For Immediate Release

NORTH BRANFORD, CT, Feb. 23, 2000 - Large round peasant loaves are growing in popularity. Unfortunately, until now, there has not been an adequate way to slice these breads. The problem with an ordinary bread knife is that as you cut through the loaf your knuckles hit the cutting board, requiring you to either lift up the loaf in your hand to finish the cut or tear the bread at the bottom.

Several years ago, knife manufacturers solved this problem for smaller loaves when they introduced 6- to 8-inch blades with offset handles. The offset handle provides the knuckle clearance allowing the user to slice cleanly through to the bottom of the loaf. Unfortunately a 6- to 8-inch length is much too short for today's popular larger breads.

Professional Cutlery Direct (www.cutlery.com), the leading provider of professional quality restaurant equipment to the gourmet consumer as well as the professional chef, has introduced the first 10-inch offset bread knife (product #0P007, $31.99) they believe has ever been made. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, with piranha-like teeth to cut through the crustiest of breads. This knife and the story behind it are featured on the cover of Professional Cutlery Direct's early spring 2000 catalog."The development of this product is a perfect example of our responsiveness to the needs of our customers," says CEO of Professional Cutlery Direct Terri S. Alpert. "Just before Thanksgiving, one of our professional customers, Chef Heitman, called us to ask why no knife manufacturer makes an offset bread knife with a full-sized 10-inch blade. Why indeed, we wondered? It seemed odd that neither Professional Cutlery Direct nor our manufacturers had thought of this before, given the tremendous need for such a design. "I'm very proud that we've been able to develop and launch this great product in just a few months.There is a growing trend today in baking toward making bigger, crustier loaves," says Will Cook, professional chef for PCD. "This 10-inch offset bread knife with its piranha teeth addresses both."

Professional Cutlery Direct (PCD), is recognized as the kitchen provider that focuses primarily on culinary tools and useful information, and assists professional and home chefs in the selection and use of those tools. The company offers the largest in-stock selection of fine kitchen knives in the world, which comprises 40% of company sales. PCD also offers an enormous variety of commercial cookware not normally available to consumers, and other essential tools for the kitchen.

Founded in 1993, PCD has grown rapidly. Inc. magazine recently selected PCD for the 1999 Inc. 500. According to Inc., PCD is currently the 131st fastest growing privately-held company in the nation. Alpert credits PCD's product expertise, selection, and impeccable reputation for service as the primary reasons for its success.

Chefs can place orders or request a free Professional Cutlery Direct catalog by phone at 1-877-MY-KNIFE, or via the Internet (www.cutlery.com) All products are backed by a 100% guarantee of satisfaction and return policy.

Professional Cutlery Direct (www.cutlery.com) is a primary source for the finest selection of the chef's essential tools including knives, cookware, furniture, and accessories. The company's chef, Will Cook, tests and trains all staff on products offered in the catalog. Founded in 1993, PCD achieved sales of $9 million in 1999, up from $5 million in 1998.

To arrange an interview or to receive digital photography, please contact: Michele FitzGerald at 203-871-1000 ext. 245 e-mail michelef@cutlery.com