Rose's Shop Watch-November '15: Chantry Knife Sharpener

Chantry Knife Sharpener

John Lewis/Amazon/Tesco/Robert Welch

What?
Taylor’s Eye Witness Classic Chantry Knife Sharpener.

Why?
It gives you the sharpest of knives in the kitchen.

I have tried to learn to use a butcher’s steel to sharpen my knives. I have been shown how to do it by butchers and quite famous foodies (and you can see Delia’s lesson on how to do it here). But somehow I haven’t quite mastered the knack. I have even been known to dull the blades in the process! Then someone told me about a Chantry Knife Sharpener.

This little gadget mimics the action of a butcher’s steel leaving the blades razor sharp on both sides, without wearing them away. You simply run the knife through several times. It works because, inside, are two small professional butcher’s steels, set at exactly the right angle (this was my problem) and spring loaded so as not to damage the knife. You can even find replacement parts for it.

It was designed by Robert Welch in the 1960’s and is a wonderful piece of British design, which has become a classic, and is on permanent display in the New York Museum of Modern Art. It comes in different colours and would make a great Christmas present.

Conclusion:
An alternative to juggling with a butcher’s steel.

Product Details:
Taylor’s Eye Witness Classic Chantry Knife Sharpener
Height: 11.5cm
Available in different colours
£25-40

Contact:
John Lewis (£30)
Web: johnlewis.com

Amazon (from £19.99)
Web: amazon.co.uk

Tesco (£24.95)
Web: tesco.com

Robert Welch (£40)
Web: robertwelch.com
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