamon. The challenge was to craft the lightest cleaver that still met a set of stringent minimum specifications. The cleavers had to measuring at lease 200mm by 100mm, be forged from Apex Ultra steel, am excellent steel known for its edge retention and toughness, no special grinds were allowed, and the cleavers must feature a takedown handle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe specifications of Kirchbaum's cleaver highlight his exceptional skill as craftsman. The blade is a traditional Chinese style or vegetable cleaver with an edge length of 200mm. The spine measurements are meticulously tapered, with the heel at 4.45mm, the mid at 1.17mm, and the tip (20mm before) at 0.83mm. The blade height stands at 101.26mm. Despite its robust build, the cleaver weighs a mere 310g, making it remarkably lightweight for its size. The cutting edge, forged from Apex Ultra steel, boasts a hardness rating of 66 HRC, ensuring a razor-sharp edge that can handle rigorous use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eKirchbaum's attention to detail extends to the cleaver's aesthetic and functional design. The blade features a striking Brute de Forge finish combined with satin polished bevels, enhancing its visual appeal. The convex grind ensures superior cutting performance. The handle construction is equally impressive, utilizing a hidden tang, takedown design for easy maintenance and balance. Crafted from yew and deer antler, the handle not only offers a comfortable grip but also adds a touch of natural beauty. Simon made a custom tool to remove the handle, it’s an elegant design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eA signature aesthetic for Simon, this cleaver exemplifies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45447071498505,"sku":"MC-116-852","price":2062.4,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Clear200mmYew_AntlerTakedown.jpg?v=1754641960"},{"product_id":"gyuto-240mm-gomai-wrought-iron-damascus-au-deep-etch-kasumi","title":"Gyuto 240mm Deep Etch Damascus Clad Apex Ultra, Royal Ebony \u0026 Ray Skin","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA stunning 240mm Gyuto meticulously crafted by renowned Austrian blacksmith Simon Krichbaum. This remarkable blade exemplifies the perfect blend of functionality and artistry. The handle, made from luxurious royal ebony and featuring a ray skin bolster, not only provides an exceptional grip but also adds an element of refined elegance. The blond wood of the royal ebony, interspersed with subtle dark streaks, contrasts beautifully with the unique texture of the ray skin, making this knife both a practical tool and a stunning work of art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the heart of this Gyuto lies the premium Apex Ultra core steel, celebrated for its superior hardness and edge retention. Boasting an impressive HRC of 66, the cutting edge maintains its sharpness through extensive use, making it an excellent choice for both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts. The blade is adorned with a deep etched Damascus cladding, crafted from S700 Mild steel, 80crv2, and nickel. This intricate pattern not only enhances the knife's strength but also adds a mesmerizing visual appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery aspect of this knife has been thoughtfully designed, from its precise dimensions to its exquisite finish. The 240mm edge length, paired with a spine that tapers from 3.65mm at the heel to 1.45mm near the tip, offers perfect balance and control for slicing, dicing, and chopping. The blade's acid-etched, textured, and Kasumi finish enhances both its aesthetic appeal and performance, providing a smooth yet sturdy cut. Weighing just 212g, this Gyuto is lightweight yet impactful, promising to be an indispensable addition to your culinary collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47997021257993,"sku":"MC-116-853","price":1733.11,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto240mmGoMaiDamascusAUDeepEtchRoyalEbony_RaySkin1.jpg?v=1754641785"},{"product_id":"gyuto-230mm-sanmai-s700-apex-ultra-royal-ebony-by-simon-krichbaum","title":"Gyuto 230mm SanMai S700, Apex Ultra \u0026 Royal Ebony By Simon Krichbaum","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe handmade kitchen knife designed for the MCX Design Studio in collaboration with renowned Austrian knife maker Simon Krichbaum is a masterful blend of form, function, and artistry. This exceptional tool was born from a creative partnership forged during a visit to Krichbaum’s studio earlier this year, where every detail was meticulously sketched and refined. The result is a kitchen knife that embodies precision and performance. At its core, the knife features a 230mm tapered profile—a hallmark of Krichbaum’s signature design—which offers a versatile edge geometry suited for a wide range of culinary tasks. The Apex Ultra core, known for its extreme sharpness and edge retention, provides unparalleled cutting power. One of the most innovative features of this knife is its removable, takedown handle, allowing for convenient cleaning, maintenance, and