Orzel Knives K-Tip Gyuto

A one-of-a-kind handmade knife from artisan maker Mike Bandala, crafted with precision and care. This stunning knife boasts a 200mm blade made of Takefu Shiro-2 core Suminagashi multilayer steel, expertly tapered from 3.8mm stock down to a fine point with a K-tip profile. The steel is renowned for its durability, strength, and sharpness, making it the perfect material for a high-performance knife.

The handle of this exceptional knife is made of dyed and stabilized yellow cedar burl, which not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also enhances the durability and longevity of the handle. A thin white G10 spacer complements the stunning yellow cedar burl and adds a subtle contrast to the overall design. The handle is expertly shaped in an octagonal "WA" handle, which provides a comfortable grip and ergonomic fit for a variety of hand sizes.

This magnificent knife has a blade length of 23cm and a handle length of 14cm, with an overall length of 37cm, making it a perfect size for versatile use in the kitchen. The spine thickness at the bolster is 3.8mm, providing a sturdy and reliable grip for effortless slicing and dicing.

As an artisan maker, Mike Bandala puts his heart and soul into every knife he creates, ensuring unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Mike, a part-time knife maker from the Hills district of New South Wales, Australia, discovered his talent for knife making after years of renovating his house and developing a passion for woodworking. He uses leftover materials from his renovations to create one-of-a-kind kitchen knives and the occasional hunting or EDC knife. Mike's focus on the craftsmanship and geometry of kitchen knives was honed by his passion for sports motorcycles, including his prized Ducati Streetfighter V4S.

Mike's expertise has been recognized with a third-place award in the 2021 Australian Knifemaking Awards. Despite being a member of the Queensland Blade smith Association (QMAC), Mike doesn't participate in their events due to his location in Sydney. He cites his favourite steel to work with as being between 52100, Supergold 2, and Nitro-V, as they offer a balance between workability and performance.

One of Mike's proudest creations is a large, all-black piece named "Forte" which he made with Keith Fludder. The piece showcases Mike's idea of texture differentiating different materials and serves as a statement of his artistic abilities.

Mike enjoys the creative process of knife making and values the freedom of being a part-time maker, as he believes that full-time making would diminish the joy and motivation he finds in the craft, and ultimately affect the quality of his work.