I’ve seen grunge, distressed, even hammered finishes – this is different. The Yin Mo Star Kui knives from Beijing Wang Mazi Tech are perhaps the most alluring set of kitchen knives I’ve rested my eyes on. A lot of kitchen knives resort to simple, functional design details (after all, they aren’t made for looks, they’re made for high-octane kitchen environments), but the Yin Mo Star Kui take functionality and merge it with aesthetic excellence in a way that elevates the knife’s visual DNA without taking too much from its performance.

In fact, as a winner of the A’ Design Award, one could argue that these knives are actually the pinnacle of form and function. They’re made with perfect proportions, a good ergonomic grip, a full-tang design, and that eye-catching battered finish that makes the knives look like cutting instruments that were weathered by asteroids.

Designer: Beijing Wang Mazi Technology

The set comprises 4 knives (although the images show just three) made from high-carbon steel, with a unique hot/cold forging method that results in high edge retention. Each knife is characterized by 3 unique details – first, the charred wood handles that play into the knife’s black and white aesthetic beautifully, secondly, the taotie pattern found at the tip of the handle, giving each knife its signature, and thirdly, the knife’s gorgeously weathered design that features multiple craters that give it a sense of gravitas. The texture, however, is immediately polished off as you move your eye downwards, revealing the blade’s sharp edge.

Each knife’s steel is made by hot-forging the steel at 1040°C, and then cooling it to -196°C. The hot forging process improves the overall strength and toughness by optimizing the shape and eliminating imperfections. The cooling enhances the crystal structure to increase resistance to deformation. Meanwhile, the rough texture on the top of the knives creates enough air pockets to allow the blade to glide through sticky or starchy foods without them adhering to the knife blades. Try sticking a suction pad on a textured surface and you’ll see it fails – the same principle applies here too.

Each knife set comes with a holder that allows you to put the knives on display, almost like you would a precious Katana. The holder doesn’t conceal the blade the way most knife holders do – instead, it conceals just the edge (for protection’s sake), but keeps that cratered, textured surface visible to the eye, given that it’s easily the knife’s highlight.

The post These Galaxy-Inspired ‘Cratered’ Chef Knives Look Like They Were Forged In The Cosmos first appeared on Yanko Design.

It has become quite a thing to have a good balance between design and functionality lately, adhering to this, Soso potentially introduces an innovative gourmet olive oil dispenser that artfully bridges aesthetics, sustainability, and practicality. Inspired by the brand’s iconic egg-shaped salt shaker, the new oil bottle captivates with its whimsical yet refined hen-shaped design, evoking the playful query, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” This concept breathes life into the vibrant product range, offering a delightful and visually appealing solution for culinary aficionados.

Designer: Bernardo Diaz Lopez for Soso

The design journey began with a clear objective: to create a compact, durable, and reusable container that complements the beloved egg salt shaker. Crafted from high-quality ceramic sourced from local producers in Andalusia and the Spanish Levant, the bottle embodies a deep connection to Spanish heritage through its tactile feel and aesthetic purity. This local sourcing not only ensures premium quality but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to supporting regional craftsmanship.

The gourmet olive oil dispenser features a distinctive integrated opening and closing mechanism. This innovative stopper allows for hermetic sealing and effortless pouring with a simple twist, eliminating the need for removal. When fully twisted off, the cap can be detached for easy refills, featuring a double anti-drip and oil return system to enhance functionality and maintain a clean pour.

Ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip, the hen-shaped bottle marries form with function. The multifunctional cap plays several roles—sealing, pouring, and refilling—all seamlessly integrated into the overall design. This attention to ergonomic detail ensures that the dispenser is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Aimed at consumers who value both aesthetics and sustainability, the design appeals to those who appreciate locally sourced goods and the revival of ceramics as a reusable material. By integrating recycled plastics, the product range highlights its eco-friendly credentials, attracting conscientious buyers who seek both style and sustainability in their purchases.

The post Adorable Hen-Shaped Olive Oil Dispenser Combines Aesthetic Design with Sustainability and Practicality first appeared on Yanko Design.