Classic XL Chef Knife

The Classic Chef XL is an agile, versatile chef knife designed for everyday kitchen preparation, from chopping vegetables and herbs to preparing meat, fish and larger ingredients. Its 8½-inch blade provides additional cutting length, while the XL design creates greater knuckle clearance than the Classic Chef Knife, making it particularly well suited to chopping and larger hands.

Despite its larger dimensions, the knife is designed around balance and control rather than weight. Its long cutting edge and purpose-designed handle provide a precise, responsive feel across many kitchen tasks.

The blade uses German 1.4116 stainless steel hardened to HRC 56–58. This steel was selected for its combination of durability, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, providing a practical cutting edge for regular kitchen use.

The hand-hammered finish creates small recesses along the blade surface, helping reduce contact between food and the blade while cutting.

Each handle is made from solid natural hardwood and individually shaped and finished by hand. Route 83 developed its handle design around grip and hand position rather than adopting a conventional Western or Japanese handle shape. The result is a secure, natural grip designed to reduce unnecessary hand pressure and contribute to the knife’s balanced, responsive feel.

Stainless-steel handle caps provide strength and act as a counterweight, helping balance the knife from blade to handle.

Each knife is individually hand-finished and supplied in a solid wood storage box.

SPECIFICATIONS

Steel: German 1.4116 stainless steel

Hardness: HRC 56–58

Finish: hand-hammered

Blade length: 8½ in / 21.5 cm

Overall length: 14 in / 35 cm

Weight: 7½ oz / 215 g

Handle: solid natural hardwood, individually shaped and finished by hand

CARE

Route 83 stainless-steel knives require straightforward care. Wash by hand with warm water and mild detergent and dry after use. The blade does not require oiling and is suitable for normal food preparation, including acidic ingredients.

Natural hardwood handles require no routine oiling. If desired, an occasional application of food-safe oil can be used to enhance the natural grain and appearance of the timber.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Natural hardwood varies in grain, color, texture and character. This natural variation is limited to the appearance of the handle and does not affect the knife’s dimensions, construction, balance or performance.