At Papilio Bespoke Kitchens, we understand that a brand-new handmade kitchen should be dressed like one. Cutlery and utensils need to be functional and hardwearing for everyday use, but there’s no need to compromise on style. We love handmade and unique designs, and many UK-based designers, makers and blacksmiths out there create stunning, special cutlery that will make your table setting stand out from the norm.
We’ve selected our top 5 favourite cutlery and utensil designers that showcase different styles and materials that are perfect for a considered handmade kitchen.
Alex Pole Ironwork Serving Utensils & Accessories
Alex Pole Ironwork was established in 2006 to deliver high-quality functional products for the home and garden. The business has evolved over the years and specialises in hand-forged kitchenware and utensils.
Alex and his team use only traditional techniques at The Forge. All products are forged by hand and, wherever possible, sourcing local materials.
Our favourites are their handmade butter knives, coffee spoons and chopsticks because each is unique and handmade. The butter knives are hand forged in black stainless steel with a structure that will stand the test of time. The design is classic, simple and functional and features black stainless steel heated to over 850°C to create dark oxide formations on the surface.
David Mellor Handmade Cutlery
Established in 1969, David Mellor Design creates stunning cutlery ranges. Each piece is a perfectionist’s dream, made by a small specialist team of highly skilled craftspeople. Their exceptional expertise in metalwork and the high degree of hand-finishing in the manufacturing process mean that their cutlery sits beautifully in hand, gives an effortless elegance and sophistication to any table and makes the simple act of eating a complete pleasure.
Our favourite in their current collection is the ‘Minimal’ range. The aesthetic purity is ideal for modern living and has made it a firm favourite with design enthusiasts. The sculptural shaping and the weight of the satin-polished metal give this cutlery a very luxurious feel.
Soho Home – Stonewashed Cutlery
Soho Home is a modern interiors brand designed for relaxed, sociable living. With more than 25 years of design heritage, the range was created to mirror the look and feel of our Soho Houses worldwide.
The Stonewashed cutlery has a timeless retro feel to it with a matt pewter finish. The durable and stain-resistant stainless steel is ideal for busy kitchens and suits almost any kitchen design style. However, we would like to see the Stonewashed cutlery in either a mid-century-style kitchen or a farmhouse-style kitchen.
Hand-forged Cheddar Knife from The Newt in Somerset
We love this hand-forged cheddar knife by Bodman Blades. The blade-smithing workshop is based on ex-chef Ben Bodman’s farm in Melksham, Wiltshire. Commissioned by The Newt in Somerset, the blade is perfect for cheese fans everywhere. The hand-forged knife is made from Brut de forge carbon steel, selected for a superfine edge. It is hand-sharpened on a whetstone with droplets of mineral oil before being finished with a hand-shaped hardwood handle and a rub of natural beeswax. This hand-forged cheddar knife is a must in any handmade kitchen.
Grunwerg Cutlery
Forged in Sheffield, the heart of the British steel industry, Grunwerg was established in 1945 by Otto Grunwerg, a refugee from war-torn Vienna. Design and craftsmanship are in their DNA, and the studio has been supplying the UK professional and domestic market with their stainless-steel houseware products for decades.
We’re big fans of their Yin & Yang black cutlery range. The design takes an elegant and holistic approach, and this particular set is perfect for a relaxed and calm dining setting. The high-quality steel heads are complemented by robust, sleek black handles that have been moulded around a full tang, providing an ergonomic grip and exquisite appearance.
