Introducing: The Knife Roll by EH Works

A knife roll felt like the natural addition to the EH Works product line. Owner and Chef of Il Corvo Pasta and Pizzeria Gabbiano, Mike Easton further encouraged the need for a dependable knife roll. Mike is a cyclist and a big fan of the EH Works Bike Tool Roll. As a Chef on a bike, he had noticed the lack of functional knife kits that fit his style. Since we aim to make products that intersect functionality and design, we set about to make the Knife Roll. This is our story:

We started by examining the market to see what was available and how we could improve it. We researched the trade, learned about the knives and kitchen tools that are imperative to travel with. Mike helped identify twelve essential knives and we thought about how to efficiently stow and bundle them compactly, while looking for opportunities to maximize storage to include even more items.

finding solutions

Of course, many, many bowls of Il Corvo pasta were consumed while we considered these things.

working lunch at il corvo pasta

After the carbs had settled, we were excited to jump into the studio and get to work. We sketched, measured, drafted a pattern, and sewed a muslin prototype. Having a prototype helped us understand the characteristics of the roll and the relationship of the actual knives to the fabric that stored them (how much room does a knife handle really take up?). This stage was all about problem solving. We were on a roll.

in the studio with the prototype

With Mike Easton as our primary kitchen consultant, we shared the prototype with him. We test-drove the pockets with Mike’s knives & kitchen tools, making sure that all features were functional. We incorporated the feedback we had received and perfected the final pattern. (We employed a two-man focus group. The second member, Calder, is four months old and doesn’t have a lot of experience with sharp objects.)

focused group…hey calder, focus!

Finding the right materials was imperative. The roll needed to maintain the same design esthetic as the EH Works Tool Roll and have added structural integrity for the heavy knives it contained. We chose a durable waxed canvas, thick thread to reinforce the seams, metal hardware and leather trim.

Now it was finally time to construct it using the actual fabric. Keeping the manufacturing local was a priority. We found a Seattle manufacturer in Pioneer Square and began the process of our final sample stage.

perfecting the pattern for production

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the final product! We took a final test drive and everyone agreed that it is functional, succinct, easy to transport and simply stunning. We couldn’t be happier with the final result.

from old to new: transferring knives

Introducing, the Knife Roll by EH Works:

roll it up

The EH Works Knife Roll is made with heavy cotton waxed canvas. It has 13 pockets for holding larger knives and tools, 4 narrow “Sharpie” pockets, and a few smaller pockets perfect for small tools. A group of pockets are positioned on the opening flap for quick access. The roll is carried by hand with a soft leather top handle, or by shoulder with an adjustable and detachable leather strap. The Knife Roll closes securely with our signature cinching and locking leather straps. It folds up easily to accommodate exactly what you choose to carry. No more, no less.

Shop the EH Works Knife Roll, available in Saddle and Wheat.