Local gifts on the the cutting edge: American-made knife art

New West KnifeWorks suggests gifting a sharp, professional grade knife to spice up the gifting season. Photo: New West KnifeWorks.

PARK CITY, Utah — Few joys compare to a child opening presents on a holiday morning. We all remember the anticipation, the rush of wrapping-ripping, and hours of playing with a favorite new toy. A far cry from the sweaters, sacks of socks, or gift cards we accumulate joylessly as adults. Finding something to bring back the childlike surprise of earlier years is difficult.

However, it is still possible. Here’s a suggestion to sharpen your gift-giving: a beautiful knife. New West KnifeWorks cuts through the routine of boring gifts to satisfy the inner kid in all of us.  

But why buy a knife as a gift? New West KnifeWorks founder Corey Milligan offers five “adult” reasons why knives from the local cutler are a perfect offering.

#1 Because they are beautiful.

“When you love the tools you use, everyday chores become a joy,” Milligan said. “So, we make our knives beautiful because we want folks to fall in love with them. A beautiful knife calls from the drawer— you want to pick it up, admire it, and play with it on the cutting board. Before you know it, you’re chopping veggies like a pro.”

#2 Because they are professional quality.

“Folks develop a crush for our pretty handles but fall in love on the cutting board. It can be a revelation if you’ve never used a high-quality blade. The blade does the work for you. We make our knives to thrive in a professional kitchen. So, whether it’s for a pro or home chef, our knives become an extension of the hand and turn time on the cutting board into a performance.”

#3 One good knife changes everything.

“You just need one good knife to do 90% of your food prep. It’s much better to invest in one high-quality knife than a bunch of mediocre ones that nobody needs. A fine knife is like a musician’s instrument– the more you use it, the more you discover what you can do with it until it becomes a part of you.”

#4 They are local AND world famous. 

“We don’t like to brag, but we don’t mind letting other folks do it for us. Our knives have been praised by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. If you can get those two to agree, that’s saying something.”

#5 They Last a Lifetime

“All of our knives come with a lifetime guarantee and free sharpening for life. It’s an intimate gift, one that serves as a daily reminder of your affection. Since it is a lifelong relationship, New West wants to make sure it’s a perfect match with our return policy.”

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably on board with why a quality knife makes a good gift. But which to choose? Check out Corey’s gift guide for some recommendations. Or better yet, stop by the knife gallery at 625 Main Street to get into the spirit of the season.