When I exhibit my work at shows, there is a subset of people who approach to defend the virtue of “true” damascus steel. They contend that the modern version of it is a different animal, and it should in fact be called “pattern welded steel” instead. It is difficult to say precisely where this idea. . . Read More
Have you ever walked down the baking aisle in a supermarket? Generally, somewhere in between the flours, the spices, and the cake and brownie mixes, you will find a few shelves full of baking trays and a rack with a selection of kitchen tools and gadgets. Somewhere on that rack, usually somewhere higher up, will. . . Read More
What are thoughts to consider when buying chef’s knives? It is probably not a question most people have spent much time thinking about, but there is plenty to sink your teeth into. Imagine yourself cooking professionally, in the kitchen of a high-end restaurant. You get to work at 11:00am each morning. You spend the. . . Read More
Kitchen knives made of damascus are enjoying a surge in popularity right now. With the perennial popularity of cooking shows–I can remember my way back to Julia Child reruns when I was a kid–and the burgeoning universe of food blogs and fine dining restaurants, it was only a matter of time before the culinary world. . . Read More
A high quality carbon steel chef knife is a beautiful thing and what is needed to cook the best of meals. I won’t bore you with the merits of high carbon steel again; suffice it to say, it’s good stuff. It’s better stuff than what you’re used to if, like most people, you’ve lived your. . . Read More
For most people, kitchen knives are a set of almost passive items in their home; something taken for granted, like furniture. Many couples use a set of knives they received as a wedding gift years or decades past. It was an upgrade from the mismatched chef knife and paring knife they got for their first. . . Read More
A damascus chef’s knife has the advantage of an exotic appearance compared to standard counterparts. In modern times, it is also a high quality blade that has the ability to cut most ingredients with ease. Knowing that, let’s take a look at the following: The Greatness Of Damascus Chef’s Knife The Inspiration Of. . . Read More
What Is Needed To Make A Knife? Crafting a knife is always an adventure for me. I start out with a nondescript bar of steel, a block of wood, and maybe a few other bits and pieces, and then I end up with something that is beautiful, elegant, and useful. A lot has to happen. . . Read More
At a minimum, a knife has two parts: a blade that cuts, and a handle to hold. A handle is simple and straightforward, just something you can hold onto with some degree of security and comfort. Back in the Stone Age, the earliest cutting tools were just chipped stone, the blade and handle were only. . . Read More
Centuries before I was born, blacksmiths were regarded with reverence and wonder by the communities they served. In some cultures, like the Celts across Europe, and the Samurai of Japan, the work of the smith’s craft was perceived as near magic. Hardenable steel was literally the cutting edge of technology, and men who could take. . . Read More