Press release WMF 2017 Cutlery information

Transcription

1 Press release WMF 2017 Cutlery information

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3 Cutlery information The table laid and food served up The table is laid and the food served up taste does not stop at the food! Whether cooking for friends, family, a special occasion or just because: it s always good to eat at a well-laid table. And with good cutlery it s even better. The reason why WMF cutlery is so popular is its three main properties: top-quality processing, functionality and the strong focus on design. Cutlery on a well-laid table whets your appetite to enjoy your food. A spoon dipped into a homemade soup, spaghetti al dente wound around a fork and a knife that cuts easily and comfortably into the juiciest of steaks. WMF cutlery and table accessories convey a sheer joy for life and turn eating into a really enjoyable experience just like it s been doing for more than 160 years. Cutlery is just cutlery? Not at all, not when you look at the material and the design a bit more closely. The WMF cutlery information provides a comprehensive insight into the variety and the different features of the various types of cutlery. This includes interesting tips on how to handle the knife, fork etc, the history of how cutlery has developed over time and its significance as well as important information about its quality. Finally, different cutlery models are presented in closer detail. The wide range of WMF cutleries ensures there is always the right model for every individual s taste in style and shape. Because just like it s always been, a well-laid table makes us happy as well as making eating an enjoyable experience. 3

4 The history of cutlery a look back When we reach for the knife and fork as part of our normal everyday lives, we don t give the history of cutlery a second thought. Cutlery has definitely come on a long way from the first hand-carved eating tools to the implements we know today. The cutlery pioneer, which is used in all cultures, was the spoon the first spoons mostly consisted of hollow forms such as mussels and shells. The first manufactured wooden spoons were designed in the shape of a hand scoop. Knives were originally used as hunting weapons, and then gradually developed into eating utensils. The youngest member in the cutlery family is the fork. It made its début in the dining rooms of the French royal court in the 17th century. The three-piece cutlery set then spread all over Europe during the 18th century. Manufacturing cutlery has always been one of WMF s core competences. In 1853 Daniel Straub founded the company Straub & Sohn, the origin of today s WMF Group GmbH. Six years later, the first silverplated cutlery appeared in a price list. Thus began the success story of WMF cutleries, which today can be found in almost every German home and also enjoys an excellent reputation around the world. They are a reflection of developments in design, bear testimony to styles of previous eras and visionary studies of a table culture which is always changing but which never loses its significance. WMF Spaten cutlery model WMF Fächer cutlery model WMF 2500 cutlery model WMF Stockholm cutlery model 19 th century The first lift system for cabin railways. The year 1816 goes down in climate history as the Year without a Summer: the eruption of the Tambora volcano in Indonesia led to freezing temperatures in Europe and North America even in July and August. The founding of the Disney Brothers Cartoon by the brothers Walt and Roy Disney. Radio broadcasting in Germany officially began with the Radiostunde company, which later became known as Funk-Stunde Berlin. The first public motorway in Germany was which is now the A555 between Cologne and Bonn The Graf Zeppelin starts regular flights to South America. Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth, is first climbed by Hermann Buhl. First issue of Playboy with Marilyn Monroe on the cover. 4

5 Cutlery information Through the ages - cutlery and stylistic eras The 19th century was the era of the middle class, who wanted to imitate the aristocracy by adopting their table culture so it s not surprising that elaborate cutlery in baroque or classical designs like Spaten or Augsburger Faden were especially popular. With the Art Nouveau movement and the founding of the WMF design studio, from about 1890 designs were created which reflected the style of the times. The Fächer model (1925) mixes the elements of different styles with Art Nouveau a fascinating combination. The 2500 model, which was produced at the beginning of the 1930s and was inspired by the Art Déco movement, provided a visionary look at the future. The 1950s was the era of the New Objectivity movement. The prevailing trends in design were largely inspired by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, of Bauhaus fame. Cutlery typically didn t have any decorative elements and was generally smaller in size with shorter blades on the knives, which as a whole resulted in an elegant, but clear and functional design such as the Stockholm cutlery, which was designed by Kurt Mayer, who was head of the WMF design studio for many years. Straight-lined and more than a little brash, New York was the embodiment of the spirit of the 1960s and Brasilia the same in the 1970s. The most successful model of the 1980s was Onda, designed by Franz O. Lipp. Gently curved lines on the handle emphasised the features of the Onda in a similar way as did the Virginia in the 1990s. Through working together as a team with a number of well-renowned and well-known designers, the company has managed to think up exceptional ideas for new cutlery models time and time again. This includes for example the Zaha model, designed in 2007 by the star architect Zaha Hadid. Or the Pirouette design by Ron Arad, who came up with the idea of creating a cutlery that can dance. Several WMF cutlery models have been recognised with coveted national and international awards for their excellent design. Such as, for example, Nomos from Metz & Kindler, which even won the German Design Award in Most recently in 2016, the WMF cutlery Linum won over the jury of the well-known IF Design Award. WMF New York cutlery model WMF Onda cutlery model WMF Zaha cutlery model WMF Evoque cutlery model 1960s Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space. The Woodstock festival takes place, the high-water mark of the hippie movement Boris Becker wins Wimbledon for the second time. Reinhold Messner is the first man to climb all fourteen mountains over 8,000 metres high Steve Jobs unveils the first iphone. The polar bear Knut becomes the darling of the public at Berlin Zoo Angela Merkel is named as Time Person of the Year. The Expo 2015 world s fair in Milan, Italy 5

