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A Cut Above: Chatwin Co. Releases CRUCIAL Heirloom Collection

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.

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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. 

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…
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