This Legendary Bladesmith’s Long-Awaited New Knife Looks Like an Instant Classic

With the eye-popping Nakarobi, Quintin Middleton has done it again.

Published August 23, 2024

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Updated August 23, 2024

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Ever since writer Stinson Carter profiled Quintin Middleton for Gear Patrol magazine a couple of years ago, we’ve been huge fans. The Saint Stephen, South Carolina-based bladesmith has been handcrafting fantastic bespoke chef’s knives since 2010, and each new release seems more dazzling than the last.

Named for a Japanese word meaning “embers,” the Nakarobi presents a blend of form and function that demands closer examination.

This week, that trend continues with the launch of Middleton’s latest masterpiece, the Nakarobi. Named for a Japanese word meaning “embers,” the knife presents a blend of form and function that demands closer examination.

Middleton Made Knives Nakarobi

$600 at Middleton Made Knives

Middleton Made Knives Nakarobi

Using the experience he has gained creating knives for top chefs such as Kwame Onwuachi, Marcus Samuelson and Iron Chef Michael Symon, Middleton has built another beauty.

The blade, which measures a formidable eight inches in length, boasts a BG42 stainless steel San Mai core with a 420 jacket. Its convex shape is intended to ease food release.

middleton-made-knives-nakarobi-black-and-white — The eight-inch blade looks ready for just about any cutting job your next meal presents.

The full-tang silhouette is complemented by an ergonomic handle that is equally attention-worthy. It’s made of chopped carbon fiber and copper leaves embedded in a resin.

nakarobi handle — The five-inch handle is shaped for easy gripping when you’re not simply admiring its looks.

The whole thing measures 13 inches in length, leaving a generous five inches to grasp as you cleanly slice through whatever you choose to toss in a skillet or throw onto the grill tonight.

That’s assuming you don’t mount the Nakarobi on the wall for display, as by all indications, it’s not only an indispensable piece of kitchenware but also a work of art.