[{"id":479025791169,"handle":"collaborations","updated_at":"2026-06-19T04:09:13-07:00","published_at":"2025-04-03T14:24:53-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Collaborations","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eDive into Messermeister’s bold collaboration collection, where top culinary voices—Esther Choi, Claudette Zepeda, Olivia Tiedemann, Adam Glick, and Bennie Kendrick—shape blades with chef-driven precision. Each knife blends signature style, pro-worthy performance, and irresistible kitchen swagger. Crafted to inspire, these limited-edition tools elevate every chop, sear, and slice for cooks who crave pro-level gear.\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2025-11-21T07:08:53-08:00","alt":"Esther Choi holding her Push-Button Shears","width":3200,"height":1877,"src":"\/\/www.messermeister.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Collabs_f2d5ce7e-9ede-48f7-86e5-b4f5f5f3e6ee.jpg?v=1776287259"}},{"id":284855304385,"handle":"forge-initiative","updated_at":"2026-06-03T04:07:34-07:00","published_at":"2022-04-21T08:08:24-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"gem-1649447529-template","published_scope":"web","title":"Forge Initiative","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eMessermeister’s Forge Initiative brings together master chefs and expert craftsmanship to create one-of-a-kind dream knives. More than just exceptional tools, these knives help support the chefs’ nonprofit causes, turning every purchase into an opportunity to give back. Forge represents Messermeister’s commitment to using our craft to help make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2025-07-22T20:12:42-07:00","alt":null,"width":3200,"height":1877,"src":"\/\/www.messermeister.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/EdwardLeeKnife.jpg?v=1753240362"}}]
The Messermeister Limited Edition Chef Edward Lee 8" Bunka Knife is where soulful craftsmanship meets culinary purpose. Created in collaboration with award-winning chef Edward Lee—renowned for his global style rooted in Asian tradition—this knife reflects a cultural crossroads of heritage and innovation. Featuring a clean Asian Bunka profile, its blade is forged from 53-layer Black Damascus steel for razor-sharp performance and striking beauty. The charred handle is crafted from reclaimed Kentucky Maker's Mark bourbon barrels, marrying Lee’s Korean roots with his Louisville home. Gritty, elegant, and built to perform, this knife is what Lee calls “spiced-up simplicity.” A portion of proceeds supports The LEE Initiative—because great tools should give back.
Behind the Build: Product Specs
Origin
Handcrafted in Seki, Japan
Overall
Length: 13.88 in | 352 mm
Blade Type
A chef's knife, often referred to as a cook's knife, is a versatile and essential tool in both professional and home kitchens. It features a broad, sharp blade that tapers to a point, allowing for a variety of cutting techniques.
Blade
53 Layer VG10 Damascus
Damascus
Water Stone
Flat Grind
15º
62 HRC
Ambidextrous
Handle
Charred Retired Maker's Mark Bourbon Barrels
Blade
Width: 1..88 in | 48 mm
Length: 8.5 in | 216 mm
Thickness at spine: 2.1 mm
Handle
Width (including bolster): 5.38 in | 137 mm
Tasks
Care
Do not place in dishwasher… Seriously, don’t even think about it!
Hand-wash only with warm water and a mild detergent; rise and dry immediately
Clean the blade right away after slicing acidic or salty foods like tomatoes, citrus and vinegar based items
For wood handles: Apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil or wood cream every few weeks
Pairs Well With
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How-To Maintain Your Knife
How-To Sharpen Your Knife
How-To Care For Your Knife
Overall rating: 4.7674417 / 5 from 43 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
: 18%%
: 15%%
Review topics: [].
Review highlights
"The feel of the handle is very nice and comfortable." — Denis S.
"Light weight with good feel." — Clint M.
"Love the look and feel of this knife… can’t wait to use it more this summer!" — kevin b.
Reviews
Pricey for the outcome
"The knife is beautiful—no doubt about that. I agree with other reviewers: it doesn’t hold its sharpness for long. In fact, it wasn’t even sharp out of the box, which is a red flag in itself. For a $500 price tag, I expected much more. At this point, it just doesn’t feel worth it. I’m hoping to get some recommendations for sharpening, because I really want to get the best out of it."
— Shane M. (3/5)
Beautiful
"One of the most beautiful knives I’ve ever seen"
— Dan C. (5/5)
excellent!!
"Love Love Love it !!! Beautiful knife !!! very sharp in looks as well as its cutting ability !!!"
— Robert C. (5/5)
Chef Lee 8 "
"Excellent hand feel. Beautifully honed edge. A pleasure to use."
— Kenneth T. (5/5)
Never have I ever…
"… used a better knife! The edge, the balance, the quality you can feel throughout really make it a joy to use. I couldn’t be more pleased with the addition of this amazing knife to my kitchen!"
— Duane M. (5/5)
Chef Edward Lee Limited Addition Knife
"We are very impressed with this knife. It is versatile, extremely sharp and easy to use for any task. The fact that it also benefits Chef Lee's charity is a bonus. No one would be disappointed with this knife for themselves or to give as a gift."
— Dean S. (5/5)
Great Craftsmanship
"I love this chef knife! It is so light and cuts through everything with ease. It’s beautiful to look at. The design is great also. I wasn’t sure if I would like the angled tip but I like it better than the traditional chef knives out there. I would recommend this knife to any goody out there that loves to cook."
— Kari C. (5/5)
Amazing
"Got this for my husband, for Christmas. He absolutely loves it. So beautifully made"
— hannah r. (5/5)
가볍고 강한 칼! 가벼우면서도 날이
"가볍고 강한 칼! 가벼우면서도 날이 잘 들어 요리가 즐겁고, 앞쪽의 뾰족한 부분이 있어 칼 두 개의 효과를 즐기고 있습니다! 우리 Edward 균 Lee 셰프님의 센스와 요리 대한 사랑이 담긴 칼이라는 생각이 매번 듭니다. 애지중지, 더욱 애정하면서, 맛있는 음식 만들어 가족들과 즐기겠습니다!"
— Juhye K. (5/5)
Recieved a replacement knife
"Recieved a replacement knife , the blade feels delicate, i will continue to use it and see how it holds up. The last one handle cracked on first use , the company replaced it. So i am exited to see if this knife holds up. I will post a more detailed review after a month or so.."
— James F. (3/5)
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