Dylan John, a Deering Area Resident,  Purchased Two Knives for Gifts Today at STRATA.  They Were Crafted In Japan and Sold For Just Under $100.

Culinary Related Books are a Popular Gift Item at STRATA.  One of the Most Popular This Year is “A Splash of Soy,”  by Lara Lee for $35.00.

“People really love cookbooks, especially this time of the year,” said Becky Wurwarg, wife of Evan Atwell, owner of STRATA, 67 Washington Avenue, located in the former J. J. Nissen Bakery Building, on the east end of Portland this afternoon.  “Customers especially like cookbooks that are unique and can’t be found anywhere else.”

Becky cited a cookbook from Singapore that sold out very quickly recently. In all, the culinary knife and kitchenware mecca has carried 411 different culintary related books in its six years of operation..  “Because of the busy lives of many of our customers, general cookbooks and ones that make cooking easy and accessible are best sellers,” she said.

However, knives are the shop’s most popular item any time of the year.  Dylan John was getting a crash course in the uses of different knives from Becky this afternoon,  John, who works in sales, finally purchased two knives for gifts, made in Japan.  That is where 80% of STRATA’s  knife inventory originates..

Speaking of Japan, STRATA now has six SAMAURI swords in its inventory..  Like so much of STRATA’s inventory, they were crafted in Japan by master craftsmen in the industry.  A custom-made display case by Studio 89 has been completed. But according to Evan Atwell,  the historic swords will not be on display until sometime after the New Year.  There are still details to be resolved such as lighting of the display case before they can be showcased at STRATA.  The importing to the US of these swords has been complicated and time-consuming  because of their historic value as well as their potential as weapons.  The Japenese government tightly regulates their distribution in the US.  Evan and Becky who met in college spent the oblilgatory few weeks in Japan this fall.  That trip to Japan was delayed by several years because of the COVID pandemic.

Normally, STRATA is closed on Monday.  But it is open Monday, December 23, 2024 for your gift shopping convenience.

For much more information on the SAMAURI swords at STRATA, please visit post herein dated June 9, 2024.