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Take it from us, French knife nomenclature can be mystifying. When it comes to branding and styling, translating the marques and finding genuine articles from trusted producers can get totally confusing. Take "Sabatier" for example. By our count upwards of 30 companies have "Sabatier" in the name. So how do you figure out what's good, and what's real?
It comes down to identifying quality and understanding the provenance. Traditionally, the Sabatier title simply signified that a knife was the product of top quality craftsmanship, manufactured in the city of Thiers.* Nowadays, that's not exactly the case, and you'll find plenty of so-called Sabatiers manufactured someplace else. If you ask true connoisseurs, though, a Sabatier must be produced in Thiers. In a way, it's like how true champagne comes from Champagne, or else its just sparkling wine.**
So if no single producer owns the trademark, how do you pick one from the pack. Of course you could be totally superficial and go with the coolest logo. Lions, trumpets, crowns, elephants, a variety of stars and numbers—there's plenty of options.
Then there's tradition and method. The Sabatier name first appeared in the 19th Century, and some of the manufacturers in Thiers can trace their origins back to that same time. Obviously, technology marches on and no one relies on machinery powered by the Durolle river.*** But some manufacturers still hand-make their signature products, relying on centuries-old knowhow passed from one trained craftsman to the next.
With all of that said, here at Flotsam+Fork, we carry Sabatier cutlery produced by Thiers-Issard. There are certainly other fine brands out there—but applying the standards mentioned above, we consider Thiers-Issard the real deal. Two hundred years after their founding, they to make exceptionally fine quality cutlery, by hand, in Thiers.**** Oh, and then there's that logo...
find the full range of Sabatier knives in our French Knife collection >>>
* Located Puy-de-Dôme region in central France, Thiers and the surrounding area have an abundance of fast flowing water, which attracted blacksmiths and other artisans to the during the Middle Ages—and turned the city into the center of French blade-making.
** Please don't get us wrong here. We're using this example for illustrative purposes. There's absolutely nothing wrong with with sparkling wine from outside Champagne. We're particularly fond of Crémant de Bourgogne to be honest.
*** Production was originally concentrated west of Thiers, in what's now known as La Vallée des Rouets (Valley of the Mills). Starting in the 20th century—as larger facilities we needed and direct access to falling water lost importance—the industry migrated to La Vallée des Usines (Valley of the Factories).
**** The company also specializes in straight razors and shaving blades, so they pride themselves on the exceptional sharpness and balance of the entire product line. "Kitchen knives so good you could shave with them" (F+F note: not actually recommended)
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pictured above: "Paris and the Surrounding Region", "The Food Industries of France" and "Fruits"
Still manufactured in the South of France, Olivades remains the foremost contemporary producer of traditional étoffes imprimées (printed fabrics), and the last Provençal factory continuing this storied craft, which first blossomed in France more than four centuries ago, when woodblock-printed tissus arrived in Marseille via eastern trade routes.
Shop the F+F Olivades collection >>>
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We are proud to introduce a new producer to our lineup: renowned German ceramicist Hedwig Bollhagen. Vibrant glazes and distinctive forms combined with everyday functionality—these are the qualities that define her work.
Working in her studio in the village of Marwitz, just north of Berlin, Bollhagen designed and manufactured spectacular household pottery for nearly seven decades. For much of that time, work from the so-called "Treasure of East Germany" was commonplace behind the Iron Curtain, but nearly impossible to obtain beyond the DDR.
We carry a range of iconic designs from this historic company, from the sculptural watering can designed by Bollhagen in 1955 to the Salt Jar designed in 1923 by Theodor Bogler at the Wiemar Bauhaus.
Bollhagen died in 2001, at the age of 93, but the craftsmen and women of Werkstatten Fur Keramik continue to faithfully execute her unmistakable designs.
