Skip to main content

A Cut Above: Chatwin Co. Releases CRUCIAL Heirloom Collection

chef knife
Image used with permission by copyright holder
You can’t do much in the kitchen without a sophisticated chef knife.

The CRUCIAL heirloom knife collection by Chatwin Co. hails from the mind of Philippe Schlesser and includes three knives: paring, boning, and a chef’s knife.

Their minimalist aesthetic is a giveaway that this collection’s focus is on high-quality materials and ergonomic design. With Swedish Sandvik 13c26 steel blades and solid rosewood handles, this is a set of knives that will gracefully age right along with you.

Phillip Schlesser in baguette glasses
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Industrial designer and former chef, Schlesser, seen here sporting a pair of high-carb glasses, considered every detail to make the collection one that will last year after year: “Natural materials simply age better. Think of it as comparing a new leather bag and a new nylon messenger bag, and compare those bags five years later. Leather has a nice patina, whereas the nylon looks like it is ready to be replaced.”

Crucial heirloom knife collection and storage rack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The collection’s wooden holder, which also serves as a free-standing knife block, magnetic knife rack, or travel case, is also designed to be about as child-proof as a knife holder can get. Rather than a giant hunk of wood, the holder folds in half to about the dimensions of a laptop — meaning you can carry it in your everyday bag when you’re heading out to a weekend cook-out or dinner party.

Luxembourg chateau

Every object tells a story, and the CRUCIAL collection has some pretty interesting origins. Schlesser attributes the inspiration to an heirloom knife passed down to him from his great-grandmother. The Chatwin brand is based out of Châteu de Wintrange of Luxembourg, Chatwin being the portmanteau of its 400-year-old Renaissance namesake.

Find out more from Chatwin Co.’s CRUCIAL Kickstarter page and pre-order your set today. 

Editors' Recommendations

Megan Freshley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Megan Freshley is a freelance copywriter and poet living in Portland, OR. She's studied at Antioch College and the Esalen…
The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Read more
This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts
The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer

Read more
Reacher season 3: Everything we know so far
Get up to date on Reacher season 3!
Alan Ritchson in Reacher.

The era of Jack Ryan may be over, but Reacher is carrying on as one of the best shows on Amazon Prime Video. This action thriller is based upon Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, which previously featured Tom Cruise in the leading role of two different movies. But for Prime Video, Alan Ritchson has stepped into the role of Jack Reacher, a former member of the United States Army Military Police Corps who drifts from town to town and takes justice into his own hands when the local law enforcement isn't enough.

Prime Video didn't waste any time before renewing Reacher for a third season last year. And while new episodes are still several months away, we're sharing everything we know about Reacher season 3.
Which Reacher novel will season 3 be based on?

Read more