Messermeister, in Collaboration with Chef Edward Lee, Unveil Limited Edition Chef Knife as Part of Forge Initiative to Give Back
Limited Edition Chef Edward Lee Knife, Handcrafted by Artisans in Japan, Features a Reclaimed Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Handle and 8-Inch Black Damascus Steel Blade, To Benefit The James Beard Award-Winning Lee Initiative
Knife Features & Specifications:
- Handles Made From Maker’s Mark® Whisky Barrel Staves
- Shou Sugi Ban Charred Design on Handle Homage to Bourbon Barrel Torching Process
- 52 Layered Japanese Black Damascus Steel
- With VG10 Core
- Razor Sharp 15º Cutting Angle
- Handcrafted in Japan
- Limited Edition; Only 750 Available
- Edward’s Lee Engraved Signature
- Overall Length: 13.7/8″
- Blade Length: 8.1/2″
- Blade Width (at heel): 1.7/8″
- Handle Length: 5.3/8″
- Handle Width (at middle): 1″
- Spine Thickness: 2.1mm
Ojai, CA, April 11, 2024 – Messermeister, the women owned, Ojai-based maker of premium chef knives and culinary tools, introduces the Ltd Edition Chef Edward Lee Chef’s Knife, a unique and sustainable design collaboration with the Kentucky-based, Korean-American James Beard Award nominated chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Edward Lee.
As part of Messermeister’s Forge initiative to “shape the world into a better place” through key collaborations with a significant give-back component, the signature knife reflects Lee’s soulful style, passion for bourbon and his own cultural crossroads, blending charred handles reclaimed from Kentucky-based Maker’s Mark Bourbon barrels with 53-layer Black Damascus steel, into a clean Asian Bunka design.
Knives are so personal. A good knife is both practical and functional – not just beautiful. But the best knives also tell a story. I am excited to be working with Messermeister to do just that, while at the same time giving back to such an essential cause.
Chef Edward Lee
Handmade by artisans in Japan and engraved with Chef Lee’s signature, the 8-inch chef knife features a 53-layer black Damascus steel blade, a razor sharp 15 degree cutting angle, and a show-stopping handle made from reclaimed Maker’s Mark bourbon barrel wood, featuring a Shou Sugi Ban charred design.
There are only 750 knives in this special limited edition which when sold out, will not be recreated. The knife retails for $499.95, with 20% of the proceeds going to The Lee Initiative. Founded by Chef Lee, The Lee Initiative – the winner of the 2024 James Beard Humanitarian Award – is committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and compassion within the culinary world. By contributing to this cause with every purchase, customers not only acquire a high-quality product but also actively participate in promoting positive change within the restaurant industry and beyond.
The Forge Initiative was announced by Messermeister in 2023 with acclaimed culinary personalities April Bloomfield, Edward Lee and Claudette Zepeda as the first three “master ambassadors” to launch the program. With Forge, Messermeister collaborates with one chef per year to design his or her unique “dream knife,” reflective of each chef’s personality and passions, with 20% or more of the profits going to that chef’s nonprofit of choice.
Solidifying what has been called “more than an infatuation with Bourbon,” Chef Lee’s new cookbook “Bourbon Land” was released on April 2, 2024.
Innovation and giving back have always been central to who we are as a brand. We are thrilled to partner with Chef Lee and The Lee Initiative to create a product that is sustainable as it is beautiful. Chef’s personal design influence paired with unmatched artisan craftsmanship have resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind chef knife.
Kirsten Dressler Wilson, Vice President of Messermeister
All Forge signature knives are sold on Messermeister.com and in select retail stores.
About Messermeister
Messermeister is a leading manufacturer of premium handcrafted chef’s knives, kitchen cutlery and cooking tools, the go-to brand for everyone from professional chefs to at-home cooks. This Ojai-based, women-owned company with German heritage was originally founded in 1981 by Bernd and Debra Dressler and re-envisioned by daughters Chelcea Dressler-Crowley and Kirsten Dressler Wilson, who have taken the brand to new heights through innovative product designs and partnerships that continue to delight culinary fans.
Messermeister is committed to delivering sustainable best-in-class chef knives, kitchen accessories and award-winning culinary tools, sourcing the world to find the very best manufacturing quality at the right price for the market. The brand offers 12 signature knife collections – from the recently launched Adventure Chef collection of portable folding chef’s knives for campsite or outdoor cooking, to the popular Oliva Elite collection of heirloom quality knives with Mediterranean olive wood handles – as well as kitchen cutlery, cooking tools and knife storage and sharpening solutions. Customers may also personalize their own chef’s knife through the brand’s new Custom Collection released in Spring of 2021.
About Edward Lee
Edward Lee is a Brooklyn-born and Louisville-based chef, James Beard Award-winning culinary author who frequently appears on TV in shows such as “Top Chef” “Iron Chef” and “MasterChef.” His restaurants in Louisville and Washington DC tell the narrative of his Korean identity and Southern culinary roots. He is passionate about telling a unique story through his knife design, and giving back to his nonprofit, The LEE Initiative which strives to bring equality and diversity to the restaurant industry, for which he was awarded the 2024 James Beard Humanitarian Award, as well as a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
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