Mundial, a global leader in cutlery manufacturing, is set to revolutionize the knife sharpening process with its launch of a cutting-edge system that uses Wi-Fi enabled technology to save time, money and resources. Mundial CEO, Michael Ceitlin, provides some insight into this smart technology below.
Q: First, tell me a little bit about Mundial.
Michael Ceitlin: We were founded over a century ago by German and Italian immigrants with deep roots in the cradle of the finest German Cutlery manufacturers and are now one of the largest producers of professional knives. Based in Brazil, our company has evolved over a century to become a world leader in knives, pots & pans, tableware and much more. As a leading cutlery manufacturer, the brand is committed to providing the highest quality, long-lasting knives in the industry, coupled with SmartKnives – the sharpest idea in knives the world has ever seen.
Q: What inspired the vision behind Mundial SmartKnives and the sharpening machine?
MC: Every restaurant needs good tools and good knives to do their business.
The way they go about this today is either buying knives on a regular basis or sending the knives to an outside sharpening service. This not only creates a lot of hassle, but most of the time, it doesn’t solve the problem of having sharp, quality knives available at all times. When we were developing the system, we asked ourselves these questions: How can we build convenience into the knife sharpening process? How can we help ensure kitchen staffs have sharp tools available whenever they need them? That’s how the SmartKnives system came to life.
Q: Tell us more about how the SmartKnives technology and sharpening system work together.
MC: Mundial SmartKnives includes a full set of high-quality, professional kitchen knives – each with an RFID chip embedded in the handle. The compact SmartKnives™ Sharpening Machine send signals to the RFID chip and then recognizes the knife and communicates with our servers through Wi-Fi, controlling the entire knife sharpening process. Our patent-pending technology allows the machine to identify the type of knife and automatically begin the sharpening process according to factory specifications. In just a matter of seconds, the knife is professionally sharpened and ready to use, eliminating the need to outsource knife-sharpening ever again.
Q: Never Buy Knives Again. That's a strong statement. What does it mean?
MC: Never Buy Knives Again is a mind-boggling statement, particularly when it comes from a knife manufacturer. When we say, “never buy knives again,” we mean it. There are no upfront costs or expensive equipment to purchase. The end user pays only a nominal monthly fee to lease the machine and access the online system that manages the machine, along with a fair sharpening charge each time they use it.
Q: What sets Mundial SmartKnives apart from other knife sharpeners in the market?
MC: We are up-ending an outdated system that hasn’t changed in more than 50 years. By incorporating cutting-edge smart technology into our knives, and providing an on-site sharpening machine, this will positively impact the way the restaurant industry and professional kitchens operate.
Q: What exactly will Mundial SmartKnives customers receive?
MC: Our users can choose from up to 12 different models of Mundial SmartKnives™ along with the compact SmartKnives™ Sharpening Machine. The dishwasher safe smart knives are available in a variety of blade sizes, from 4 to 12-inch, including four serrated-edge knives and one sushi knife. Mundial SmartKnives™ can be sharpened 80 to 200 times, depending upon their blade width, before we replenish them automatically and free of charge.
Q: What are the benefits of this cutting-edge technology?
MC: In addition to the cost-savings of never needing to purchase new knives and the convenience of being able to instantly sharpen knives, the high-tech system can enhance safety in meal preparation, decrease food waste, and potentially lower insurance premiums. Furthermore, we have made a hidden cost totally manageable as our system provides full insight of sharpening costs for every restaurant.
With Mundial SmartKnives, you’ll never buy knives again, never send your knives to an outside sharpening vendor, and always have a full supply of sharp knives on site. Visit www.mundialsmartknives.com to learn more or sign up for Mundial SmartKnives™.
Content Sponsored by Mundial.
