Damascus Recurve Chopper with Curly Koa

Product Description for Damascus Recurve Chopper with Curly Koa

Maker: PJ Gouws (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $900.00
Item num: 113332
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 7.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 8.20 in.
Total length: 13.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 2.25 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.22 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 13.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 28.4 oz.
Blade: 600 layer chocolate box pattern damascus forged from 80CrV2 and 15N20 carbon steel
Bolster: Polished bronze
Handle: Stabilized presentation grade two-tone Hawaiian curly koa
Sheath: Hand stitched and tooled leather sheath with ostrich shin leather inlay
Description: Journeyman Smith P.J. Gouws (b.1983) is a rising South African knifemaker known for his beautifully forged carbon steel and damascus blades. After making his first knife in 2022, he quickly earned his ABS Journeyman Smith rating in 2025 under the mentorship of Mastersmith Neels van den Berg at Black Dragon Forge. PJ spends much of his time forging damascus alongside Neels, blending meticulous craftsmanship with a passion for design. A former finance professional from Johannesburg, his unexpected path into knifemaking reflects both dedication and a love for creating with his hands. His work is defined by refined fit and finish and an organic flow in his handle designs, making each piece a reflection of his journey and the vibrant community that shaped it.
This recurve chopper was hand forged from PJ's own 600 layer chocolate box pattern damascus, combining 80CrV2 and 15N20 carbon steels to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. The pattern is high contrast and easy to see from a distance. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. PJ's touchmark is engraved on the left side of the blade. Because the blade is forged from carbon steel, we recommend using camellia oil to protect the blade from rust.
The handle is hand contoured from presentation grade Hawaiian curly koa (acacia koa). This stabilized wood is only found on the Hawaiian Islands and is one of the most desired woods used in knifemaking. Its highly chatoyant curly figure is unrivaled. The front of the handle is sealed with a bronze guard. Stacked blue fiber, nickel silver, and copper spacers finish the handle.
To keep the knife close at hand, a hand stitched and tooled leather sheath made by Michelle Smith, the accomplished wife of fellow South African knifemaker Stuart Smith is included. An ostrich shin leather inlay is featured on the front.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days