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Elixirs & Co. is a pioneer in the application of Bach treating fragrances. Their super portable roll-on sticks are a staple in a particular sort of naturally-inclined French pharmacy. Not only do they make a convenient, "natural solution for your daily troubles", the subtle fragrance is delightfully pleasant.
]]>NEW F+F ARRIVAL
ELIXIRS & CO. ROLL-ONS
Aromomathérapie from the Parisian Bach flower experts
Founded in Paris in 1993, Elixirs & Co. is a pioneer in the application of Bach treating fragrances. Their super portable roll-on sticks are a staple in a particular sort of naturally-inclined French pharmacy. Not only do they make a convenient, "natural solution for your daily troubles", the subtle fragrance is delightfully pleasant. We swear by the "Énergie" aroma roll-on here at F+F, but we find all six varieties effectively deliver des bonnes vibes.
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About the product
Elixirs & Co strictly adheres to the original Dr. Bach method—using only wildflowers, organic 40 proof brandy, dilution at 1/250th—and is a founding member of the Bach Flowers Guild. The certified organic flowers used to create Elixir & Co's essences originate from 7 different parts of France, namely: Normandy, Brittany, the Jura, the Vosges, Provence, the Pyrenees, and the Aquitaine.
]]>Champagne & Shopping @ St. Genevieve—November 24 and 25.
Forget the midnight sales and avoid the crowds at the mall. Join us as we combine forces with St. Genevieve—Minneapolis's most adorable Parisian-inspired bistro—for a Black Friday shopping experience unlike any other.
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The renowned epicurean designer shares her favorite selections from the shop...
photos from lailagohar.com
We are so excited about this one! For years, we've adored Laila Gohar via Instagram (@lailacooks). Gohar's mind-bending, eye-pleasing edible installations exist at the intersection of dazzling and delicious. Her work exalts food's ancient role as carrier of culture, and an ice breaker capable of bringing people together for an intimate moment in time.
So just imagine our delight when we learned that this renowned epicurean designer is a fan of the shop! Not only that, but she's kindly agreed to share a few thoughts on some of her favorite objects on Flotsam+Fork.
Ebony-handled Laguiole Folding Knife
Timeless and utilitarian. I like this one in ebony. >>>
Pallares Solsona Kitchen Knives
These Catalan knives are my favorite. I have so many! They're carbon steel, affordable, very sharp and well made. >>>
La Royale Whetstone
Because I already chose two knives, I felt my final pick should be a whetstone. Your knives are only as good as how you look after them! >>>
Of course the most famous examples of this phenomenon are the Laguiole and Opinel, but in conversations with knife merchants and experts, we learned that almost every part of the country has its own unique form of folding blade—typically inspired by the traditions and demands of the region.
With the new Flotsam+Fork French Knife Collection, we bring you some of our favorite shapes and styles—an assortment that represents the range and diversity of the French pocket knife.
The L'armor folding knife's singular style is the product of its maritime Breton origins, signified by the brass anchor inlay on the horn handle. Designed for use by mariners and fishermen of Bretagne. The rounded top edge of the blade is meant to protect sailors from inadvertent stabbing on rough seas. >>>
An essential tool long popular among the farmers and seaman of France's northwest coast. The Pradel, first made in Thiers more than 150 years ago, became famous for its sturdy construction and its signature snap—instantly recognizable—upon closing. "C'est un Pradel!"
3.5" pocket knife blade with classic Pradel-style horn handle. Available with or without corkscrew. >>>
Originally a shepherd's essential in the southwestern region of Occitane, the Laguiole in now one of the most famous pocketknives on the planet.
This Laguiole-style folding knife comes with a polished horn handle and brass end caps. Handle also features the signature bee stamp and cross of pins. Legend has it that devout shepherds in the field would stick their Laguioles in the ground and prey towards the cross on the handle. Available with or without corkscrew. >>>
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From a sunny studio in East Williamsburg, self-taught ceramicist Natalie Weinberger handcrafts her own line of distinctive pottery—eye-catching vessels that combine understated elegance and clever design. For years, we've enjoyed countless large pours of hot beverages in a pair of her lovely and lightweight (yet totally substantial) mugs.
