The knife’s beastly blade is constructed from laminated VG10 stainless steel, a high-carbon steel that was popularized in Japan by professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. At just over 11 ounces, the FK-A1Z A1 is heavy enough for chopping but light enough to control for precision tasks. Its handle is made from Kraton—a high-performance elastomer with more resistance to weather, corrosion, and heat than natural rubber. The handle’s textured diamond pattern also provides superior grip retention, even in extremely wet and hot conditions.