FORIS is an enameled stainless steel tableware collection designed for those who appreciate style as well as nature. We asked the KINTO Product Development Team how they came up with the idea and how they brought it into production.
THE IDEA
"The idea came to us when we were camping and barbecuing. As we spent more time outdoors with family and friends we started thinking, wouldn’t our meals be even more enjoyable if we had some high-quality tableware? Enamelware, a metal-based material with a glassy glaze fired on at high temperatures, was our preferred choice from the outset. It is bacteria-inhibiting, stain and odor-resistant, incredibly durable and long-lasting – in short, a very attractive material.
Enamel cookware has been around for a long time, but because of the advanced processing techniques required, the designs are quite limited. So we took it upon ourselves to challenge this “retro” look by experimenting with different bases and processing methods to create an enameled tableware collection with a modern, stylish feel."
"The idea came to us when we were camping and barbecuing. As we spent more time outdoors with family and friends we started thinking, wouldn’t our meals be even more enjoyable if we had some high-quality tableware? Enamelware, a metal-based material with a glassy glaze fired on at high temperatures, was our preferred choice from the outset. It is bacteria-inhibiting, stain and odor-resistant, incredibly durable and long-lasting – in short, a very attractive material.
Enamel cookware has been around for a long time, but because of the advanced processing techniques required, the designs are quite limited. So we took it upon ourselves to challenge this “retro” look by experimenting with different bases and processing methods to create an enameled tableware collection with a modern, stylish feel."
"One key aspect we prioritized was ensuring that all items could be stacked neatly. Camping gear can be bulky, so we wanted our products to occupy as little space as possible. We also made sure they fit together snugly so they don’t rattle during transport. We also paid special attention to the shape, color and other details so they would blend in with nature and complement the food in order to elevate the outdoors dining experience.
Imagining a family or a small group of friends sharing a meal, we decided to include plates for barbeques, bowls for soups and curries made in a Dutch oven, and wide mugs like Sierra cups."
THE CHALLENGES
"Our first challenge was to find a factory that shared our enthusiasm and was eager to collaborate with us. We visited several domestic and overseas factories and considered not only their technical strengths, but their willingness to partner with us to take on new challenges in order to achieve our ideal design and finish.
Most enamel tableware has curled edges to reinforce the structure and to make it easier to hang from hooks during the firing process. Our idea however was to make this rim as thin as possible to create a clean look not found in conventional enamel products. We thought this would also make our products more practical, by preventing water from accumulating inside the rim and making them easier to dry."
THE DETAILS
"We shared our goals with the partner factory and conducted various experiments together to make the curl as thin as possible, including exploring different firing methods. In the end, we found we could achieve our desired finish by using stainless steel as the base metal. Stainless steel is thin but strong and rust-resistant, and we were able to create a beautiful cut line without curling the edges.
The mugs and wide mugs presented the biggest challenge. These items needed particular consideration because they come in direct contact with the hands and mouth. To balance the usability as an outdoors product and the product aesthetics, we needed to reconsider the manufacturing method and the design. First, we minimized the welded area where the handle is attached to the mug for a cleaner look. Secondly, we rounded off the edges on the handle so it is more comfortable to hold. And finally, we detached the bottom part of the handle from the body of the mug to make it stackable. This feature also prevents heat from being transferred to the handle so you can enjoy hot soup and drinks without burning your fingers.
The rims of all FORIS items appear raw, but they are actually polished and finished to prevent the glaze from chipping and to ensure they are pleasant to hold and sip from. Each piece is carefully crafted with great attention to detail, because the simple design would expose any imperfections. We spared no effort to challenge the existing framework and successfully created something beyond convention."
THE DESIGN
"We were looking for a design that would make the most of the beautiful flat rim and the techniques behind it, to create tableware that people would want to use for glamping as well as everyday dining.
So we reached out to Jin Kuramoto, an industrial designer renowned for his work in various products including furniture and home appliances. He is a keen camper and fisherman himself, and brought many ideas from his personal experience such as the slits in the bowl for easy drying and the handle attachment to turn them into cooking utensils."
"We believe we have succeeded in creating a product that is both functional and pleasant to use outdoors. We hope you will have many enjoyable moments with FORIS tableware."
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