Few joys compare to that of a child opening presents on a holiday morning. We all remember the anticipation, the rush of ripped wrapping, the full hours played with a favorite new toy. A far cry from the sweaters, sacks of socks, or Amazon gift cards we accumulate joylessly as adults. It is truly difficult to find something to bring back the childlike surprise of earlier years.

However, it is still possible. Here’s one suggestion to sharpen your gift giving: a beautiful knife. New West KnifeWorks cuts through the routine of boring gifts to satisfy the inner kid in all of us.  

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But why buy a knife as a gift? Founder Corey Milligan offers five “adult” reasons why knives from the local cutler are a perfect offering.

Corey Milligan. Photo: Courtesy of New West KnifeWorks.

#1 Because they are beautiful.

“When you love the tools you use, everyday chores become a joy. So, we make our knives beautiful because we want folks to fall in love with them. A beautiful knife calls from the drawer,- you want to pick it up and admire it and then play with it on the cutting board. Before you know it, you’re chopping veggies like a pro.”

New West KnifeWorks offers a wide variety of blades, each crafted to provide optimal results in the kitchen, regardless of what’s on the menu. Photo: Courtesy of New West KnifeWorks.

#2 Because they are pro quality.

“Folks develop a crush for our pretty handles, but then fall in love on the cutting board. If you’ve never used a high quality blade, it can be a revelation. The blade does the work for you. We make our knives to thrive in a professional kitchen. So, whether it’s for a pro or home chef, our knives become an extension of the hand and turn time on the cutting board into a performance.

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#3 One good knife changes everything.

“You just need one good knife to do 90% of your food prep. It’s much better to invest in one high quality knife than a bunch of mediocre ones that nobody needs. A fine knife is like a musician’s instrument – the more you use it, the more you discover what you can do with it until it becomes a part of you.”

#4 They are local AND world famous.

“We don’t like to brag, but we don’t mind letting other folks do it for us. Our knives have been praised by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. If you can get those two to agree, that’s saying something.”

Photo: Courtesy of New West KnifeWorks.

#5 They last a lifetime.

“All of our knives come with a lifetime guarantee and free sharpening for life. So it’s an intimate gift, one that serves as a daily reminder of your affection. Also, we offer a return policy, since it is a lifelong relationship, we want to make sure it’s a perfect match.”

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably on board with “why” a quality knife makes a good gift. But which to choose? Check out Corey’s gift guide for some recommendations. Or better yet, stop by the knife gallery in town square, located at 98 Centre Street located Jackson, WY to get into the spirit of the season.