Kelp Cutlery

A selection of fine contemporary and vintage cutlery
with handles crafted from Seaweed.

From Storm to Table

  • Where it began.

    After lots of experimentation we have developed the technology to cure and stabilise the Forest Kelp rods (Laminaria hyperborea), that are washed up on our Skellig coast by the southerly gales. The process which takes a number of months has enabled us to make some spectacular cutlery pieces!

  • How to order

    We are constantly working on commissions for our hand made kelp cutlery. All items priced individually.

    These are limited edition pieces. Explore the collection on our store today or get in touch to talk about a commission you would like to make.

  • As Seen In

    Our Kelp Cutlery has been commissioned by a number of Michelin star Restaurants including Aimsir** in Kildare and The House* in The Cliff Ardmore.

Our Handles

The cutlery handles are sustainably made from stormcast stalks of the Forest kelp Laminaria hyperborea, which wash up on the shore during winter.

These giant canopy seaweeds form huge hidden forests all around the Irish coastline and support a vast amount of life. Fish and shellfish graze on, hide, hunt and live in this vital biodiverse marine ecosystem.

Like all seaweeds, the kelps absorb carbon and release oxygen. Over half our Oxygen comes from marine algae.

A selection of fine contemporary and vintage cutlery with handles crafted from Seaweed.

  • From our Co. Kerry base at Derrynane on the Skellig Coast we are husband and wife, John Fitzgerald and Kerryann O'Farrell. We have been working with seaweeds and running discovery and tasting workshops since 2009. After extensive trials they have developed a unique process to cure and preserve the kelp stalks, allowing them to fashion their distinctive cutlery range.

  • While researching seaweeds, we stumbled upon an excerpt from 'The Farmers Register, 1839 Devoted to the Improvement of the Practice and Support of the Interests of Agriculture.'

    "In Scotland, the stem of this species is used for making handles to pruning knives.............. When these handles have become hard and shrivelled, and have been tipped with metal, they are hardly to be distinguished from hart's horn".

    That short paragraph sparked our curiosity and we set about experimenting for ourselves. The rest is history.

  • The handles are made from organic material and are sealed with several coats of Tung oil and a final coat of linseed oil/beeswax over a 2 month period.

    To clean, simply wipe with mild dish soap and warm water and pat dry. Not suitable for the dishwasher.

    Condition the handles occasionally. We recommend a mineral or linseed oil - something suitable for chopping boards is fine.

    The ferrules are either nickel or brass and can discolour/tarnish if left in a damp area. A light rub with extra fine steel wool or Brasso will restore.

    Keep your Kelp Cutlery in a dry area.

  • We deliver our Kelp Cutlery across Ireland, Europe, UK, USA and the rest of the world.

  • "When you hold a piece of the Kelp Cutlery made by Kerryann & John it feels as if you are holding sunken treasure. Of course that is exactly what you are doing........... The feeling of something ancient and elemental is powerful, and the fusion of the two elements - the natural and the manmade - is beautifully achieved: these are precious eating implements."

    McKenna's Guides

  • "Neptune ate his breakfast with these."

    H O'Neil

  • "I am obsessed with these Kelp knives (& spoons/forks) that Kerryann and John have started making. They feel incredible - like something old and gnarly from the back of your great aunts drawer, and equally full of stories. To feel something handmade and natural in your hands like these is a real treat. "

    Sasha Sykes