215 mm "Altus" Chef

RMC-ALT05

bladesmith: Cavallo


Meaning “high” in Latin, Altus is a European-inspired chef knife with a gently curved edge profile designed for fluid rocking cuts. The blade raises into a pronounced, high tip, giving it the precision needed for scoring, julienne cuts, and other detailed work. It’s a knife that moves easily between broad, rhythmic cuts and more deliberate ones.

Handle + Blade

Carbon Fiber + Damasteel

Regular price$1,265.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Free domestic shipping
  • Complimentary lifetime sharpening
  • Made in Portland, Oregon

Ryan Cavallo

Following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, an ornamental blacksmith, Ryan Cavallo began making knives in his backyard at just 13 years old. His early experiments eventually led to an apprenticeship at Carter Cutlery in 2018, where he worked alongside bladesmiths, collectors, and chefs who helped him shape his understanding of what makes a great kitchen knife.

For his Signature line, Ryan takes a restrained approach to color and material, allowing the character of each knife’s materials and construction to take center stage. “My Western knives are more European, drawing from French chef knives and my family heritage, while my Japanese knives are a natural expression of my traditional training.”

Chef

An all-purpose kitchen knife designed for rocking, chopping, and slicing. A chef knife is typically 7–10 inches long and features a tapered, pointed tip. Its blade is tall enough to provide clearance for the knuckles when cutting on a board.

Environment: Indoor
Uses: Chopping, Slicing, Mincing
Best for: Root Vegetables, Leafy Greens, Herbs, Soft Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Fish

Overview
Process: Stock Removal

Overall Length: 335 mm / 13.19 in
Weight: 187 g

Blade
Profile: Chef
Material: Damascus

Steel Type: Bjorkmans Twist Damasteel

Length: 215 mm / 8.46 in
Height at Heel: 53 mm / 2.09 in

Handle
Construction: Full Tang
Material: Carbon Fiber

Length: 127 mm / 5.00 in
Liner: 410 Stainless & Black G10

Please note the grain of the wood and finish of the steel will vary from knife to knife. If you would like to see all iterations of a knife variant before purchasing, please contact us with the corresponding SKU and we'll happily share photos of the knives.

Visit our glossary to learn more about other materials we use.

Damascus technique

  1. Damascus cross section

    Damascus, or pattern-welded steel, is made in a similar way to san mai, except alternating layers of high-carbon steel with different properties are forge welded together. When the final blade is etched, the pattern is revealed as a result of these layers.

  2. Forging technique

    Three billets can be forged and re-stacked to create many layers, which then become the final blade material.

  3. Shaping the pattern

    The bladesmith can remove material by filing, drilling, or grinding part of the metal away, or move the layers with a hammer or press. The resulting patterns vary widely, but the intricate, wavy patterns are a distinctive hallmark of Damascus steel.

Hand wash and dry No dishwasher

Hand wash your knife with warm water and mild dish soap when cutting tasks are finished. Dry immediately after use. 

Under no circumstances place your knife in a dishwasher or leave it soaking for extended periods in the sink. 

Following our general care instructions will help preserve your knife’s longevity and performance. Visit our care guide for additional information.


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