·································· The Cook’s Shelf
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Whetstone Woodenware’s rare ability to hold both stories and stew
RAISING THE GRAIN BY LISA BANU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER L. RUBENSTEIN
Left to right: Making of the Whetstone Biscuit Cutter, an Indiana favorite.
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small square patch of sandpaper with advice to help “raise the grain” accompanies every purchase at Whetstone Woodenware. It represents company owners John and Debbie Whetstone’s trust that the hallowed task of crafting the piece will continue in the home kitchen, if properly done, for generations. As consumers, few things are so enduring and entrusted to us to care for, to use, to enjoy and to pass down. Unlike most disposable, temporary and industrially produced kitchenware, Whetstone Woodenware requires a commitment to quality and care. John Whetstone’s reputation for finely crafted woodenware earned him the trust of the historical market, which in turn helped shape the direction and reach of the company. Whetstone products can be found in more than a dozen museum gift shops across the U.S., including Colonial Williamsburg. In the flagship store located in Silver Lake, Whetstone’s Early American line of kitchenware makes these unique historical forms available to everyone. Focusing his woodworking skills on kitchenware rather than cabinetry allows John to share and ship his creations more easily, preserving historical product forms and inventing new forms to meet diverse contemporary needs. Whetstone Woodenware’s own history is over 25 years old. Their most awarded and internationally renowned piece is Whetstone’s French rolling pin. Earlier this year The Sweethome Review considered 30 rolling pins and voted Whetstone’s the best: “This tapered pin rolls dough more efficiently than handled pins, works well for rolling both pies and cookies, and is one of the easiest to clean. Plus, it’s good looking and sturdy enough to last a lifetime.” For John this appreciation of usability, beauty and efficiency is exactly the attention he hoped his product would attract. And this is not the first time the rolling pin was recognized. Celebrating the rolling pin’s exceptional quality, Midwest Living included the rolling pin in its 2012 holiday gift guide. In addition to developing pieces from historical references, John also draws inspiration for his products from children’s storybooks, the process of production itself and consumer needs. For example, his wok spoon resulted from reshaping a damaged Early American deep-bowled long ladle spoon. In a similar creative leap, inspired by a children’s book illustration of a fishtail-shaped backing on a pipe box, John designed his fishtail cutting boards. The mixture of original designs and historical reproductions allows the Whetstone offerings to address diverse kitchen and dining needs. 34
edible INDY winter 2016
