Integral Composite Mosaic Damascus Gyuto

The creation and use of tools is part of what defines human beings and separates us from other primates. The knife, it could be argued, was the first tool; now used throughout the world daily, it has become an essential part of the human existence.

Sam Gleeson’s submission showcases a progressive pathway of skills inspired by centuries old bladesmith techniques pushed into the modern age. Working with carefully selected base materials, each completed blade represents the development in understanding of metal fusion and forging, from necessity to extravagance of design.

In response to the ‘Pathways’ theme, Sam’s three pieces identify the journey of human need through creation, to refinement and efficiency, arriving at achievement for the sake of expression – being able to use heritage skills and apply them with a modern craft interpretation is what fuels my daily desire to work – looking into history to inform the future. 

The blade shown here is a composite mosaic damascus integral Gyuto. There are very few smiths working these techniques in Europe and the completion of a blade using steel in this manner is the pinnacle of skill and understanding of metal, fire, maths, craft, design and dedication.

Description: 220mm Mosaic composite damscus steel blade – pattern is formed from series of forge-weldings, twists and reorientations of the 2 different steel types. With an integral bolster and full distal taper forged into blade length. Bi-lateral S grind for food release, fully ergonomic handle shaped to give balance point on the bolster for precision use, full acid etch to give pattern contrast sharpened on Japanese whetstones.

Materials: 15n20 (bright) and 1084 (dark) high carbon steel blade, Vintage linen micarta and cow bone bolster with wind-felled Irish Oak from the Ballymaloe House Estate