Like the Damascus knives made of a high quality steel, each element contributes to the experience offered to customers in this former alpine farm.
An authentic decor
Through the library or the works of art, the decor can be visited like a cabinet of curiosities: the altitude restaurant is teeming with details that the guests always enjoy observing.
Among these unusual objects are magnificent Damascus knives, which regularly arouse the interest of customers. Equipped with a precious wood handle, they testify to the high standards of the house in terms of equipment.
Damascus steel : an exceptional quality
With its moiré appearance and its characteristic bewitching shapes, Damascus steel takes its name from the woven lace in the eponymous capital of Syria. This type of steel – also called Damask, Damast or bent steel – has its origins in India and the Middle East where it was forged from a steel called “wootz”, the know-how of which was lost during the 17th century.
This artisanal technique reappeared in the 19th century thanks to European blacksmiths. The manufacturing process consists of forging together 2 or 3 steels of different hardnesses. The block obtained is returned to the fire to be stretched and folded back on itself – sometimes twisted – until several hundred layers are obtained. It is an acid treatment that reveals the patterns of the blade, making each knife unique.
There is an industrial production of Damascus steel but the artisanal production is now truly elevated to the rank of art.
What are the advantages of Damascus steel?
As beautiful as sculptures, Damascus blades offer exceptional resistance and undeniable cutting quality. Distributed over the entire blade thanks to the manufacturing process, the imperfections of the steel fade naturally. Their cutting edge is not to be put in all hands and requires a certain expertise!
Another advantage of this type of metal: Damascus has a high carbon content, which gives it unfailing hardness and resilience. The maintenance of this type of knife is essentially the same as for a classic steel but requires more care than a stainless steel. The blade must be cleaned quickly after use to preserve its intact appearance.
In the kitchen, Damascus knives are very popular for making very fine, precision cuts, especially for fish and seafood.
To discover the setting and the cuisine of l’Alpage de Porrez, reservations are mandatory.