The cheese grater has always been a rather utilitarian object where a large stainless steel grating plate is the dominant feature of the design. Often, existing designs attempt to cater for a number of grating circumstances, crowding or overcomplicating the device. This, in addition to poorly resolved handles and uncomfortable grips has lead to a number of functional, though cumbersome grating devices.
My design explored the possibilities of creating an entire enriching situation through sharing, presentation and dining, and focused on elements of symmetry, a sense of purity and entire user engagement with the hand tool. A significant change in the grating surface design and proportion was fed by the intended use, and the particular cheese that the design was honed towards.
Specifically tailored to Parmesan cheese, the user removes the well weighted milled Aluminium grater from its housing, hollowed out from the shapely Kauri Pine base. A subtle domed top and groove imply a separation between device and handle, and define the way the grater should be held. Fine grating perforations were chosen to suit Parmesan’s firmness and fine light shavings that result, and the overall shape was kept to a circle that traced the circumference of the handle, lowered slightly and reflective of the shadow cast by the handle.
Responding to the base plate, the design tapers to a delicate tip which allows the cheese to cantilever over the dining table when resting. The overall design is somewhat reflective of oriental craft and bowl carving, though the shape was influenced by a waiter’s arm movement as he or she presents ordered food to the customer. In the same way, the base offers the condiment to its diners to take and use.
Hi Robert, i was very intrigued by your product, at first glance. i remember you debating the colour of your wood for your prototype, and i think you made a perfect decision. The current colour ties in beautifully with the metal colour of grater. the concept is beautiful and so well thought out; the name, the cheese, so closely in tune with its cuisine. i think you completely captured the essence of serving, even in the complete shape of the base piece. The only thing i was unsure of was -what end you passed the piece around the table with? this might be an improvement to make, to distinguish this a little better. As i am imagining passing around by the curving thinner end, and your hand might interfere with/ touch the cheese? im not sure as i haven't put it into practice, maybe this was already considered! all round, beautiful product Robert. x
ReplyDeletei really love the way you have decided to cantilever the wooden part of your product it makes it look like its floating and weightless. its also great that its a platform to hold the cheese as well as he device to grate the cheese. The stainless steel grater could be recessed a little more to continue the flow of lines that the server creates. over all though it is very beautiful and sculptural
ReplyDeleteThe theme of a servant serving you on a special occasion that is evident in the base makes for a very pleasurable experience. The base is exsquesitly carved and I like the shape of the grater, however for a more realistic model, making the grater out of aluminum would have been goo to see.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you would get a build up of cheesy crumbs in the grater storage area that may end up a little dirty as a result. The form however is fantastic and the finish is immaculate it almost felt like the timber base was made of a different material it was so smooth.
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