easier sharpening of the blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade’s profile is a work of art, reflecting Simon’s elegant, pointed silhouette that combines stability and versatility. The subtle santoku-inspired tip enhances control during precision tasks like dicing, slicing, and mincing, while still offering the robust chopping ability of a classic chef’s knife. The kasumi-polished, low, convex bevels create a subtle yet effective geometry that excels in food release, ensuring ingredients slide cleanly off the blade with each cut. This design also contributes to the knife’s buttery smooth cutting action, gliding effortlessly across the cutting board. The edge’s slight radius allows for a natural rocking motion, making repetitive chopping and slicing feel smooth and efficient. The result is a knife that offers a harmonious blend of beauty and utility, catering to both professional chefs and dedicated home cooks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConstructed with an Apex Ultra core and clad in S700 mild steel, this knife is engineered for exceptional sharpness and edge retention while maintaining an element of visual drama. The kasumi polish reveals the contrast between the dark kurouchi finish and the luminous blade’s surface, creating a striking aesthetic that’s as beautiful as it is functional. The removable handle is crafted from royal ebony, whose blonde, natural luster pairs stunningly with the black kurouchi finish on the blade. This thoughtful material combination elevates the knife’s visual appeal, offering an eye-catching presentation on any kitchen countertop. The takedown feature of the handle is not just practical but a nod to modern craftsmanship, allowing users to disassemble the knife for thorough cleaning and easier sharpening of the blade. This kitchen knife stands as a testament to modern knife-making excellence—a balance of heritage craftsmanship, precision engineering, and aesthetic brilliance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MCx","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853362540809,"sku":"MC-101-736","price":1153.75,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto230mmSanMaiIron_Apex_andRoyalEbony0308.jpg?v=1754640988"},{"product_id":"gyuto-230mm-apex-ultra-g10-black-stainless","title":"Gyuto 230mm Apex Ultra G10 \u0026 Black Stainless Take Down","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind kitchen knife, handmade by artisanal bladesmith Simon Krichbaum, exemplifies cutting-edge performance and refined craftsmanship. With a profile inspired by the Japanese Gyuto, Simon’s interpretation features an aggressively tapered spine and a finely pointed, versatile tip that excels in both push cuts and more delicate work. The design encourages fluid movement through ingredients while maintaining precision and control, making it a highly capable tool for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Thoughtfully proportioned and visually striking, this knife is the result of meticulous design and skilled execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this blade apart is the combination of its low bevel geometry and hand-finished kasumi polish. The bevels are meticulously ground and refined on whetstones, producing a remarkably consistent edge with minimal drag and excellent food release. The kasumi finish — soft and cloudlike in appearance — adds a touch of visual refinement while also speaking to the care and technique involved in its creation. Together with the aggressive taper of the spine, this geometry ensures a high level of cutting performance, allowing the knife to glide effortlessly through even dense or fibrous ingredients with minimal resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForged from Apex Ultra — a high-performance carbon steel developed specifically for culinary knives — the blade offers outstanding edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening. Its fine grain structure enables a razor-thin edge that remains stable through demanding use. Paired with this exceptional steel is a takedown handle made from deep, dark khaki green G10 and stainless steel, shaped into a crisp octagonal form. A small friction-fit pin at the rear of the handle allows for quick disassembly, making cleaning, refinishing, or future customisation easy and non-invasive. This modular design enhances both the longevity and adaptability of the knife, reflecting Simon’s thoughtful approach to functional design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55733802729737,"sku":"MC-116-845","price":2640.93,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto230mmApexUltraMonoG10_BlackStainless0046.jpg?v=1754640448"},{"product_id":"gyuto-240mm-gomai-damasteel-ni-apex-ultra-thuya-burl-takedown","title":"Gyuto 240mm GoMai Damasteel, Ni, Apex Ultra Thuya Burl Takedown","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind handmade kitchen knife is the work of artisanal bladesmith Simon Krichbaum, whose dedication to precision craftsmanship and performance is evident in every detail. The blade takes inspiration from the classic Japanese Gyuto, but