{"product_id":"birch-and-bevel-wrought-iron-san-mai-apex-ultra-gyuto","title":"Gyuto Apex Ultra Wrought Iron Clad Birchbark Edition","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAt the core of this knife is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eApex Ultra\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — a modern, high-performance tool steel developed specifically for elite kitchen knives. Engineered for exceptional toughness, edge stability and refined grain structure, it takes and holds a razor-sharp edge with remarkable resilience. This is contemporary metallurgy at its finest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEncasing that performance core is something entirely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe cladding is genuine wrought iron — a material rooted in centuries of blacksmithing tradition. Unlike modern steel, wrought iron carries organic texture and visible history within it. The material we use is sourced and refined in the United Kingdom from upcycled relics of the past: old boat anchors, architectural ironwork from historic homes, abandoned wagon wheels and other remnants of the industrial age. Some of this iron can be hundreds of years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePolished and acid-etched, the iron reveals deep inclusions and flowing grain patterns reminiscent of aged timber. Above this, a rich \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ekurouchi\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e blacksmith finish crowns the upper blade. The deep, matte black surface creates striking visual contrast against the etched wrought iron below — raw yet refined, rustic yet deliberate. No two blades are ever alike; each carries its own story within the iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe blade itself is fully forged and tapered — thick and authoritative above the heel, flowing seamlessly to an ultra-thin, precise tip. Convex geometry and exceptional thinness behind the edge create effortless cutting feel and clean food release. The result is a knife that performs with modern precision while wearing the soul of another era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe classic \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRokkaku Hanmaru\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e handle — crafted from bog oak, stacked birchbark and brass — complements the wrought iron beautifully, reinforcing the balance between refinement and heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis knife is available exclusively in our traditional Japanese \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGyuto\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e profile — the versatile kitchen knife shape revered for its precision and adaptability in professional kitchens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEach piece is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003efully forged by hand and made to order, one knife at a time\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Please allow approximately \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e6–8 weeks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e for completion — a reflection of the craftsmanship and intention behind every blade.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Birch \u0026 Bevel","offers":[{"title":"230mm","offer_id":43245405602042,"sku":"BBCWG230","price":531.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"250mm","offer_id":43245405634810,"sku":"BBCWG250","price":531.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/9696\/3578\/files\/WroughtIronCladApexUltra.jpg?v=1682609205","url":"https:\/\/birchandbevel.com\/en-gb\/products\/birch-and-bevel-wrought-iron-san-mai-apex-ultra-gyuto","provider":"Birch \u0026 Bevel","version":"1.0","type":"link"}