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7 Cutlery information What actually is Cromargan protect? Cutlery must be able to withstand the demands of everyday use and still look good even after years of use, no matter how often it is used and whether or not it is cleaned in the dishwasher. The Cromargan protect material offers all these qualities. A short look back The WMF brand has been producing cutlery and crockery made of Cromargan for more than 80 years. In 1930 the material was patented under the name Cromargan. The name Cromargan is made up of two parts: Crom and Argan. Crom because the steel has a high chromium percentage, and Argan because it has a silver-like appearance. The benefits of the material are still obvious today. It is resistant to acids, non-corrosive, has a neutral taste, is easy to clean, dishwasher-safe and have an almost unlimited shelf life. The innovation After many years of research into how Cromargan could be developed to make cutlery even more resistant to signs of wear and tear from everyday use, a breakthrough was made in This advanced material is now known as Cromargan protect. In addition to the impressive properties which Cromargan can boast of, Cromargan protect is also extremely scratch-resistant. Even frequent heavy-duty use doesn t damage the material. The finishing involves an additional treatment process during the production stage. This ensures that cutlery made of Cromargan protect stay looking good, and has the additional advantage that polished surfaces keep their shine and stay matt. A forwardthinking innovation, which was developed for everyday use and for people who increasingly place value on quality items. This means that the WMF brand offers cutlery in two excellent qualities: Cromargan and Cromargan protect. A perceptible difference The surface remains smooth and undamaged. Whoever wants to see for it for themselves is invited to try a scratch test in a WMF branch. without Cromargan protect with Cromargan protect 7

8 See and feel the quality what are the important things when purchasing cutlery? There is a lot more to cutlery than just knifes, forks and spoons as eating implements. It is there when we need it all day long, from our breakfast cereal in the morning to our dessert after dinner. When purchasing cutlery the design is often the most important criterion. There is a wide range of cutlery available. No matter whether you prefer simpler versions or something more special, traditional, modern, extravagant, cheerful shapes or clear contours, shiny or matt the designs add something to every laid table in their own special way and offer the perfect model for all tastes. As well as the design, the cutlery should first and foremost feel right. In short, before buying cutlery you should give it a good feel to see how well it fits the shape of your hand. The most important things here are an even weight distribution and a pleasant feel when using it. WMF cutlery places a great emphasis on ergonomics and feel as well as just design and function. 8

9 Cutlery information Knife quality It s a question of material and how it is processed. There are two types of table knives: the Monobloc knife and the knife with the inserted forged steel blade. The latter consists of two parts, the blade and the so-called handle. It has two advantages because of the way it is processed: WMF uses high-quality special blade steel for the blade. It is forged and hardened to guarantee the elasticity and long-lasting sharpness of the knife. The blades are then inserted in the knife handle, embedded and set flush with the handle. This complex manufacturing process is the only way to produce elaborate designs and decorative effects. At the same time, this ensures that the knives feel good in your hand thanks to their even weight distribution. It would not be possible to manufacture Monobloc knifes with the same design, because they are forged from a single piece and hardened as a whole, and as a result would be much less comfortable to hold. The Monobloc design is mostly suited to less elaborate decorative effects and materials that are not as thick. The process in which Monobloc knives are manufactured is less elaborate than for knives with an inserted blade, but it still results in the same high quality. Knife with inserted blade 9

10 How can I recognise quality when I see it? Tines uniform cross sections, ground flat even on the inside, slightly chamfered. Eyes feature for traditional design: elaborate additional process. Blade rust-proof special blade steel: elaborately forged and ground. Serrated edge high-quality serrated edge ensures blade stays sharp. Bowl symmetrical design, edges nicely rounded. Vessel bite-sized design, pleasantly rounded edges. Bolster provides perfect balance. Handle adapted to the stems in form and design fits well in your hand. Stem faultless surfaces, rounded high edges. 10

