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Everything you need to know about Robert Welch
From humble beginnings to global recognition, Robert Welch sits amongst the most recognisable British brands of the 20th century.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this fantastic brand. Learn about the man behind the name and how he set up his business from the sleepy Gloucestershire town of Chipping Campden to its global success.
With millions of products sold worldwide and many awards to their name, the brand speaks for itself, but if you’re concerned about the price point, discover why Robert Welch knives and cutlery are worth investing in. We’ll also share the best ways to look after your Robert Welch products so they outlive their extensive warranties.
Table of contents:
- Who is Robert Welch?
- Is Robert Welch a good brand?
- Is Robert Welch cutlery good?
- Are Robert Welch knives good?
- How to sharpen Robert Welch knives?
- Is Robert Welch cutlery dishwasher safe?
- Does Robert Welch come with a lifetime guarantee?
Who is Robert Welch?
Robert Welch is one of the most respected British designers of the 20th century. After training as a silversmith at the Royal College of Art in London, he specialised in stainless steel design. Upon graduating in 1955, Robert Radford Welch moved to the Gloucestershire countryside, near to where he had grown up. Welch rented a small room in the disused 18th-century Silk Mill in Chipping Campden, later establishing a company in his own name.
Early life
From early beginnings, Robert Welch started with just a drawing board and a sheet of paper and even slept on a camp bed in his studio.
Around the mid-century, stainless steel was becoming a fashionable and affordable medium for domestic designs. While at university, Robert was influenced greatly by Scandinavian modernism design, instilling his love of functional precision and clean lines.
His work
Robert Welch is famous for some of the 20th-century’s iconic designs, including the ubiquitous steel toaster rack of the 1950s, winning him his first design award.
The Alveston teapot, named after the village he lived in 1962, also stands out as an example of how Robert gave expression to stainless steel. The timeless design is still used and recognised all over the world. Many of his designs and creations were named after local surrounding villages.
The 1970s saw the opening of the Chipping Campden studio shop, where he sold his industrial designs, stainless steel tableware and handmade silver products. The shop remains today.
Awards and accolades
In 1979, Robert Welch was created an MBE for services to design. Throughout the 1980s, his expertise was showcased through exhibitions in the Victoria and Albert Museum and British Museum and lectures. He also created initiatives to encourage the support of diminishing craft skills worldwide.
The 1990s saw the creation of the exquisitely beautiful stainless steel Stanton cutlery design. Comfortable to use; it’s been used in Pizza Express over the last 20 years.
Worldwide success
The iconic Signature knife set launched in 2007, selling over 1.5 million times worldwide. Functional, durable and tested by professional chefs, these are exquisite knives.
Robert Welch’s son and daughters, Alice and Rupert, began working with him in the 1990s. They looked to help drive the business forward after Robert’s death in 2000, remaining true to their father’s design legacy.
Today, Robert Welch Designs is a global operation, continually investing in UK distribution and warehouses, with a worldwide supply network ensuring fast global delivery. You will find Robert Welch products in hotels, restaurants and homes in over 100 countries.
Is Robert Welch a good brand?
Many consider Robert Welch a highly reputable and quality brand known for its cutlery, kitchenware and home accessories.
Robert Welch’s products are praised for their sleek and modern designs. The brand has won numerous awards for design excellence, reflecting a commitment to form and function.
Materials and craftsmanship are always at a high standard, resulting in durable, high-performance and long-lasting products.
Although Robert Welch products are priced in the mid to high-range category, their price point and long-term guarantees reflect their quality and design prowess. More expensive than other brands, customers still find them a worthwhile investment.
The brand’s long history and heritage, founded by the eponymous designer Robert Welch in the 1950s, has built a strong reputation over the decades, adding to the brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.
Overall, if you value well-designed, high-quality kitchenware and home accessories and are willing to invest in premium products, Robert Welch is an excellent brand to consider.
Is Robert Welch cutlery good?
Yes! Robert Welch’s cutlery is widely regarded as high-quality and well-designed. Known for its elegant and modern design, his cutlery has won many design awards, with aesthetic appeal and functionality at the forefront.
Each piece of Robert Welch cutlery is made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability, resistance to rust and the maintenance of a sharp edge over time.
A keen attention to detail in the manufacturing process results in balanced and comfortable cutlery, with ergonomically designed handles that provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Robert Welch offers a range of cutlery options, from everyday table knives to specialised knives for cheese or steak, allowing you to choose pieces to fit your specific needs.
Many frequently praise Robert Welch’s cutlery performance, noting how sharp and well-balanced they are and how well they maintain their sharp edge. Robert Welch cutlery is suitable for home and professional use.
While Robert Welch’s cutlery is durable, proper care, such as regular sharpening and avoiding putting certain pieces in the dishwasher, can extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance and functionality.
