Bloc magazine spring 25.

64 Design Icons #39. More than just a bottle opener, it’s a symbol of wine expertise and a testament to elegant, functional design. This clever tool, also known as a waiter's friend, emerged in the late 19th century. While its exact origins are debated, credit is often given to German inventor Carl F.A. Wienke, who patented a similar design in 1882. The sommelier knife quickly gained popularity amongst waiters and sommeliers for its compact, all-in-one functionality. Its elegant simplicity is key to its enduring appeal. Typically featuring a small, serrated blade for cutting foil, a spiral worm for extracting the cork, and a lever (sometimes two) for effortless The satisfying snick of a foil cutter, the smooth twist of a corkscrew, the gentle levering of a stubborn cork – these are the hallmarks of a sommelier at work, and their trusty tool is the iconic sommelier knife. removal, the sommelier knife packs a punch in a pocket-sized package. High-quality versions boast polished wood handles, gleaming metal finishes, and satisfyingly smooth mechanisms, elevating this practical tool to a design icon. Beyond its functionality, the sommelier knife represents a connection to the rich traditions of wine service. It's a tool that inspires confidence in both the wielder and the wine drinker, a silent promise of a perfectly opened bottle and the enjoyment within. This combination of practicality, history, and symbolic weight has cemented the sommelier knife's place as a design classic, a must-have for wine enthusiasts and a timeless symbol of the art of wine service.