8.5" Custom Reverse Tanto San Mai — a handcrafted kitchen knife by Jesse Zuckerman of RSAZ that seamlessly marries artistry with relentless performance. With an 8" blade and an overall length of 14.20", this knife is designed for confident control from first slice to final plate.
The blade is built in San Mai (three-layer) fashion, featuring a high-carbon 15n20 core that delivers a razor-sharp edge with superb edge retention. The protective outer layers add toughness and resilience, helping the knife hold its shape through long prep sessions and demanding tasks. This is not a single-material blade; it’s a thoughtful blend that balances hardness with the forgiveness you need in a busy kitchen.
The reverse tanto geometry enhances control where precision matters most. The reinforced tip provides strength for piercing through denser produce or protein fibers while maintaining a clean, accurate cut. For the home chef or professional alternative, this design translates to cleaner juliennes, precise dicing, and confident deboning work without sacrificing speed.
The handle is a testament to luxury and durability: Honduran Rosewood paired with a steel cap. This combination offers a warm, comfortable grip with a balanced, tactile feel that’s responsive to subtle hand movements. The steel cap adds a touch of visual contrast and contributes to overall balance, so you’ll feel confident guiding the blade through longer prep sessions.
Why this knife stands out
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Custom craft from RSAZ means each knife is a bespoke piece, built to the maker’s exacting standards and finished by hand.
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San Mai construction delivers a keen, easy-to-sharpen edge with the resilience to resist chipping, ideal for daily kitchen use.
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15n20 high-carbon core provides excellent edge retention while enabling precise, delicate cuts when needed.
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Honduran Rosewood handle with a steel cap combines beauty with practical balance and durability in busy kitchen environments.
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Versatile 8" blade is perfectly suited for vegetable prep, protein trimming, and fine carving, making it a go-to workhorse for a wide range of tasks.
Ideal use scenarios
- Precision vegetable prep — even small dice, uniform slices, and delicate juliennes
- Meat and fish prep where a strong tip supports precise cutting and clean deboning work
- Any task that benefits from a balanced, responsive blade with a premium, natural-handled feel
Care and maintenance
To preserve its beauty and performance, hand wash after use and dry promptly. Oil the Honduran Rosewood handle periodically to maintain its luster and prevent drying. Keep the 15n20 core and San Mai edge sharp with regular, light sharpening on a suitable stone, and store in a dry environment to protect the wood and the blade.
For cooks who crave a truly distinctive, purpose-driven tool, the 8.5" Custom Reverse Tanto San Mai from Jesse Zuckerman offers a rare combination of artisan craft, high-performance steel, and ergonomic elegance. It’s not just a knife—it’s a conversation piece that makes every prep moment feel deliberate and precise.