Many customers favour Robert Welch cutlery for their look and performance. These are the perfect option if you’re looking for high-quality, stylish and functional cutlery that lasts.
Are Robert Welch knives good?
Robert Welch is most famous for his iconic knives and knife sets. They are widely considered of the highest quality. Known for their sleek, modern designs, Robert Welch knives are award-winning. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they are also ergonomically friendly, offering a comfortable grip.
Robert Welch knives are durable and resistant to rust and staining, made from high-quality stainless steel. They also can maintain their sharp edge.
All Robert Welch knives are crafted with strong attention to detail, with features like a full tang construction (where the blade extends through the handle) for better balance and strength.
Often praised for their sharpness and balance, Robert Welch knives are effective for various chopping tasks, from chopping and slicing to more delicate work.
You can also build a comprehensive kitchen knife collection with various Robert Welch knife options, including chef’s, paring and steak knives.
While Robert Welch knives are durable, regular sharpening and washing by hand will help keep them in their best condition.
Customers and culinary professionals favour Robert Welch knives highly for their form and function. They’re a good investment for home cooks and professional chefs who appreciate high-quality, well-designed kitchen tools.
How to sharpen Robert Welch knives?
Robert Welch knives require a certain amount of upkeep to maintain their impeccable cutting function. Regular sharpening will keep the edge sharp so you can easily chop, slice, and dice. Here are our three methods and top tips for sharpening Robert Welch knives.
Use a sharpening steel
- Hold the sharpening steel vertically with the tip resting on a stable surface. Then, hold the knife at a 20-degree angle to the steel.
- Start at the blade’s base, nearest the handle, and slide the knife down and across the steel, moving from base to tip. Repeat the process on the other side and alternate sides with each stroke.
- Repeat 5-10 strokes on each side of the blade, maintaining that 20-degree angle.
- Test the sharpness by slicing through a piece of paper or a tomato. If you’re not satisfied with the sharpness, repeat the process.
Use a whetstone
- If using a whetstone, soak it in water for 10-15 minutes. If it’s an oil stone, apply a light layer of honing oil.
- Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle against the stone. Some whetstones come with angle guides to help maintain consistency.
- Start with the coarse-grit side of the stone. Place the base of the blade against the stone and push the knife away from you with light pressure. Then, draw the knife back towards you, maintaining the angle and converting the entire blade length. Repeat this motion 5-10 times on each side of the blade.
- Turn the stone to the finer grit side and repeat the sharpening process to refine the edge.
- Rinse the knife and stone with water to remove any metal particles. Test the sharpness by slicing through paper or a soft vegetable.
Use a knife sharpener
- If using a pull-through knife sharpener, select the coarse slot for dull knives and the fine for regular maintenance.
- Insert the knife into the slot at the base of the blade and pull it through to the tip. Apply light, even pressure.
- Repeat 3-6 times depending on the dullness.
- Clean the knife and test the sharpness.
General Tips for sharpening Robert Welch knives
- Sharpen your Robert Welch knives regularly to maintain their edge. Honing with sharpening steel can be done frequently, while whetstone sharpening might be needed less often, depending on usage.
- Always be cautious of the blade while and after sharpening.
- Regularly sharpen, clean and dry your knives to maintain their condition.
Is Robert Welch cutlery dishwasher safe?
Yes, most Robert Welch cutlery is dishwasher safe. However, to maintain their impeccable finish for the longest period, follow these best practices when dishwashing the cutlery.
- Dishwash Robert Welch cutlery on a short, hot cycle; anything between 65°-75°C (150°-167°F) will do.
- Use quality branded all-in-one dishwasher tablets.
- Keep your rinse aid and salt topped up in your dishwasher, especially in hard water areas.
- Avoid washing your Robert Welch cutlery with non-stainless steel metals, as this can cause rust staining, especially on knives.
- Ensure your dishwasher filters are clean, and use a proprietary dishwasher cleaner regularly.
Does Robert Welch come with a lifetime guarantee?
Although Robert Welch products don’t come with a lifetime guarantee, they do offer an extensive length of guarantee. Different products offer varied warranty lengths. Here are some of the most common guarantees you can get within the Robert Welch product selection.
- Any Robert Welch bathroom accessories, wine buckets and stands, candlesticks and holders, decorative bowls and salt and pepper shakers without walnut wood come with a 25-year guarantee.
- All Robert Welch steak, cheese knives and cutlery come with a 25-year guarantee.
- The salt and pepper mills and decorative bowls with natural walnut wood only have a 2 or 10-year guarantee.
Robert Welch at Cotswold Trading
Now you know everything there is to know about Robert Welch, the brand and his products, explore the Robert Welch range at Cotswold Trading.
From modern cutlery designs that last decades to contemporary home decor pieces that draw on the illustrious history and heritage of the Robert Welch brand, enhance your home with sleek and sophisticated products by Robert Welch today.
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