The Corey Dunlap Inazuma 8.5 Inch Western Chef Knife in Desert Ironwood brings custom American craftsmanship and full-sized culinary versatility to professional and high-end home kitchens. Handcrafted in the USA by custom knifemaker Corey Dunlap, this flagship Gyuto-style chef knife is engineered to replace heavy, unyielding production blades that cause wrist fatigue during high-volume prep work. Featuring a lightweight full-tang framework paired with a broad 2.09-inch heel height, the Inazuma Chef Knife delivers exceptional knuckle clearance above the cutting board, fluid food-scooping utility, and optimal balance for continuous chopping, slicing, and dicing.
The knife features an 8.50 in Gyuto blade ground from high-grade AEB-L stainless steel, heat-treated to 62 HRC and finished with a refined belt satin polish. Highly valued in custom culinary cutlery for its ultra-fine carbide structure, AEB-L offers exceptional edge stability, high stain resistance, and long-lasting edge retention. Ground flat with a subtle convex bevel along a slim 0.10 in spine, the blade geometry reduces friction and wedge drag, passing effortlessly through dense root vegetables, large brassicas, and proteins without wedging or sticking to ingredients.
Engineered for superior hand-filling comfort and natural balance, the handle is contoured in a Western profile from dense Arizona Desert Ironwood. Known for its rich natural grain and high water resistance, Desert Ironwood provides a secure, ergonomic grip during extended kitchen sessions. Weighing 5.09 oz across its 13.50 in overall length, the full-tang construction provides robust structural durability while maintaining an agile, fatigue-free feel on the board. Hand washing with mild dish soap and immediate towel drying are recommended to preserve the custom belt satin finish and natural wood handle.
Key Benefits
- AEB-L Stainless Steel Construction (62 HRC): High-performance razor-blade alloy offers exceptional edge stability, fine grain structure, and high stain resistance.
- Generous 2.09-Inch Heel Height: Broad blade depth provides excellent knuckle clearance above the cutting board for safe, efficient push-cuts and fluid rocking motions.
- Arizona Desert Ironwood Handle: Dense, water-resistant hardwood delivers a rich natural wood-grain finish and an ergonomic, slip-resistant grip.
- Flat Grind with Convex Bevel: Slim 0.10 in spine geometry minimizes wedge drag and reduces food drag during rapid slicing.
- Full-Tang Balance (5.09 oz): Lightweight full-tang engineering offers structural strength, superior stability, and reduced forearm fatigue during long prep sessions.
Designed for comprehensive everyday meal preparation and broad-board chopping, this high-performance chef knife features an 8.50 in AEB-L stainless steel blade with a fine plain edge. The fixed blade is anchored by a contoured Arizona Desert Ironwood handle, delivering a well-balanced grip and an overall weight of 5.09 oz. Handcrafted in the USA by knifemaker Corey Dunlap, this custom Gyuto measures 13.50 in. in total length.
Choose the Corey Dunlap Inazuma 8.5 Inch Western Chef Knife (Ironwood) from SMKW and equip your kitchen with a tool built for professional-grade performance.