11 Cutlery information Instructions for care the right way to store and clean your knives Items of cutlery have to be able to withstand some rough treatment as part of everyday use. Material, quality and durability are therefore are least as important as the design. If the cutlery is easy to clean, robust and dishwasher-safe, using it remains a pleasure for longer. You do still have to make sure you re cleaning it the right way though. Here are a couple of tips which will help you keep your cutlery looking good for the long haul: Don t leave food leftovers to dry on, clean your cutlery of any food residues after eating. The cutlery items should not be left unwashed for too long, because food residues, particularly milk, fruit or vinegar acids present in food but also common salt residue can damage the material. Do not leave cutlery to soak in water or leave damp for longer periods. Cleaning in the dishwasher: read through your dishwasher s instruction manual carefully. The amount of detergent used can vary in particular, likewise keeping the rinsing agent topped up on a regular basis also has a positive effect on cleaning performance. For optimum cleaning it is advisable to place the cutlery items in the cutlery compartment unsorted with the handles facing downwards. Remove your cutlery from the dishwasher as soon as possible after the rinse cycle has finished and, if necessary, dry by hand. If this is not possible, open the door of the dishwasher so that the steam can escape and dampness is not allowed to accumulate. 11

12 Getting it right what s the proper way to lay the table? Table manners may have become more casual over the years, but one thing that has remained the same is the emphasis placed on an attractive and inviting atmosphere. No matter what the occasion, eating together always goes hand in hand with enjoyment, a feeling of togetherness and a love of detail. That means that it s worth spending a bit more time to make sure the table is set properly. The cutlery plays a large role in this, and isn t just a tool but a nice accessory that can set the scene effectively. It s not absolutely essential to cover the table before eating your dinner every evening or when you re having a party. When arranged in little wooden boxes or baskets, cutlery is a guaranteed highlight at the table and creates a laid-back atmosphere, because every guest can serve themselves. For more low-key get-togethers or a dinner with friends you can also surprise your guests with cutlery in well-decorated packaging. Be creative! An attractive way to present your knives, forks and spoons is to wrap a ribbon or little flowers around them or arrange them in a glass. Dessert spoon / teaspoon Salad dish Cake fork Bread and butter plate Bread and butter knife Dessert / starter fork Fish fork Table fork Soup cup Starter plate Dinner plate Plate tray 12

13 Cutlery information On official occasions though, there are a few traditional requirements to keep in mind when setting the table. The basis of this is of course the correct way of arranging plates, glasses and cutlery. The cutlery is always laid out in the way you would grasp it in your hand. This means the table knife and table spoon on the right, the table fork on the left. The blade of the knife should always face inwards turned towards the plate. If there are multiple courses, extra items of cutlery must also be laid out. Here it is useful to know that the guest always starts with the cutlery on the outside when eating, e.g. the cutlery for the starter should always be on the outside and that for the main course on the inside. Dessert cutlery generally goes above the plate. The trappings too play a key role here. No matter what the occasion is, having the right décor ensures the perfect atmosphere where you feel completely at ease. Cover the table, lay it and decorate it. depending on the occasion and your personal tastes. Red wine glass White wine glass Water glass Table spoon Dessert / starter knife Fish knife Table knife 13

14 An introduction to the different cutlery models Practical cutlery sets The basic version of the typical cutlery set for 6 people consists of 30 items: table forks, table knives, table spoons, cake forks and tea/coffee spoons. Those who like inviting guests round for dinner should go for the 66-piece cutlery set for 12 people. This also includes matching salad cutlery, a serving spoon, a soup ladle, serving fork and cake server. On top of this, for many of its cutlery series the WMF brand also offers a number of practical special cutlery items such as e.g. fish and steak cutlery, dessert cutlery and salad cutlery. There are also children s cutlery sets for the little ones. Different models, different prices Cutlery comes in many different price categories. This is a result of the difference in the material used, as well as the thickness, processing and design. For those who want to be able to enjoy their cutlery for a long time, it s worth spending that little bit extra on their favourite model, so they can rest assured it will still do its job for many years to come. Cutlery is not just part of a laid table but also makes a statement about your home and your lifestyle, and so should complement the dinner service and table settings. Below are a few examples from the variety of models on offer: 14

