I am always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind stores. Toronto, you are very lucky to have one such store, Hacher and Krain. This is a really unique store for Toronto and most probably all of Canada. Greg, the owner and operator, who prefers to let the knives take the spotlight, is the most knowledgeable and passionate person I have met when it comes to knives. But not just any knives, Greg has traveled the globe to find the best the world has to offer. He sources his knives from eight different countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Canada, Finland and Sweden. He said he carries about 400 different models of cutlery, table and pocket knives ranging in price from around $40-$1500. Greg has the largest selection of knives from around the world and he is committed to supporting the culinary cutlery skills to those who have an interest and a passion to cook. Greg said not only did he travel the world in search of the best knives, he built personal relationships with the actual knife makers. Every knife is hand crafted using the best materials. They were all quite beautiful to behold. You can’t buy a knife online because Greg wants you to come in and see which knife works best for you and what feels best for you. He also said once you buy a knife from him you can come in and have it sharpened whenever you want at no cost. The shop also had cutting boards made of a single piece of wood and without glue or laminate.
The knives are quite beautiful and are a work of art.
Greg doesn’t believe in owning a set of knives, but instead you should have a collection of culinary tools that suit your needs. He showed me the subtle difference in weight and design and function. For example, the German knife was heavier and works better with German foods, whereas the French knives is more elegant and slimmer. I chose a premium French Sabatier knife for $150, and it came with a leather scabbard. Greg said it was better than any Henckel, plus I got a whole history lesson on Sabatier knives, Greg is a wealth of knowledge. Greg let me choose between three because he said they are all handcrafted and each one has a different feel.
He sources them for style, quality and craftsmanship. He has been discovered by some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants. If you are a passionate chef, a skilled cook or just demand the best equipment in your kitchen then you owe it to yourself to check out Hacher and Krain. It is located at 256A Dupont Street, and open Tuesday to Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-5. Monday by appointment to the trade.
Highly recommended,
Happy Cooking,
Shanea