Keeping You Sharp
Cutlery is one of the oldest categories of kitchen equipment, and possibly the leading contributor to the establishment of the trade in kitchenware. What started out as an essential cutting tool that was created by stamping a shape out of a sheet of metal or forging blades hammered out of raw steel has flourished, and become a worldwide industry turning out a multitude of products. When you think about it, cutlery is the cornerstone of any kitchen, and represents a true back- to-basics housewares category. After all, you’re not going to get very far preparing a meal without having something to cut with. For that reason, I think it is still the category that any consumer should consider the most necessary and the best investment of their kitchen dollar.
If you think all knives are pretty much the same, you
would be wrong. There have been significant advances in manufacturing, metallurgy and ergonomic design that have created diversity between brands. Of all of the advances
in cutlery manufacturing, I believe that ergonomics and handle design have become the leading differentiators in distinguishing brands. In this issue, we have rounded up examples of the latest diverse cutlery ranges to hit the marketplace (page 11).
The question still remains what key attribute stands out as the driver of consumer demand. Is it as simple as the look and feel? Or is price the single most important driver? Is it heritage? Country of manufacture? Ergonomics? Brand recognition? If you look closely, there is a fair amount of differentiation between the brand offerings, and understanding your customer will be the key to choosing the right cutlery line.
No matter which knife you choose to do the job, there is one very important accessory that should not be overlooked
... the knife sharpener. As Chef Bernard Guillas, the Brand Ambassador for our sister publication Mulange, explains in
our recent issue featuring Dave Koz, a sharp knife is essential. It requires less pressure from the hand because it cuts so seamlessly. A good sharpening steel will go a long way in keeping the edge sharp, but not many American consumers have taken the time to master the use of a sharpening steel. Fortunately for this group of cutlery users, another business has taken shape in the form of knife sharpeners that simplify the process. In this issue, we also explore some of the recent knife sharpeners to come to market that should be the perfect add-on sale for anyone buying into the category.
David Spencer
Publisher, Gourmet Business
President, HousewaresDirect, Inc.
dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com