The Corey Dunlap Inazuma 8.5 Inch Wa Chef Knife in Ebony Wood combines traditional Japanese ergonomics with custom American knife-making excellence for full-sized culinary versatility. 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 hidden-tang design paired with a broad 2.09-inch heel height and a traditional octagonal Wa handle, the Inazuma Wa Chef Knife delivers exceptional knuckle clearance above the cutting board, fluid food-scooping utility, and a floating 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 regarded 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 minimizes friction and wedge drag, passing effortlessly through dense root vegetables, large brassicas, and proteins without wedging or sticking to ingredients.
Designed for superior tactile feedback and comfortable hand clearance, the handle is sculpted in a traditional octagonal Wa profile from dense, pitch-black African Ebony Wood. The polished natural wood finish provides a smooth, secure grip that adapts naturally to pinch grips and varied hand positions. Built with a Japanese hidden-tang layout weighing 5.09 oz across its 13.50 in overall length, the knife shifts weight slightly forward toward the blade, allowing for seamless push-cuts and controlled slicing with minimal wrist drag. Hand washing with mild dish soap and immediate towel drying are recommended to preserve the custom belt satin finish and natural ebony 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.
- Traditional Octagonal Wa Handle: Sculpted pitch-black African Ebony Wood provides an ergonomic, high-clearance grip for effortless board control.
- Generous 2.09-Inch Heel Height: Broad blade depth provides excellent knuckle clearance above the cutting board for safe, efficient push-cuts and rocking motions.
- Flat Grind with Convex Bevel: Slim 0.10 in spine geometry reduces wedge drag and prevents food from sticking during rapid slicing.
- Japanese Hidden-Tang Balance (5.09 oz): Lightweight hidden-tang construction reduces overall hand fatigue and provides an agile, forward-leaning balance.
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 an octagonal African Ebony Wood Wa handle, delivering a lightweight, well-balanced grip and a total 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 Wa Chef Knife (Ebony Wood) from SMKW and equip your kitchen with a tool built for professional-grade performance.
