Signature XL Chef Knife

The Signature Chef XL is a 9-inch chef knife designed for everyday kitchen preparation, from vegetables and herbs to meat, fish and larger ingredients. Despite its size, the knife is designed around balance and control rather than weight, with a long cutting edge and purpose-designed handle that make it comfortable for extended preparation.

The blade uses a Japanese VG-10 cutting core hardened to 60 HRC ±1, clad in 67 layers of stainless Damascus steel. VG-10 was selected for its combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance and durability, providing a fine cutting edge while remaining practical for regular kitchen use.

Each handle is made from solid natural hardwood or antler 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.

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

Specifications

• Blade: Japanese VG-10 cutting core with 67-layer stainless Damascus construction

• Hardness: 60 HRC ±1

• Blade length: 9 in / 23 cm

• Overall length: 15 in / 38 cm

• Weight: 9 oz / 250 g

• Handle: Solid natural hardwood or antler, 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 and antler handles require no routine oiling. If desired, an occasional application of food-safe oil can be used on hardwood to enhance the natural grain and appearance of the timber.

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Natural materials

Natural hardwood and antler varies in grain, color 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.

Blade finish: Unplated Damascus. No titanium plating.