Model A

Kirkman Knives come in two types of steel, high carbon and stainless. There are pros and cons with each steel and it comes down to personal preference as to which one will be best for you.

 

Stainless Steel

Pros

• It is slightly harder, therefore it will hold it's edge a little longer.
• As it is stainless it will not rust which means it requires less maintenance.
• It will maintain it's great looks for a lot longer.
• Does not require any oils on the blade.

Cons

• As it is slightly harder it will take a little more time to sharpen
• It is a little bit more expensive

 

High Carbon Steel

Pros

• Slightly easier to sharpen
• It is recycled so you are doing your bit for the environment
• It is cheaper in price but don't think that it is cheaper in quality.

Cons

• Will rust if not cared for and therefore equires more maintenance.
• As it is recycled it may have small imperfections in the blade (this can be seen as a proor a con).

 

For all you metal buffs, the high carbon steel we use is a recycled, metal-cutting, bandsaw blade and the stainless steel is Sandvik 12c27. 

Huon Pine

Found only in Tasmania, Huon Pine is an Iconic Tasmanian Timber. Huon Pine is very slow growing and as a result has a very tight grain structure. This gives the timber character and as a result makes for a superb looking knife handle. The black spots that you see are called Birdseye and are a premium feature of the timber that is highly sought after.

 

Blackwood

Blackwood comes is a vast variety of different grain structures. This darker timber is prized by furniture makers and it is not hard to see why as a blackwood knife handle is truly unique. It is a harder timber and thus is slightly more durable to impacts. 

 

Sassafras

This iconic Tasmanian timber is highly sought after due to it's uniqueness. The black line and the darker colour is caused when the tree has a hole or a branch which has broken which resultes in water getting into the tree. This water then precedes to stain the timber causing the contrasting colors.

 

Tiger Myrtle

Tiger Myrtle is extremely rare, found only in certain parts of Tasmania. It is not known what causes the Myrtle tree to develop the black lines throughout the timber. Only a very small amount of Myrtle trees will develop the black lines and you can not tell if a Myrtle tree contains Tiger Myrtle until the tree is cut down

 

Tas Oak

Fiddleback Tas Oak is a great looking timber. The name fiddleback refers to the lines running through the timber. It is caused by certain growing conditions and it is quite rare. Tas Oak is quite a hard timber therefore it it more resistent to denting.

 

Disclaimer: The handle on your knife will vary slightly from the picture as each piece of wood is unique.