In the culinary world, knives are much more than just a kitchen tool. At The Rolling Pin, a kitchenware store in Olympia’s west side, they sell top-shelf knives and offer both professional sharpening services and knowledgeable advice on which new blade is right for you. Come get a hands-on feel for what they’ve got and treat yourself to an elegant new blade.
Nakiri, Santoku or Utility, The Rolling Pin Has Classic, Versatile Kitchen Knives
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts explains that, “A chef’s knife kit is akin to a painter’s brush collection; while any knife can cut and any paintbrush can apply paint, selecting the right tool for the job can help a professional achieve the results they’re looking for.”
Victoria Kantargis, manager of The Rolling Pin, says that their bestsellers are chef knives in all sizes. Knife sets, which include varying lengths for various needs, follow as a close second. One of the most popular recently is the Santoku because of its classic versatility. The word Santoku means “three virtues” or “to solve three problems,” and this knife is designed to tackle meat, fish and veggies with ease.
For beginners or when gifting a fellow foodie, Kantargis recommends a master utility knife. “It’s the best of many styles of knife including the nakiri, santoku and classic utility.” Or consider a 5-inch Santoku because “it’s small – but not too small – as well as light and can do just about anything around the kitchen in a jiffy. Whether you’re cutting fruits and vegetables or small cuts of fish and meat, the santoku won’t let you down.”
Fan-favorite brands include Wusthof, which comes in a stainless steel that’s been formulated for strength, corrosion resistance and durability. Wusthof knives have a lifetime warranty and are full tang with triple rivet handles. The company has been making knives for more than 200 years and they even come in fun colors.
Shun knives are classically styled with 68-layer Damascus steel and have resin-strengthened hardwood handles. They’re hand forged in Japan and make stunning gifts. The STEELPORT Knife Co. is from Portland, Oregon, and uses ergonomic big leaf maple handles. These are made with high carbon steel and considered specialty knives for experienced cooks and knife collectors. For beginner cooks, try something from Kai PRO or Mercer Culinary whose steel workhorses are dishwasher safe and affordable.
Knife Sharpening Services in Olympia
Your knives are vital tools and a sound investment so take good care of them. At The Rolling Pin, they sell honing rods, sharpening stones, knife blocks or wall magnets for safe storage, pro knife rolls, kitchen shears, knife guards, bone tweezers and even protection gloves, which are great for kids or those just starting out. Knife guards are a lifesaver for anyone who stores their knives in a drawer to protect the blade and maintain sharpness.
If your set has lost its edge, bring it in for professional knife sharpening services in Olympia. “Most knives can be sharpened,” explains Kantargis. “The quality of the steel is the main factor of how long the sharpness lasts. Higher-end knives usually have better quality steel that can hold their edge much better so it’s smart to invest in at least one good quality, all-around knife.”
Knives to be sharpened are dropped off at The Rolling Pin where they partner with Mareko Maumasi from Maumasi Firearts. Maumasi collects knives from the store once a month, sharpens them in his studio and returns them for pick-up five days later. Sharpening costs $2.50 an inch for straight edge knives and $3.50 an inch for serrated blades, plus a 12% service fee.
The Rolling Pin Can Help Create Culinary Gift Baskets for Any Occasion
If you or someone you love needs a wedding or birthday gift or culinary school graduation present, Kantargis and The Rolling Pin staff are happy to help put together the gift basket of their dreams.
“Kitchen tools like self-sharpening peelers, julienne peelers, stainless steel garlic crusher and herb stripping tools are some specialty accessories that any cook would love,” she says. “Come see and feel the different knife brands, handle types, blade styles and shapes in-person. Most knives we carry are ambidextrous. If you know someone who cooks, a new knife is always a great gift. We can also special order any knives from our brands if not in stock to complete your perfect set.”
In a hurry? Shop online then come pick up in person or curbside. Whatever your kitchen needs, The Rolling Pin either has it in stock or can order it right away.
Kitchen knives are an investment, says Kantargis but “getting a good knife is worthwhile. Having at least one reliable and quality knife is essential to anyone cooking often. You deserve a nice knife, just do it! If you’d like to come in store and get a feel for any of our knives, a sales associate can assist you as well as give you the best information and advice to their knowledge.”
The Rolling Pin is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. above The Park Side Café in Olympia’s West Central Park. Sign up for their newsletter or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see the newest additions to both products and services.
The Rolling Pin
1909 Harrison Avenue NW, Suite B, Olympia
360.754.3955
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