Forged in Detroit by bladesmith Niko Nicolaides, this mesmerizing 160mm / 6.3" long by 78mm tall cleaver's blade combines zebra pattern damascus integral bolsters, 15-layer random pattern upper bevels, and Niko's 'weaving wormholes' pattern where the cuts are made. Thin and convex at the edge, this talented artist finds excellent balance between toughness and nimbleness, the knife's balance point a hair in front of the blade's heel. Solid and weighted in the hand at 11.1oz / 316g, it's all business for a kitchen tool designed as a daily user for chopping vegetables and slicing everything from proteins to fruits. Curly rosewood and canvas micarta offer comfort and control in a tapered, octagonal form with wonderful attention to detail.