is reimagined with a distinctly contemporary profile. It features an aggressively tapered spine that drives toward a sharp, versatile tip—perfect for precision work, detail slicing, and tackling a wide range of prep tasks. The forward-leaning balance and sleek silhouette make the knife feel fast and agile in hand, while retaining the stability and authority needed for more demanding cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade geometry is equally refined: low bevels are meticulously shaped and finished by hand on whetstones, ensuring a highly consistent and low-drag cutting surface. This geometry promotes excellent food release and a smooth glide through product, enhancing efficiency in the kitchen. Simon has applied a traditional kasumi polish to the bevels, which brings visual depth and a soft elegance to the blade face. The core is forged from Apex Ultra—one of the finest high-carbon steels available today—clad in a rare combination of nickel and Damasteel. This material fusion not only delivers exceptional hardness, edge retention, and toughness, but has also been finished with a deep etch and refined kasumi polish that subtly highlights the layered structure of the steel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompleting the build is a stunning octagonal takedown handle crafted from Thuya Burl. This system incorporates a discreet friction-fit pin that allows the handle to be easily removed with a nylon hammer, offering several practical advantages. Takedown construction allows for thorough cleaning and maintenance of both blade and handle—especially important in professional or high-use environments. It also opens up the possibility of handle replacement or customisation over time without compromising the blade. Paired with the refined silhouette and cutting performance, this handle solution exemplifies the knife’s marriage of tradition and modern innovation—crafted for chefs who demand beauty, function, and longevity in equal measure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55734441017609,"sku":"MC-116-846","price":4245.55,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto240mmGoMaiDamasteel_Ni_ApexUltraThuyaBurlTakedown.jpg?v=1754640445"},{"product_id":"gyuto-240mm-gomai-damasteel-ni-apex-ultra-thuya-burl-takedown-copy","title":"Gyuto 250mm GoMai Damasteel, Ni, Apex Ultra Textured Gidgee Takedown","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis one-of-a-kind handmade kitchen knife is the work of artisanal bladesmith Simon Krichbaum, whose dedication to precision craftsmanship and cutting performance is evident in every detail. Inspired by the classic Japanese Gyuto yet interpreted through a distinctly contemporary lens, the blade features an assertively tapered spine that drives toward a fine, highly versatile tip—ideal for precision work, detailed slicing, and dynamic prep across proteins and produce alike. The forward-leaning balance and refined silhouette create a sensation of speed and agility in hand, while maintaining the authority and stability required for heavier tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe geometry is meticulously executed: low bevels are shaped and finished entirely by hand on whetstones, producing a highly consistent, low-drag cutting surface with excellent food release. The blade carries a traditional Kurouchi (blacksmith) finish, preserving the character of the forged surface and lending a dark, organic texture that contrasts beautifully with the refined bevel work. At its core lies Apex Ultra—one of the most advanced high-carbon steels available today—clad in a rare combination of nickel and Damasteel. This fusion provides exceptional hardness, edge retention, and toughness, while a deep etch subtly reveals the layered structure beneath the darker exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCompleting the build is an octagonal takedown handle crafted from textured, bead-blasted Australian Gidgee. Renowned for its extreme density, stability, and distinctive tonal depth, Gidgee offers outstanding durability in demanding kitchen environments. The bead-blasted finish enhances both tactile grip and visual character, creating a subtle matte texture that pairs harmoniously with the Kurouchi blade. A discreet friction-fit pin allows the handle to be removed with a nylon hammer for cleaning, maintenance, or future customisation—ensuring this knife is not only a high-performance cutting instrument, but a thoughtfully engineered, enduring piece of functional craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56848127852809,"sku":"MC-116-847","price":4445.55,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto240mmDamasteelApexUltraGidgeeBySimonKrichbaum0023.jpg?v=1773269810"},{"product_id":"gyuto-240mm-gomai-damasteel-ni-apex-ultra-thuya-burl-takedown-copy-copy","title":"Gyuto 240mm GoMai Damasteel, Ni, Apex Ultra African Blackwood Takedown","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis one-of-a-kind handmade kitchen knife is the work of artisanal bladesmith Simon Krichbaum, whose dedication to precision craftsmanship and performance is evident in every