The Story & Culinary Connections
Why did Ed Hamlin create The Chef's Grip?
Ed developed the idea after experiencing discomfort from the top of a chef's knife during extended chopping and cutting. When he could not find the solution he wanted, he began developing one himself and worked with professional chef Lance Toro to refine the original Chef's Grip.
Who is Chef Lance Toro?
Chef Lance Toro is a longtime professional chef who worked in leading California restaurants, taught at the Los Angeles Culinary Institute, and later served as a private chef to high-profile Hollywood clients. He won the 2015 National Chef Challenge at the World Food Championships. Lance worked with Ed Hamlin to develop and refine the original Chef's Grip, and his experience in professional kitchens helped bring a working chef's perspective to the product.
What is The Chef's Grip's connection to the White House Chefs Tour?
Ed has had the opportunity to share The Chef's Grip with Chef Guy Mitchell, Guest White House Chef and founder of the White House Chefs Tour. Mitchell is a Culinary Institute of America graduate who has worked with White House and Vice Presidential culinary teams and participated in training and special culinary events connected with government food-service operations. The photos on our home page document Ed, the product, and that culinary connection.