I\u2019ve seen grunge, distressed, even hammered finishes \u2013 this is different. The Yin Mo Star Kui knives from Beijing Wang Mazi Tech are perhaps the most alluring set of kitchen knives I\u2019ve rested my eyes on. A lot of kitchen knives resort to simple, functional design details (after all, they aren\u2019t made for looks, they\u2019re made for high-octane kitchen environments), but the Yin Mo Star Kui take functionality and merge it with aesthetic excellence in a way that elevates the knife\u2019s visual DNA without taking too much from its performance.<\/p>\n
In fact, as a winner of the A\u2019 Design Award, one could argue that these knives are actually the pinnacle of form and function. They\u2019re made with perfect proportions, a good ergonomic grip, a full-tang design, and that eye-catching battered finish that makes the knives look like cutting instruments that were weathered by asteroids.<\/p>\n
Designer: Beijing Wang Mazi Technology<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The set comprises 4 knives (although the images show just three) made from high-carbon steel, with a unique hot\/cold forging method that results in high edge retention. Each knife is characterized by 3 unique details \u2013 first, the charred wood handles that play into the knife\u2019s black and white aesthetic beautifully, secondly, the taotie pattern found at the tip of the handle, giving each knife its signature, and thirdly, the knife\u2019s gorgeously weathered design that features multiple craters that give it a sense of gravitas. The texture, however, is immediately polished off as you move your eye downwards, revealing the blade\u2019s sharp edge.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Each knife\u2019s steel is made by hot-forging the steel at 1040\u00b0C, and then cooling it to -196\u00b0C. The hot forging process improves the overall strength and toughness by optimizing the shape and eliminating imperfections. The cooling enhances the crystal structure to increase resistance to deformation. Meanwhile, the rough texture on the top of the knives creates enough air pockets to allow the blade to glide through sticky or starchy foods without them adhering to the knife blades. Try sticking a suction pad on a textured surface and you\u2019ll see it fails \u2013 the same principle applies here too.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Each knife set comes with a holder that allows you to put the knives on display, almost like you would a precious Katana. The holder doesn\u2019t conceal the blade the way most knife holders do \u2013 instead, it conceals just the edge (for protection\u2019s sake), but keeps that cratered, textured surface visible to the eye, given that it\u2019s easily the knife\u2019s highlight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The post These Galaxy-Inspired \u2018Cratered\u2019 Chef Knives Look Like They Were Forged In The Cosmos<\/a> first appeared on Yanko Design<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019ve seen grunge, distressed, even hammered finishes \u2013 this is different. The Yin Mo Star Kui knives from Beijing Wang Mazi Tech are perhaps the most alluring set of kitchen knives I\u2019ve rested my eyes … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n