Her work is exactly the type we seek to celebrate here at Flotsam+Fork, so we're extremely excited that Natalie, a longtime friend and supporter of F+F, could take a little time to help us showcase some items from our selection and share a few of her favorite products in the shop... >>>
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OLIVE OIL CAN
My absolute favorite item in my kitchen—who knew one could fall in love with an olive oil can? It's form is so sleek and human-like, easy to clean, but most importantly a joy to use. The spout is so precise, it will never drip on your stove or countertop, a bragging point for all my friends who've been smart enough to get one for their own kitchen. >>>
MARBLED
ENAMEL MUG
Ceramic mugs are great, but everyone should own one version in light-weight enamel. Ideal for camping trips or for traveling to destinations where the coffee is sub-par, and you're better off making your own. >>>
DUSTPAN
I find sweeping to be a very relaxing chore, only to be enhanced by a beautiful dustpan with a super straight edge for maximum dust pickup. >>>
EBONY KNIFE
I'm very attracted to the inviting form of this wooden paring knife. >>>
LINEN TWINE
One can never have enough simple twine on hand—for presents, leftovers, or repairs. This combo feels very utilitarian and honest in a way that's beautiful. >>>
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Honestly, we didn't think it was possible to make these elegant objects look any better than already do, but somehow Adrianna and Natalie found a way. See for yourself, though, and if you like how they look, find one for your own kitchen here.
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Once upon a time, dozens of artisan blacksmiths handcrafted exquisite steel cutlery in the the walled city of Solsona, located about 75 miles northwest of Barcelona. Known as the Guild of Saint Eligius—after the patron saint of metalworkers—their finely tempered and exceptionally sharp knives were prized throughout Catalonia.
Now, you will only find only one remaining knifemaker—Cuchilleria Pallarès—forging cutlery in this enclave in the southern foothills of the Pyrenees. Rest assured, though, that the tradition endures. The knives that emerge from the workshops of Pallarès Solsona still meet the exacting standards established long ago by the Guild of Saint Eligius and carry a pedigree that is centuries in the making.
SHOP THE PALLARÈS SOLSONA COLLECTION >>
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]]>Originally designed in 1969 to withstand the salty sea air of the Mediterranean, these incredible clothes pins are still manufactured today by the Violet family in their workshop in the south of France.
Made from a single strip of industrial grade stainless steel, Pincinox clothespins will never rust, break, or loose their spring.
Not just perfect for hang-drying your laundry, Pincinox are useful for a variety of additional tasks, including clipping posters and holding cards and photos upright.
The only way to describe this news is "devastating". We just learned from our distributor that they are discontinuing the iconic multi-colored product line of Therias & L'econome kitchen utensils.
Fortunately, we still have a few L'econome products in stock, so you can still get your hands on some of these fantastic products from one of our all-time favorite French cutlery makers. Sadly, there aren't many left.
So don't miss this chance to own one of the final Therias & L'econome items—with the classic three umbrella logo—Flotsam+Fork ever sells.
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VIBRANT COLOR PARING KNIVES >> | BREAD KNIVES >> | 25cm KITCHEN KNIVES >> | FRUIT SETS >> | VEGETABLE PEELERS >> | CHEESE SETS >> |
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]]>It'd be lying to say we're totally happy to be back in states—but we discovered some exceptional new products, and we're excited to share our findings over the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, the shop is back online and F+F is once again shipping orders. Please take a look at some of our fav memories from the trip and stay tuned for new product arrivals!
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La Buvette is absolutely the best place in the world to drink wine right now & please do not even try to convince us otherwise.
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After approximately 10 hours à la plage, we fortuitously stumbled upon the straw basket queen of Nice. A truly special retailer hidden among the knick-knack and postcard dealers.
