1. Chefs love carbon-steel knives for their ability to hold an edge. These hand-forged beauties ($13.70-$89) by the folks at R. Murphy are no exception. The butcher, chef, and oyster knives shown here are just a sampling of the myriad styles they’ve been producing since 1850. R. MURPHY CO.,
Ayer, MA. 978-772-3481; rmurphyknives.com
2. Each Motzkin bread pot ($180) is a unique, heirloom-quality baking vessel. Some are inscribed with recipes and inspirational quotes; others may be customized or left plain. JUDITH MOTZKIN STUDIO,
Cambridge, MA. 617-547-5513; motzkin.com, breadpots.com
3. Lucy Fagella’s tagine-inspired salt cellar ($36) is so beautiful that you’ll want to keep it on display. Her French butter keeper ($52) maintains the good stuff safely at room temperature for days by suspending the upper butter chamber in a lower chamber of water. LUCIA POTTERY,
Greenfield, MA. 413-522-8370; luciapottery.com, etsy.com/shop/FoodieCeramics
4. From 1852 to 1936, DH&M was a leading maker of copper cookware. The brand was recently revived by Jim Hamann (see “Artisan Profile,” far right). His work is expensive ($400 8.25-inch pan; $550 11.25-inch; $650 12.5-inch) but designed to last for generations. Hamann also restores copperware. DH&M CO.,
Providence, RI. 401-965-4569; DHandM.com
5. Fine knives require regular honing and periodic sharpening to keep their edge. These tools from DMT (“DuoSharp Plus” $84.14-$97.25; “Diamond Steel” $41.69-$50.39) make it easy to do the job yourself. DIAMOND MACHINING TECHNOLOGY,
Marlborough, MA. 800-666-4368, 508-481-5944; dmtsharp.com
6. Dustin Glasscoe’s “Big Mama” rolling pin ($68) is artfully turned from one solid piece of maple (cherry, walnut, and tiger maple also available). Assorted chopping blocks come in a variety of woods and sizes ($63-$151). VERMONT FARM TABLE,
Burlington, VT. 888-425-8838; vermontfarmtable.com
7. Generously sized “Homespun” cotton napkins in a choice of 25 colors (suggested retail $6.95 each, 14 inches; $8.95 18 inches) are reversible, with a different square pattern on each side. Tablecloths, runners, and placemats are also available. Retailers are listed on the Web site. MOUNTAIN WEAVERS,
Dorset, VT. 802-867-5325; mountainweavers.com
8. Preserve specializes in bright, stylish home goods made from recycled materials. The colander ($8.99 1.5-quart; $12.99 3.5-quart) and mixing bowls (3-piece set $24.99) are manufactured in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, by G&F INDUSTRIES. PRESERVE,
Waltham, MA. 888-354-7296; preserveproducts.com
