At this year’s Porthleven Food Festival, visitors will have the chance to get hands-on with one of the most essential – and often overlooked – tools in the kitchen: the knife. Leading the session is Dan Maltwood, founder of Pareusi Knives, whose approach blends craftsmanship, practicality and a deep respect for the rituals of cooking.
We caught up with Dan ahead of his Knife Skills & Sharpening masterclass to talk about his journey, the philosophy behind Pareusi, and why a sharp knife can transform the way you cook.
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Dan, can you tell us a bit about your background and how Pareusi Knives began?
I’ve always been drawn to making things with my hands, I was a chef for ten years and cooking has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Pareusi came from that intersection – a fascination with tools and a love of food. Over time, I realised that a well-made knife isn’t just a piece of equipment, it’s something you build a relationship with. That idea became the foundation of Pareusi.
The name Pareusi is quite distinctive – what does it mean?
Pareusi is a Cornish word that means to prepare and make ready. It’s rooted in the idea of presence and intention. Cooking, at its best, is about being fully engaged in what you’re doing – the ingredients, the process, the tools. A good knife helps you stay in that flow.
Why do you think knife skills are so important for home cooks?
A sharp knife is the most important tool in any kitchen, full stop. It affects everything – your speed, your safety, the quality of your prep. When your knife is working properly, cooking becomes more enjoyable and a lot less frustrating. It’s one of those skills that pays off immediately.
What can people expect from your masterclass at the festival?
It’s a practical session, so we’ll be focusing on the fundamentals: how to hold a knife properly, how to control it, and some classic cutting techniques that chefs use every day. I’ll also be demonstrating sharpening and maintenance – the tools you need, the angles to aim for, and simple routines that keep your knives performing as they should.
Sharpening can feel intimidating – do you find people are nervous about it?
Definitely. A lot of people either avoid it altogether or think it’s more complicated than it is. The reality is, once you understand the basics, it’s very approachable. My aim is to demystify it and give people the confidence to look after their own knives.
What’s the most common mistake people make with their knives?
Using blunt ones! It sounds obvious, but a dull knife is actually more dangerous because it requires more force and is less predictable. Beyond that, it’s often about grip and control – small adjustments there can make a huge difference.
Who is the session aimed at? Do you need prior experience?
Not at all. It’s for anyone – whether you’re a keen home cook or someone who just wants to feel a bit more confident in the kitchen. The goal is that you leave with skills you’ll use every time you cook.
What do you hope people take away from the experience?
Confidence, really. Confidence to handle a knife safely and efficiently, to maintain it properly, and to enjoy the process of cooking a bit more. If people walk away thinking, “I can actually do this,” then that’s a win.
Finally, what does a food festival like Porthleven mean to you?
It’s about community and sharing knowledge. Food brings people together, and events like this create space for learning, inspiration and connection. I’m really looking forward to being part of that.
Knife Skills & Sharpening with Dan Maltwood, Pareusi Knives – 11am, Sunday 26th April
Join Dan for a hands-on masterclass exploring the essential skills every cook should know. From safe and efficient knife handling to the fundamentals of sharpening and maintenance, this practical session will help you cut cleaner, work faster and care for your knives with confidence.
Bring your curiosity and leave with skills you’ll use every time you step into the kitchen.
See the Masterclasses
