Last week, I found myself admiring the well-sourced kitchen finds at Heritage Culinary Artifacts in Napa's Oxbow market, in particular owner Lisa Minucci's dazzling array of knives, which includes vintage finds such as an American 1850's butcher's knife, a German carving knife, a handmade Italian copper knife, and cleavers galore. However, what really caught my eye were the hand-forged carbon steel choppers and utility knives made by Michael Hemmer. A fully fledged blacksmith and self-described recluse, Hemmer (who, incidentally, lived on the first commune in California in the seventies), works out of a remote corner of Oregon. His knives feature mottled, razor-sharp blades, which go through a hammering process that compacts the steel and concentrates the carbon in the cutting edge, resulting in a sharper and more durable knife. Part work of art, part kitchen tool, the chopper is $165 and the utility knife $95. The handle is available in rosewood (shown below) or ash.
N.B. Check out the Sundries listings for availability and pricing on knives, or contact Heritage Artifacts directly to purchase.
Above, third from R: Chopper knife by Michael Hemmer, $165.