{"product_id":"hand-forged-kitchen-knife","title":"Hand forged Gillon x Dan Prendergast kitchen knife","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI’ve never been particularly drawn to kitchen gadgets, which is probably why I enjoy cooking outdoors so much. It strips things back and lets you focus on a few essential tools.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven so, I’m often asked what I consider indispensable in the kitchen. My answer hasn’t changed in years: a really good knife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are knives designed for all sorts of tasks, but I tend to reach for the same one time and again. It’s a straightforward, well-balanced knife that Gloucestershire bladesmith Dan Prendergast made for me over a decade ago, and it’s been in constant use ever since.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDan has been hand-forging knives since 2004 from his workshop in the Cotswolds. His philosophy is simple — everything serves a purpose, nothing is unnecessary. The result is a tool that’s built to be used and to last.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOver time, my knife has become second nature to use. The high-carbon Sheffield steel takes a keen edge and holds it well with a bit of care, while the blade gradually develops a patina that reflects its use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor years, I’d thought about creating something based on this knife, so Dan and I decided to collaborate on a version of it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis isn’t about branding or embellishment — it’s about making a knife shaped by experience and daily use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach knife is hand-forged by Dan in Gloucestershire using high-carbon Sheffield steel, paired with an English walnut handle. Every blade is individually ground, heat-treated, sharpened and finished by hand, which means no two are exactly alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s a versatile size, well suited to everyday kitchen tasks — from slicing vegetables to preparing fish or carving meat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe forged finish leaves a subtle texture on the blade, a quiet reminder of the process behind it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand forged by Dan Prendergast in Gloucestershire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-carbon Sheffield steel blade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnglish walnut handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade length: 130mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle length: 110mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: approximately 90g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a working knife made from high-carbon steel, and it benefits from a little attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWash the blade by hand with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry it thoroughly straight away. Avoid leaving it wet or soaking, and never put it in the dishwasher.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOver time the blade will develop a natural patina. This is normal and helps protect the steel. If you prefer a brighter finish, it can be lightly polished, but many people choose to let it age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo keep the edge performing well, use a honing steel regularly and have the knife sharpened properly when needed. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as glass, stone or metal — a wooden board is best.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe walnut handle can be maintained with an occasional light application of food-safe oil to keep it from drying out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStore the knife somewhere dry and safe, ideally in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or with a blade guard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’ve made a limited number of these knives, and each one has its own character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gill Meller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54362146505050,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0928\/2591\/1642\/files\/5133F450-EF95-4CF1-A068-D6D99AED885C.jpg?v=1782473139","url":"https:\/\/gillmeller.com\/products\/hand-forged-kitchen-knife","provider":"Gill Meller","version":"1.0","type":"link"}