TheChefClub’s Sharp & Stylish Knife Collection is Designed in Pro-grade Powder Steel
TheChefClub (now Hast.co) is a startup trying to redefine kitchen knives with modern design, pro-performance, low maintenance, and affordability. The design kitchen knife series is made of Powder Steel, rated excellent in sharpness and edge retention (durability) by Catra and Michelin-starred chefs. Matrix powder steel is said to have ultra hardness, high yield strength and resistance to high temperature & humidity.
Powder steel (Powder Metallurgy Steels ) is a group of atomized alloys that are often used in industrial applications that require tools capable of cutting steel and also withstanding tremendous forces and high temperatures. Powder steels are often with high hardness and yield strength which is crucial for cutting tools.
Sharp, Shiny and Stylish. We love the balance of the handle versus the blade, as well as the unique quality of the metal surface, which is both light yet sturdy. Plus, when we say “sharp”, we mean SHARP. We found that cutting many foods requires almost a minimal amount of pressure for the knife to slide right through them.
Design & Development
TheChefClub team spent 3 years developing the knives. What started off as defining the design and developing the overall concept, lead to additional design refinements. Through further 3D modelling and producing dozens of rounds of working samples they perfected the design, engineering and production of the final product. TheChefClub team also worked closely with experienced top chefs such as Mr. Takagi Kazuo, chef and owner of the two-Michelin-starred Kyoto Cuisine Takagi, who says “It cuts very well and easy to clean. I also like the sleek shape, smart and cool.”
TheChefClub Edition knives are designed to stay at a top cutting performance while requiring minimum maintenance. This includes not having any corners or crevices to trap bacteria, and with a smooth finish that makes it easier to remove stains and harmful bacteria. The company also says it is rust and stain resistant, although we haven’t had them long enough to verify these benefits.
“TheChefClub knives are balanced in the hand and outstandingly sharp, allowing us to make the perfect cut, every time”, Whitney Lofts, Head of culinary, SideChef.
Other Design Features:
More than out-of-box sharp
TheChefClub Edition knives are engineered with thin blade and ultra-small cutting-edge angle (two sides smaller than 26°) for excellent sharpness and long edge retention, thanks to Matrix powder’s hardness (HRC62) and yield strength. They have great out-of-box sharpness and can stay sharp for a long time.
Even when they get “dull” after long time of use, they can still cut well, due to fine-engineered blade and cutting edge, which is critical for most people who don’t sharp their knives.
Stable edge with a fresh blade
TheChefClub knives’ blade edges are more stable and durable compared to other high-end knives made of high-carbon stainless steels. The PVD Titanium coated blades provide extra resistance to stains, smell, and rust to ensure a clean and safe food preparation environment.
Lightweight and great balance
The bolster-less design significantly reduces the weight of our knives without compromising on the stability. Each model of TheChefClub knife is engineered to perfect balance by adjusting the weight in the handle. TheChefClub 8’ chef knife weighs only 140g, 30% lighter than its equivalent, providing agile and precise cutting experience.
Comfortable and versatile grip
The ergonomic handle extends organically from the blade and fit your hand in a comfortable grip. By reducing the bolster, we created a wider gripping zone to suit more versatile grips for a variety of tasks and handling habits.
A design that elevates the function
The tail of the rounded-edge blade completes the minimalistic design and makes TheChefClub knives intuitive and easy to use. It also shifts the sharp edge further away from the user to reduce the risk of accidents and injury.
The startup also had a Kickstarter project, with the brand site at hast.co, and retailing starting at $59.
