The 7” blade is hand forged from a bunch of ball bearings packed in a canister, then filled in with 1084 high carbon powdered steel, forge-welded and then twisted.  
The blade was carefully heat treated to 62 Rockwell hardness using a computer controlled furnace, prioritizing high hardness and edge retention.  
It was then hand ground thin with a full flat ground primary bevel and a fine secondary bevel.
The blade was etched in acid to expose the pattern in the steel while my initials “JMV” were created by using an acid resist, and therefore are slightly raised.
The handle is hand carved from oak, hand sanded, scorched, polished and submerged in oil for 12 hours to resist water damage. The blade’s tang is sunk 3 1/2” into the handle and secured with high strength epoxy for a very strong joint.
***Made from high carbon steel and natural wood.  Hand wash and towel dry immediately after every use or the steel will oxidize excessively and the wood will deteriorate.  Oil as needed.  NEVER machine wash as it will damage materials and cause the extra hard and fine edge to chip while banging around against glass and ceramics. Follow these guidelines and it should last many life times.