Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", side view
Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", in the kitchen (photo 1)
Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", in the kitchen (photo 2)
Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", in the kitchen (photo 3)
Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", in the kitchen (photo 4)
Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", in the kitchen (photo 5)
Real Damascus · 37 layers 2-year warranty-23 % 01 / 06

MagmaDamascus Utility Knife 5"

$129 $169 Free tracked shipping
Blade length
5" (13 cm)
Steel
37-layer “diamond” damascus with copper tones, 10Cr15CoMoV core
Hardness
60 ± 2 HRC
Handle
Black G10, resin and copper mesh, decorative mosaic pin

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The smallest knife in the Magma series: a 5-inch blade, 27 mm tall, 4 oz. It keeps the 37-layer copper-toned “diamond” damascus on a narrow blade built for quick cuts: limes for drinks, cherry tomatoes, a stick of summer sausage. The faceted handle in black G10, resin and copper mesh handles water well and stays secure even with wet hands. It pairs naturally with the 8-inch chef knife.

A utility knife sits between a paring knife and a chef knife. The 5-inch blade is perfect for small jobs: halving a lemon, slicing a shallot, trimming a fillet, cutting cheese or salami. It is often the knife you reach for most during the day. Japanese-style blade, thin and hard.

Blade and Handle

The Magma Damascus Utility Knife 5" has a blade made of 37 layers of damascus steel around a 10Cr15CoMoV steel core, hardened to 60 ± 2 HRC. Its copper-toned “diamond” pattern gives a raw, almost hand-forged look, far from classic grey damascus. The faceted Japanese-style handle combines black G10, resin and copper mesh. G10 is a very stable composite: it does not swell with water and stays firm in the hand.

Shipping and Returns

Damascus Knife ships free with tracking across the United States: 1 to 3 business days to prepare, then 8 to 14 business days in transit, import duties included. You have 30 days after delivery to return your order.

See also: Damascus Paring and Utility Knives · Magma Copper Damascus Knives

In the kitchen

Our knives at work

the board after dinner
Magma · the board after dinner
watermelon on the terrace
Azur · watermelon on the terrace
salmon in a tiny kitchen
Marea · salmon in a tiny kitchen
the Christmas gift
Iris · the Christmas gift
steak at the campsite
Cobalt · steak at the campsite
a late-night tomato
Carmin · a late-night tomato
first cooking lesson
Cosmos · first cooking lesson

Our models in use (styled scenes).

Magma · Damascus Utility Knife 5", side view

Fig. 01 · Damascus Utility Knife 5"

Specs

The blade, by the numbers

Steel37-layer “diamond” damascus with copper tones, 10Cr15CoMoV core
Layers37
Hardness60 ± 2 HRC
Blade length5" (13 cm)
Overall length10.4 in (26.4 cm)
Blade height27 mm
Spine thickness2 mm
HandleBlack G10, resin and copper mesh, decorative mosaic pin
Weight4.0 oz (113 g)
EdgeDouble bevel
SKUCD-CU-UTIL13

Care

3 habits, years of sharp

01

Hand-wash it

Warm water, a drop of dish soap. Never the dishwasher.

02

Dry it right away

One towel, ten seconds. Never leave it in the sink.

03

Sharpen on a stone

1000 grit rebuilds the edge. Low, steady angle.

Questions

Before you buy

How is it different from a paring knife?

A paring knife is shorter (3-4 inches) and mostly used for peeling in the hand. A utility knife is longer and also cuts on the board.

Is it a good first damascus knife?

Yes: it is versatile, affordable and used every day. It then pairs well with a chef knife.

What is G10?

G10 is a fiberglass and epoxy resin composite widely used for knife handles. It does not swell with water, does not crack, and keeps a good grip even when wet. In this series it is combined with resin and a decorative copper mesh.

Do I need to oil my Damascus knife?

You only need to oil a Damascus knife regularly if the blade is carbon steel or the handle is unfinished wood. A thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil protects against moisture. Stainless Damascus needs oil only now and then, for storage. Avoid WD-40 and cooking oils that turn sticky on a kitchen knife.

Can Damascus knives go in the dishwasher?

No, Damascus knives should never go in the dishwasher. Heat, long exposure to moisture and harsh detergents dull the pattern, encourage rust and damage the handle. The blade also knocks against dishes and loses its edge. Hand-washing with warm soapy water and drying immediately takes under a minute and keeps the knife in shape.

Can you sharpen a Damascus knife?

Yes, you can sharpen a Damascus knife like any kitchen knife, ideally on a whetstone. A medium grit around 1000 rebuilds the edge and a finer stone polishes it. Japanese-style blades are usually sharpened at a lower angle than Western knives. Skip pull-through sharpeners, which are too harsh for hard steel, and use a ceramic honing rod between sessions.

Which Japanese-style knife should I buy first?

The best first Japanese-style knife is a chef knife (gyuto) or a santoku. Both slice, dice and chop meat, fish and vegetables, so one blade covers most daily cooking. Pick a gyuto if you like a longer blade and rocking cuts, a santoku if you prefer a shorter, lighter knife. Add a nakiri later if you cook a lot of vegetables.