HRLM Chef Knife
This chef knife was designed for a new brand Urban Heirloom. The brand is focused on high quality, well designed, and reliable kitchen products. The chef knife was designed to be an elegant yet professionally functioning knife. The dropped blade design allows the knife to naturally encourage a pinch grip, considered by chefs and master knife makers to be the most controlled way of using a knife when chopping and slicing. This knife was brought through final tooling and is awaiting production.
Research Process
Through online research and interviews with Chefs and Knife makers I found that there are a number of aspects that make a good chef knife. Some of these points were universal to all knives and others come down to the preference of the user. I broke out these aspects into two categories, technical and preferential.
Key Technical Learnings
Blade Steel
Good steel is ​the most important part of the knife and will determine the quality & longevity of the blade.
Blade Grind
There are multiple styles of blade grinding, including hollow, taper, and convex. Choosing the right one for the right purpose is essential.
Edge Grind
Like the grinding of the blade this is also extremely important for the intended use of the knife. Having the right angle and shape.
Key Preferential Learnings
Preferred Grip
Most professional and skilled users prefer a pinch grip style for holding the blade.
Weight & Balance
The weight and balance of the knife to not determine its quality but cater to different users preference.
Blade Style
The style of the blade can be adjusted to create unique features without sacrificing any core qualities of the knife.
Sketching Process
Using the key learnings as a base for understanding I began ideation to create a unique form that would encourage a more natural pinch grip. Playing with options for a full tang construction lead to interesting variations of the handle design. Key elements were selected and modeled to begin prototyping.
Initial Form Print
​
Revised form for improved pinch grip
Rounded form study for lower price point
Further refinement of handle feel
Initial T1 sample with wood handle
T2 sample with refined finishing
T3 Final sample with G10 resin handle
Prototype Process
We went through multiple prototyping rounds to ensure the form was correct and comfortable. It was essential that the dropped handle naturally encourage a pinch grip for all sized hands.
Rest Handle Naturally
Rest the handle naturally in your hand so that your pointer finger is cradled in the curvature of the bump.
Grip the blade
Wrap your hand around the rest of the handle and place your thumb on the blade pinching it with your pointer finger and thumb giving yourself full control over the blade.
Blade Grind
The flat tapered grind allows for a strong multipurpose blade. The taper ground bottom thins out the blade to give it better slicing properties while keeping it strong.
Full tang
A full tang construction creates a sturdy and reliable knife construction. The added weight to the handle balances the knife and allows you to keep a comfortable grip.
Final Design
The final design incorporates features based on the key learnings in the research process. The most important features are not easily seen in the design but are incorporated into the blade to make it a tool that will last. The handle design compliments the strength of the blade with a unique chamfered design not often seen in chef knives due to its complexity to manufacture. To highlight the use of a pinch grip the blade drops down from the handle allowing a more focused and natural pinch grip.
