DuneDamascus Utility Knife 5"
- Blade length
- 5" (13 cm)
- Steel
- 67-layer damascus, S35VN-type powder steel core
- Hardness
- 62 ± 2 HRC
- Handle
- Light pakkawood (resin-impregnated laminated wood), steel bolster and end cap, decorative mosaic pin
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At 3.1 oz, the 5-inch Dune utility knife is the second smallest in the series, after the paring knife. It halves a lemon, slices a shallot, salami or an apple, on the board or in your hand. It is shorter than the 6-inch utility knife and weighs a little over half as much. 67-layer damascus blade, S35VN-type powder steel core, light pakkawood handle.
A utility knife sits between a paring knife and a chef knife. The 5 to 6-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 Dune Damascus Utility Knife 5" has a blade made of 67 layers of damascus steel around an S35VN-type powder steel core, hardened to 62 ± 2 HRC and sharpened to 9-12° per side. Powder steels have a very fine, even structure, prized for edge retention. The fine, rippled damascus pattern differs on every blade. The handle is light pakkawood, a laminated wood impregnated with resin: it has the color of blond wood but handles moisture far better. A steel bolster and end cap frame it, with a decorative mosaic pin. It is the most complete series in the range: 14 knives.
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 · Dune S35VN Powder Steel Damascus Knives
In the kitchen
Our knives at work
Our models in use (styled scenes).
Fig. 01 · Damascus Utility Knife 5"
Specs
The blade, by the numbers
| Steel | 67-layer damascus, S35VN-type powder steel core |
|---|---|
| Layers | 67 |
| Hardness | 62 ± 2 HRC |
| Blade length | 5" (13 cm) |
| Overall length | 10.1 in (25.7 cm) |
| Spine thickness | 2 mm |
| Handle | Light pakkawood (resin-impregnated laminated wood), steel bolster and end cap, decorative mosaic pin |
| Weight | 3.1 oz (87 g) |
| Edge | Double bevel |
| SKU | CD-DU-UTIL13 |
Care
3 habits, years of sharp
Hand-wash it
Warm water, a drop of dish soap. Never the dishwasher.
Dry it right away
One towel, ten seconds. Never leave it in the sink.
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 S35VN-type powder steel?
A steel made by powder metallurgy: its very fine, even structure is prized for edge retention. It forms the core of the blade, wrapped in 67 layers of damascus. Like any hard steel, it is best sharpened on a whetstone.
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.
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