Minimal kitchenware designed for sushi chefs to manage knives in a confined space.
MUN
2018
Mun is a multifunctional kitchen tool for sushi chefs to handle knives in a compact space. It integrates a cutting board, knife rack, and knife sharpener into a single, sleek, and minimal design.
Responsibilities: Research, Industrial Design, Visualization
Chef Kim Mun-kyu, the head chef of one of my favorite sushi bars in Queens, NY, inspired this concept.
“We use hot oil and sharp knives daily. So, we have to be very careful working inside a small kitchen.”
“Knife handling is very important for sushi chefs. I mostly use Yanagi to cut sashimi and chef’s knife to cut sushi rolls, sometimes Gyuto.”
Approach
Knife handling is an important piece of Japanese culture. Japanese knives are some of most well-crafted culinary tools in the world. They offer strength, beauty, and with proper care will last a lifetime.
Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, I wanted to design a minimalistic kitchen tool that is not only utilitarian and honest in nature, but also cost-effective and human-centric. The focus on efficient use of space naturally led to a multifunctional product. By merging kitchen tools that the chef owns and uses, Mun seamlessly blends into the chef's daily routine and harmonizes with the kitchen environment.
Keeping Only the Essentials
Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, simplicity, and materials, I explored key themes and proportions through hand sketches and rapid prototyping.
Product Dimension: 387 x 178 x 35 mm
Cutting Board / Knife Rack
The bamboo cutting board is raised above the surface by white rubber grips on both sides.
Sharpener
Sushi chefs regularly refine their knives using a 5000-grit whetstone, which is the most commonly used to maintain sharpness.
Grip
Rubber grips at both ends secure the cutting board and sharpener together, providing enhanced stability during use.
Easy to Assemble
With simple instructions, anyone can assemble Mun in few steps. Every part in Mun is interchangeable. Any component that is damaged or deformed can be replaced individually, without the need to purchase an entirely new set.
Use of Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, distinct from hardwood trees, as it regenerates quickly after harvesting. Interestingly, using bamboo for products is more environmentally sustainable than leaving it to grow untouched. An undisturbed bamboo forest is less effective at storing carbon, and without proper management, the bamboo eventually decays and releases this stored carbon. By harvesting it before decay sets in and transforming it into durable, long-lasting products, we ensure that the carbon remains sequestered, making bamboo a truly sustainable material choice.
Monochrome