detail. The blade takes inspiration from the classic Japanese Gyuto, reimagined through a distinctly contemporary lens. It features an aggressively tapered spine that drives toward a sharp, versatile tip—ideal for precision work, detail slicing, and a wide range of prep tasks. The forward-leaning balance and sleek silhouette give the knife a fast, agile feel in hand, while retaining the stability and authority required for more demanding cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe blade geometry is meticulously refined: low bevels are shaped and finished entirely by hand on whetstones, creating a highly consistent, low-drag cutting surface with excellent food release and a smooth glide through product. In this iteration, the blade is finished in a traditional Kurouchi (blacksmith) finish, preserving the character of the forged surface and lending the knife a darker, more rugged aesthetic. The core is forged from Apex Ultra—one of the finest high-carbon steels available today—clad in a rare combination of nickel and Damasteel. This material fusion delivers exceptional hardness, edge retention, and toughness, while a deep etch subtly reveals the layered structure beneath the darkened exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCompleting the build is a striking octagonal takedown handle crafted from African Blackwood. Dense, stable, and richly dark in tone, African Blackwood offers exceptional durability and a refined, understated elegance that complements the Kurouchi blade finish. The handle incorporates a discreet friction-fit pin, allowing it to be removed with a nylon hammer for thorough cleaning, maintenance, or future customisation. This takedown construction enhances both practicality and longevity—ensuring the knife remains not only a high-performance cutting tool, but a lasting and adaptable piece of functional craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Krichbaum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56848128147721,"sku":"MC-116-848","price":4245.55,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/Gyuto230mmDamasteelApexUltraEbonyBySimonKrichbaum0036.jpg?v=1773267593"},{"product_id":"gyuto-240mm-damasteel-bjorkmans-twist-gen-1","title":"Gyuto 240mm Damasteel Björkmans Twist by Johnsson × Krichbaum — Ed 01","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first edition of the MCx Johnsson × Krichbaum line is a 240mm gyuto made jointly by Jonas Johnsson and Simon Krichbaum. Jonas forged and heat-treated the blade before it moved to Simon for grinding, finishing and etching, bringing two distinct workshops into the making of one knife. This fully allocated edition established the collaboration through a shared interest in modern metallurgy, natural materials and clean, functional design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is forged from Damasteel in the Björkmans Twist pattern, acid etched to bring definition to its tightly turning lines and finished with contrasting satin-polished surfaces. At 240mm long and 56.6mm high at the heel, it has the reach and board presence of a substantial all-purpose gyuto. Its fine convex bevels form a full-height Walkschliff, carrying controlled strength through the upper blade before becoming exceptionally thin behind the cutting edge. An aggressive distal taper—from 5mm at the heel to 2.24mm at the midpoint and 1.08mm near the tip—steadily reduces resistance and gives the forward section greater precision. This is an all-rounder geometry suited to broad preparation, long slicing work and controlled use of the fine tip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hidden-tang takedown handle combines stacked birch bark with stainless steel bolsters in a rokkaku hanmaru form. Its softened facetted top section provides clear orientation without pronounced corners, while the compressed birch bark gives the handle warmth, grip and natural variation. The mechanical takedown construction allows the handle to be removed for cleaning, maintenance or future servicing. At 208g and 373mm overall, the finished knife remains substantial without carrying unnecessary weight in the handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe etched Björkmans Twist, stacked birch bark and polished stainless fittings bring the two workshops together in a composition that moves naturally between organic texture and precise construction. Jonas’s steel work and handle making remain visible alongside Simon’s high performance geometry and finishing, but the knife reads as one complete design. Edition 01 is fully allocated and retained here as the beginning of the MCx Johnsson × Krichbaum archive. Follow the line to see where the collaboration goes next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MCx","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57132438356233,"sku":null,"price":2805.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7273\/5626\/files\/KrichbaumxJohnssonEdition010172.jpg?v=1787206410"}],"url":"https:\/\/moderncooking.com\/en-is\/collections\/simon-krichbaum.oembed","provider":"moderncooking.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}