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No trip to Paris is complete without a pilgrimage to the temple of kitchenwares, E.Dehillerin.
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France truly is the land of knives.
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If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam on an unseasonably warm day, we highly recommend enjoying a few radlers at Cafe Brecht.
]]>Flotsam + Fork is heading to Europe on a multi-week product discovery and sourcing tour this summer. While we're away, between May 23 and July 6, we won't be able to process or ship any orders. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this might cause.
If you have questions, please send a message to info [at] flotsamandfork.com
]]>OLIVE WOOD UTILITY KNIFE
These stainless steel and olive wood kitchen knives are made by hand in a workshop in Solsona, Spain, near Barcelona, where the Pallarès family has been making knives and blades since 1917. These knives are handy for cutting fruit, or at the table as steak knives. 7" and 9" Shop >>
ARAGON KITCHEN KNIFE
Beechwood and carbon steel. The carbon steel blade is lightweight, and will hold it’s edge longer than a typical stainless-steel blade. It will develop a lovely patina with use. 10" Shop >>
]]>The F+F Guide to Good Gifting
Back in the shop:
Our beloved multi-colored stainless paring knives are back in stock, just in time for all your last-minute shopping needs. Now available in 10 different hues, these lightweight and charming knives make a perfect, if somewhat pointy, stocking stuffer. Just $9.99 per knife in the shop.
We are excited to offer linen twine from the twine factory in Germany that we visited back in May. Traditionally used by butchers for sausage making, we think the colors and textures are perfect for gift wrapping!
]]>Need gift ideas? We've put together two kitchen crates- one colorful, one classic- to make gifting easy. We have more ideas in the Gift section of the shop, too.
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A lovely address in Amsterdam.
Great neon at a hardware store in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam.
More neon signs at De Witte Tanden Winkel-- "The White Tooth Store"-- on one of the "nine little streets" in the Jordaan, in Amsterdam.
A warm stroopwafel-- the most perfect food ever invented. "Eet smakelijk" means "bon appeitit!"
Fabric being loaded into a van at the Saturday fabric market in Utrecht. It is the oldest fabric market in the Netherlands, and began as a linen market in 1597.
A stained glass atelier in Utrecht. We saw beautiful stained glass everywhere in Utrecht and Amsterdam.
We also saw lots of cats, outside and in bars and restaurants.
A canal house in Utrecht.
And of course, frites! We had ours with mayonnaise and peanut sauce.
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The oldest building where brushes are still made, now with the help of a high tech bristle inserting machine.
The wood branding iron for marking brushes with the Redecker logo.
Now Bürstenhaus Redecker sends their brushes to stores all over the world-- including Flotsam + Fork! See all of our German-made Bürstenhaus Redecker brushes here.
]]>Once refreshed with coffee and cookies, Mr.Seidelmayer, the fifth generation owner, gave us an informational tour through the facility.
The majority of their production has traditionally been for the Germany meat industry. Because linen is stronger than cotton— each twine can hold between 20 and 70 kilograms of weight (that’s between 44 and 152 pounds!)— heavy linen twine is used to hang whole sides of pork, while unique color combinations of spun twine are used to differentiate between the various types of sausage.
We saw how the natural flax is spun from larger bobbins into smaller spools and balls on decades old machines in a surprisingly beautiful process.
The majority of the flax used by the factory is sourced from European countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, however European flax is getting harder and harder to find.
In addition to sausage twine—or wurstgarn—the factory also produces a polished linen kitchen twine. We hope to carry both in the shop soon!
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Here are a few things we stashed in our suitcase: A handy graphic portfolio, sketch books from perennial favorite Claire Fontaine, a gold toothbrush from the coolest specialty shop ever, De Witte Tanden Winkel (check out their amazing neon sign), beautifully packaged Wilhelmina pepermunts, and handmade paintbrushes, said to last a lifetime.
We will be back with more from our trip soon!
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