Pilgrimage: Chef’s Kit

For a number of reasons, I usually travel with a portable chef’s kit. I have my professional chef’s kit (Messermeister) with all my pro knives and a few other things that come in handy. However, I really don’t don’t like to put that into checked luggage at the best of times, and especially in a backpack that may or may not be secure.

So, I decided to get the above kit, had it on my Amazon Wish List (thanks!). Three decent knives, cutting board, sheaths/covers for the knives, and even a sharpener. Semi-hard case protects nicely. Price was such that while more than I would like, I won’t cry (too hard) if something happens to it.

However, it was lacking a few things and the ‘lightweight’ cutting board was anything but in my opinion. Total kit weighed in at 3.08 pounds. So, pulled the bamboo cutting board, bought some inexpensive plastic mats, and cut them down with the landlord’s jig saw (with his permission) and now have three cutting boards at need at a fraction of the weight. In fact, it dropped the weight down to 1.74 pounds.

However, like I said, some things missing. So, a folding camp spatula has been added, a can opener (yes, could have saved even more weight with a military opener, but I wanted something easier to use), a proper corkscrew/bottle opener, a kfork, two sizes of kspoons, a scrub pad/sponge, and a tea towel are now resident in the kit. Total weight, 2.78 pounds. Not ideal, but better than a sharp stick in the eye.

NOTE: the kspoon, etc. thing comes from an experience a former cigar buddy had. He had an employee who was not the sharpest spoon in the drawer, and among other things referred to knives as ‘kah-nif-ees’ which led to jokes about kah-spoons, kah-forks, etc. It still makes me smile a bit. As does his thinking Rhodes Scholars were ‘Road Scholars’ because they could read maps and find their way any where and everywhere…

Like to have something like this as I can not only use it to cook at the apartment, but it is ideal to have on any long train trips as I can pick up sausages, cheese, and other delights and have food and drink without the need to get off the train. If I do that, will share. Reminds me, need to see if I can include my titanium cup in the luggage to have for that as well. Paper napkin for a plate and you are good to go. Also, if I have to camp or semi-camp while out and about, again, covered for food prep and such.

More soon.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

If you would like to help me with this trip, seminary courses, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. I’ve added Cash App ($CliffPow7) and Venmo (@Clifford-Powers-5). There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.