Jack: When someone invited me to try a knife rack shaped like an X-Wing, the only answer I could give was “why the hell not?!”.
So yeah, I certainly did not need an X wing shaped knife rack, but with something this…memorable, the review was basically going to write itself. And as a long term Star Wars fan (like, what appears to be 80% of the planet…), who was I to refuse?
What’s this eh?
A knife rack shaped like an X Wing. Yup. That’s it. Unfortunately/fortunately the knives are shaped like…knives. Though I don’t think knives shaped like X Wings would be particularly useful so perhaps this is for the best….
Who might it be suited to?
Star Wars diehards who also cook (but not professional cooks who like Star Wars, as you shall soon see). DO YOU EVEN ALSO COOK BRUH. People with Star Wars themed kitchens.
People aiming to provide a novelty gift to said Star Wars diehards. Easypeasy.
Dada interior designers working obscure culinary contracts.
60s babies going through a midlife crisis? Hell, I dunno.
How much does it cost?
Circa £50
Where’s it available?
Various online retailers (Google it!)
The Details
In a nutshell? Pretty gimmicky – but it does work – the knives can be used to cut things, and the frame holds the knives… so that you can cut things. Compared with a lot of high end knives (and the usually wooden frames you store them in) – the quality of the workmanship isn’t particularly high. These are pretty mediocre knives. So, probably not one for the knife connoisseurs (I am not a knife connoisseur)
Also, and I hate to be so…blunt (lol) but this doesn’t really look properly like an X Wing. Only from behind does it look particularly authentic. It doesn’t even have a cockpit :/ Come on guys!
Assembly: First up, this one needs to be assembled – and this process is not as easy as it should be. Two friends and I put this thing together in about 45 minutes – and some parts where pretty frustrating.
The hardest bit is certainly affixing the stand to the X wing body itself. You do kinda need two people to do this. And maybe a third person to cheerlead/manage/motivate. This is a big caveat unless you’re one of those people who really loves assembling stuff, and if so – maybe this is for you.
The Knives
As for the knives, there’s a selection of 5 knives, which I think should covers everything you need (unless you have very specialist needs). There’s a cook’s knife, a bread knife, a carving knife, a utility knife and a pairing knife
Said knives are not so beautiful as, say, an individually crated Kai, or Messermeister – but they do the job. Compared to a lot of knives (even relatively ‘economical’ ones) they’re not particularly well weighted or manufactured – hell, even I can tell this.
The Frame
As for the construction of the X Wing… not so much. It’s made of plastic designed to look like metal. It is not particularly sturdy, or heavy and in practical terms, looks like one of those things that could be easily knocked over in a busy kitchen. For that reason I am somewhat hesitant – much as I love the T65 X Wing in all its forms.
The Verdict
Well, I personally wouldn’t pay £50 for this one.
Longevity? Remains to be seen. The knives will probably outlast the frame, which doesn’t look like it’ll last that long. And, considering the frame is the ‘USP’ on this thing, it’s something you may wish to consider.
Practicality? It does the job but probably would not be able to stand the heat in a commercial kitchen. I can only imagine the trouble that would be caused by it being knocked over. The knives themselves are not particularly great so I can only speculate on their longevity.
For casual use, you could certainly do worse, but it’s not a product for the professionals. All that aside, it is somewhat charming and if you’re a Star Wars fan maybe that’s all you need?
Another thing, like a lot of short run Star Wars merchandise, this might become wildly collectable one day. Might.
More Info
http://www.bluw.com/bluw/star-wars-x-wing-knife-block.html