The Legend

KAI and Tim Mälzer are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their successful collaboration with the outstanding TDM-1785 tantō knife, limited to 6,666 pieces worldwide, from the Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series

The traditional Japanese tantō (短刀), originally a short sword, is characterised by a straight blade spine and an equally straight cutting edge. The blade shape has also found its way into modern cuisine, where it is used in a variety of ways: the blade shape of the TDM-1785 anniversary knife, for example, is ideal for cutting large vegetables, trimming meat, filleting fish and much more. The blade features the distinctive hammered finish (Tsuchime) of the Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series. In addition, the exclusive ‘15 The Legend’ logo adorns the tantō blade right next to Tim Mälzer's signature.

Each anniversary knife has its own serial number engraved on the bolster of the handle, making it a unique piece. The TDM-1785 was also awarded the international German Design Award 2025 for its excellent product design.

The handle of the Tantō anniversary knife is made of brown-grained pakkawood with an ultra-matt finish, distinguishing it from the shiny polished handles of the other knives in the TDM series. The pakkawood is treated with selected resins, making it extremely supple, resilient, moisture-resistant and durable. Its symmetrical shape ensures that the handle sits securely in the hand and is suitable for both left- and right-handed users, while a full tang provides the optimum balance between blade and handle when cutting.

The Shun Premier blade's core fashioned from extremely hard VG-MAX steel and is enveloped in 32 layers of Damascus steel. This combination of different steel grades makes the blade both hard and flexible at once. The double-sided blade is easy to use because it its light weight and guarantees a clean and precise cut. The incorporation of a hammered surface underlies not only aesthetic reasons, but also serves the release of material from the blade thanks to the resulting air pockets.

Thanks to its symmetrical shape, it is suitable for both left- and right-handed users. A continuous tang ensures stability and balance whilst cutting. As a special touch, the handle's end has been engraved with Tim Mälzer's bull's head, the professional chef's trademark.

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