A santoku style knife I made for a friend a few months ago

Aaaaand done. Just kidding, we’re barely out of bar stock at this point

My friend wanted a Japanese chef’s knife, so I said I’d give it a go

He wanted a rough, hammered look to it, I purposely peened it a bit more than normal

After it was sanded down a bit more

Pin holes drilled, but still rough

Ground out a bit more, but not sharpened all the way

Looking a little better (and yes, he wanted the rough look)

Decided to do some file work on the back edge

Lookin good

I used a leopard wood and walnut for the handle

It might look slightly off center, but I promise it feels great in your right hand

Done! After that I got to give it to my best friend. He loved it!