Design Intent
My primary goal was to develop a new range of knives for Hinoki, focusing on creating marketable and functional designs. This process began with extensive user and market research, which led to the selection of a Bread, Chef, and Paring knife for the range. After concept development, we went through several rounds of prototyping and user testing to ensure the knives met high ergonomic and aesthetic standards.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese knives like the Magurokiri, Santoku, and Petty, I applied a modern lens to create visually striking and unique forms. The result was a balanced fusion of tradition and innovation, giving the knife range both cultural depth and contemporary appeal.
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Essentials Range
To ensure the highest quality, we partnered with a renowned Japanese manufacturer to produce the knives. After several rounds of refinement, we were ready to launch the Essentials Range. In addition to the knives, I designed complementary accessories including a sharpening block, knife sheath, and oil container. I also oversaw the art direction for the website and press photography to capture the essence of the brand. The launch was announced on Kickstarter, where we exceeded our funding goal, raising $600,000 to fund the first round of manufacturing.
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