15 Cutlery information Merit cutlery model A cutlery of timeless beauty, unpretentious yet with fine details. Only when you hold it do you appreciate how pleasurable Merit feels. Thick material and rounded edges give this cutlery a pleasant tactile quality. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 499,00 Set of 66 RRP 999,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Fred Danner Premiere cutlery model Premiere is a cutlery with a long tradition. The simple design goes back to the Biedermeier period. The noble, delicate leaf motif at the end of the handle is masterfully crafted and is repeated on the back. It feels impressively comfortable in your hand thanks to its wellbalanced design. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 549,00 Set of 66 RRP 1.099,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Fred Danner 15

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17 Cutlery information Atic cutlery model The Atic cutlery model is both simple and streamlined. The rounded edges and ends of the handles reflect contemporary trends and make the cutlery feel pleasant in your hand. Atic is one of the most versatile of WMF s cutlery series, which harmoniously blends into its environment just as much at lunch on an everyday basis as at a festive dinner table. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 199,00 Set of 66 RRP 449,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Volker Bäurle Evoque cutlery model Straightforward, tough, elegant. The straight-lined design offers no distractions, since the transition from the handle to the front part of the cutlery is smooth and gives the piece a powerful presence. The silky and shimmering matt finish exudes warmth. Experience this cutlery s irresistible charm whenever you hold it in your hand. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 299,00 Set of 66 RRP 699,00 Material: Cromargan protect, mattiert Design: Daniel Eltner 17

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19 Cutlery information JETTE cutlery model A cutlery by the jewellery designer Jette Joop. The basic shape is classic, while the length and proportions are modern. The bevelling at the end of the handles is sculpted and reminiscent of the cut of a precious gem. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 349,00 Set of 66 RRP 779,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Jette Joop Michalsky cutlery model A cutlery of impressive magnitude that expresses presence and confidence. The designer has taken classics from the WMF archive and added a retro look, transforming them into contemporary pieces. The decorative lines around the circumference of the front and rear are meticulously crafted. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 299,00 Set of 66 RRP 699,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Michael Michalsky 19

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21 Cutlery information Corvo cutlery model Lying down or standing up? With the innovative Corvo cutlery you don t need to decide how to lay the knives out, because they can be laid out both ways! If the knife is lying on its blade, the look of the handle matches the look of the spoon and the fork. If the blade is placed on its side like normally, the handle of the knife sticks out. This makes laying the table fun, because you create a different picture at the table each time depending on which way you place the knife. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 249,00 Set of 66 RRP 549,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Köhler / Wilms Virginia cutlery model This model brings two opposites together as one: asymmetrical, straight lines meet curved lines, matt surfaces meet polished ones. The seamless transitions create a harmonious overall look. The designer took his inspiration from a branch peeling off the bark of a tree. Special emphasis must be given to the mirror-image alignment of the knife and fork. The precisely rounded corners make the cutlery pleasant to hold and adds to the feeling of fine dining. Range and prices Set of 30 RRP 429,00 Set of 66 RRP 899,00 Material: Cromargan protect, polished Design: Peter Bäurle 21

22 How the world eats! Cutlery is not just cutlery. The way you handle it can provide amusement at the table but also embarrassment. That s because different rules apply depending on where in the world you go. So you can show off your local knowledge when you re on holiday or on a business trip, here s a world map with a difference. In England forks are particularly popular too, because they are used to pierce practically every type of food you can think of. In the USA they have a pragmatic approach to cutlery: meat is cut into strips using the knife and then pierced with the fork. The situation is very different in France: The land of haute cuisine have particularly strict ideas about table manners. Here, even fruit is often eaten with a knife and fork. One exception the French grant though is for baguettes, which are never cut open but are broken open, and are also used to pick up what s left of the sauce. 22

23 Cutlery information Russians also use bread as cutlery: It often replaces the knife, in that food is scooped onto the fork with a piece of bread. The best way to eat soup in China goes a bit like this: first eat the noodles with the chopsticks, then eat the rest of the soup with a spoon and show your appreciation by slurping. Be careful in Thailand: knives are not allowed at the table. Food is only eaten with the fork and spoon. Don t stick the fork in your mouth though that s considered similar to licking the knife clean over here. The Indians even go a step further: burping isn t considered impolite, but rather is a sign that the food was good. But be careful: you should only use your right hand, because the left hand is considered unclean. In Ethiopia cutlery isn t used at all. People eat food with their fingers or a piece of flat bread, which is used to bring food to the mouth. 23

24 WMF Group GmbH Eberhardstraße Geislingen/Steige Germany wmf.com WMF Group GmbH printed 05/2017