Australia-based Koi Knives has earned a strong reputation in the niche blade industry for its handcrafted craftsmanship, use of hard Japanese steel, and colorful handle designs. Previously, its Big Red Knives collection drew inspiration from Australia’s unique wildlife. Now, the brand continues its creative journey with the Iconic Australian Rivers Knife Collection that celebrates the country’s renowned river systems. Each knife is forged from 3-layer Damascus steel to ensure outstanding durability, sharpness, and performance.
Designed by S. Dolman, the River Knife Collection is presented in two distinct series. The first part features The Daintree, The Murray, and Yarra River knives, while the second introduces the Katherine K-Tip Chef’s Knife, The Margaret Carving Knife, and The Darling Chopping Knife. Each knife is masterfully etched with the unique flow pattern of an iconic Australian river to capture both local artistry and heritage in every blade.
These chef’s knives feature a VG-10 high-carbon steel blade paired with a layered G10 (Garolite) handle that is highly strong and durable. The blades are heat-treated to 60-61 HRC for great edge retention and long-lasting sharpness. The VG-10 composition combines high carbon content for superior sharpness with 15 percent chromium for outstanding resistance to rust and corrosion.
The Murray River Chef’s Knife stands out as the centerpiece of the collection, designed to tackle any kitchen task – from precise slicing to effortless chopping. Its handle colors draw inspiration from the diverse landscapes along the Murray River’s journey: the rich red sands near Mildura in northern Victoria to the soft whites and blues where the river meets the sea at Goolwa. The knife measures 350.5 mm in length, features a 208 mm blade, and weighs approximately 230 grams.
The Daintree River Bread Knife takes inspiration from saltwater crocodiles. Though unconventional in appearance, this knife effortlessly slices through sourdough, rye, ciabatta, and baguettes with precision. Its wider serrations create fewer contact points on the bread’s surface, allowing for a clean, tear-free cut every time. It is also the only knife in the collection with a single bevel, featuring a 15-degree angle on the right side (sorry, left-handers). The green handle reflects the lush rainforests of Queensland’s Daintree River. Measuring 370.1 mm in total length, with a 228.3 mm blade, it weighs approximately 249 grams.
The Yarra Petty Knife serves as the compact chef’s knife in the Iconic River Collection. It is suitable for smaller kitchen tasks like slicing strawberries for the kids’ snacks, butterflying chicken breasts, or separating broccoli florets. The knife measures 287.1 mm in length, features a 178.7 mm blade, and weighs approximately 190 grams.
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The Katherine River K-Tip Chef’s Knife draws inspiration from one of the maker’s favorite designs. Based on the traditional Kiritsuke knife profile, The Katherine offers a balanced midpoint between The Murray and The Yarra knives – making it ideal for those who want a Japanese-inspired shape with added weight toward the tip for precision cutting. Its handle features vibrant orange tones that reflect the striking landscapes of the Northern Territory through which the Katherine River flows. The knife measures 340 mm in total length, includes a 198.5 mm blade, and weighs approximately 244 grams.
The Margaret River Carving Knife takes its name from one of Western Australia’s most iconic surf event locations. Its white handle reflects the crashing waves of the famous Margaret River surf break. Featuring a long, straight blade, it is perfect for achieving smooth cuts with precision, like for roasts and large cuts of meat. The knife measures 400.2 mm in length, includes a 263 mm blade, and weighs approximately 261 grams.
The “Iconic Australian Rivers” Knife Collection by Koi Knives is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter, with pledges starting at $154 for the Yarra River Petty Knife. You can also opt for one of the two 3-piece collections, priced at around $486, with delivery scheduled for December 2025.
