Ancient Rata Kitchen Chopper

Benjamin hand-forged this from layered 1084 and 15N20 Damascus carbon steel, delivering performance with stunning pattern contrast.

The handle is shaped from Northern Rata wood, unearthed from beneath Mount Taranaki's ash deposits—relics preserved by the volcano's fiery past.

Mount Taranaki's turbulent history has repeatedly entombed forests beneath ash falls, pyroclastic flows, and debris avalanches, safeguarding ancient timber under protective layers. The most powerful recent blast—the AD 1655 Burrell Lapilli eruption—blanketed vast areas while a smaller ash event followed around AD 1755. Across centuries, these cataclysmic forces have buried lowland and mid-slope woodlands time and again, encasing organic treasures like this Northern Rata for generations.

A truly unique piece, it includes a custom display stand fashioned from totara farm fence post. Blade length: 180mm Overall length: 296mm

Year: 2025
Artist: Benjamin Madden

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If you would like to purchase this piece but live outside of New Zealand or Australia, p lease directly to discuss your international shipping options. Thank you