DESIGNER INSIGHTS WITH PAUL deBRETTON GORDON
Design Director Paul deBretton Gordon is the designer behind our award-winning Signature and Professional Kitchen knife ranges.
Conceived in the same studio where company founder Robert Welch first set up his drawing board in 1955, Paul’s designs combine a rich legacy of craftsmanship with exceptional culinary performance.
CONCEPTION TO KITCHEN
Three years of meticulous research and development went into the creation of the first Signature knife range. We ask Paul what inspires his designs, and his advice when it comes to choosing, using, and maintaining kitchen knives for a lifetime of use.
What was the first knife you designed for Robert Welch?
The 14cm Cook’s Knife was the starting point for the Signature collection. All the knives in the range grew from the development of this piece - its handle shape, balance and proportions set the foundation for the entire series.
What inspired the design of your Signature knives?
The Signature collection was an evolution of one of Robert’s earlier knife designs, so I had an excellent starting point. Working closely with Rupert ensured every decision was driven by performance and quality.
The ‘pebble-inspired’ handle was shaped for comfort, reducing fatigue while providing a secure, natural grip. The blade profile evolved from experience – its gentle curve delivers excellent cutting performance. The knives are forged from a single piece of high-grade German stainless steel, running from blade through the bolster to the tang, ensuring strength, balance, and long-term durability.
What about inspired Professional knives?
With RW Professional, we wanted to create a more classic-looking knife range. Taking inspiration from Robert Welch’s Kitchen Devil Pro range from 1979, our Professional knife range has a European look with deep blades. Ice-hardened German steel combines with a hand applied Japanese-style 15° edge to create a resilient blade with exceptional longer lasting sharpness. The rivets reflect that heritage, combining strength with a timeless aesthetic.
What is the best-selling kitchen knife?
The Cook’s knife is very popular, as it’s the most versatile tool in the kitchen.
Why is it important to use the right knife for the right task?
Using the correct knife not only gives better results but is also safer and less tiring.
For example, a bread knife will slice cleanly through crusty loaves without crushing them, while a Santoku allows for precise, controlled cuts in vegetables. A boning knife, with its narrow blade, is ideal for working accurately around bones in meat or fish.
Can you tell us about any new products?
We’re always developing new products, from knife storage solutions like the Professional Book Oak Knife Block Set to additions within the knife collections themselves, ensuring the range continues to evolve with users’ needs.
Why don’t our bread knives need sharpening?
Bread knives use a scalloped edge made up of a series of pointed tips. These tips do the initial cutting, while the recessed edges between them remain protected and sharp. This design allows bread knives to retain their performance for many years. Eventually, they can be refreshed using a diamond sharpening rod if needed.
What’s your advice when purchasing a new set of knives?
Buy the best knife you can afford, buy well, buy once. A well-looked after kitchen knife will last for many years.
What are your ‘go-to knives’ in your kitchen?
A bread knife for slicing bread and pastry and a Santoku for everyday tasks.
What is World Edge Geometry?
Our range of kitchen knives are a blend of east and west. They are crafted from the finest German stainless steel and have a hand applied 15° Japanese-style blade edge – we call this World Edge Geometry.
What is special about the handles Robert Welch uses for both its kitchen knife ranges?
We use POM which is a very stable polymer (plastic) and sculpted into an ergonomic shape which offers comfort in the hand. It is also dishwasher safe and long-lasting.
What is the difference between sharpening and honing a knife blade?
Honing maintains an edge, keeping it sharp. Sharpening is the method of applying a cutting edge.
TURN A HOUSE A HOME
Since 1955, we’ve crafted exquisite stainless-steel pieces for every room in the home.
From cutlery to cookware, kitchen knives to bathroom accessories, our timeless designs bring effortless style to everyday living. Meticulously designed for form and function, you can be sure whatever you choose is both beautiful and useful.
And wherever life takes them, our lifetime guarantee means your housewarming gift is made to move with them, wherever they call home.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR KITCHEN KNIVES SHARP
Care for your kitchen knives from day one and enjoy a lifetime of effortless cooking.
Sharpen regularly
Use our Hand-held Sharpener to retain sharpness and keep blade edges aligned.
Replace the wheel
Replace the ceramic sharpening wheel periodically, or as needed, to keep knives performing at their best. New wheels are sold individually or in sets.
Use a wood or nylon chopping board
Choose a wood or nylon chopping board to protect knife edges as the softer surface absorbs impact to protect knife edges and ensure long-lasting sharpness.
Store safely
Keep your knives safely stored and sharper for longer by using one of our knife blocks, in-drawer units, or magnetic racks – each designed to protect the blade edge.
Handwash for best results
All knives are dishwasher safe, but for optimal performance handwash with warm, soapy water, dry immediately, and use a microfibre cloth.
NB our bread knives can’t be sharpened with the Handheld Knife Sharpener.
INSIDE THE FACTORY
Ever wondered how our knives are made? Step inside the factory and watch our master craftsmen stamp, forge and sharpen our award-winning kitchen knives, from conception to kitchen.