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Henckels

Henckels Compass Damascus Chef's Knife 8 in

  • 8 inch Damascus blade, plain edge
  • D60 core steel, Rockwell hardness 60
  • 23-layer Damascus pattern, acid-washed
  • Curved bolster for pinch grip
  • Triple-rivet POM handle, stainless endcap
  • 11.2 ounces, 12.5 inches overall

Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A striking Damascus-clad chef's knife with a hard core steel and a pinch-grip bolster for daily slicing and chopping. The hard edge rewards care, so it is not meant for hacking through frozen food or heavy bones.

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ASIN: B0DPXRRHRDCategory: Chef's Knives

Styles Available

2-pc3-pc6-pc8-inch

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Overview

Home kitchens that cook every night get a do-everything blade here, with a hard core steel wrapped in layered Damascus steel. A curved bolster supports the pinch grip, and a triple-rivet handle with a mosaic pin gives a balanced feel.

Edge retention is the strength: the hard core holds sharpness through weeks of chopping, while the layered cladding resists corrosion and looks dramatic. The bolster makes a proper pinch grip comfortable. Harder steel can chip if used on bones or frozen food.

Who it's for

Home cooks and aspiring chefs who prep vegetables, herbs and meat daily get a sharp, balanced knife. Anyone who batters through bones should use a cleaver alongside it.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Hard core holds an edge
  • Corrosion-resistant layered cladding
  • Bolster supports pinch grip
  • Balanced triple-rivet handle
Cons
  • Hard steel can chip on bones
  • Layer count stated two ways
  • No sheath included

Performance notes

Sharpness lasts because the hard core steel forms the edge, while the softer layered steel around it adds toughness and corrosion resistance. Oil quenching sets the hardness. The curved bolster places the thumb and finger on the blade for precise control in the pinch grip.

Specifications

BrandHenckels
Dimensions & fit
BladeLength8 inches
Item Length12.5 inches
Item weight11.2 ounces
Construction & materials
Blade Material TypeD60 core, Damascus cladding
Construction TypeForged
ColorBlack
Blade ColorDamascus steel
Handle MaterialPlastic, polyoxymethylene (POM), triple rivet, stainless endcap
Included components
Included ComponentsChef's knife
Other details
Blade EdgePlain
HardnessRockwell 60 average

Frequently asked questions

Is the HENCKELS Compass Damascus blade Damascus all the way through?

No. A D60 core steel forms the edge, and Damascus layers surround it. The bullets describe a 23-layer pattern while the description mentions 45 layers.

How hard is the HENCKELS Compass Damascus steel?

It averages 60 on the Rockwell hardness scale.

Does the HENCKELS Compass Damascus come with a sheath?

No. The included component is the chef's knife only.

What handle does the HENCKELS Compass Damascus have?

A contoured triple-rivet handle with a stainless steel endcap and a mosaic pin.