For Immediate Release

NORTH BRANFORD, CT, February 23, 2000 - Functional objects can be beautiful. Those who appreciate the aesthetics of an object, often take greater pride in its ownership and pleasure in its use. With time, what originated as purely practical and functional, becomes more precious - elevated to a work of art. So has been the history of the watch, the pen, even the pocket knife, and now, the kitchen knife.

Professional Cutlery Direct (www.cutlery.com) has introduced the creation of the Gilles De La Fleur numbered collections. Made completely by hand at the historic French factory, Thiers-Issard, under the close supervision of master cutler, Gilles Reynewaeter, each knife combines the inherent beauty of the traditional French shape, with stamina handles in rich and unusual colors, and exquisitely detailed metal file work.

Never before in the history of knife making has "guillochage" - the fancy filework which graces the finest French pocket knives - been applied to chef's knives. The "De La Fleur" style of guillochage resembles the stem and tendrils of a flower, and runs down the knife's spine and around the underside of the handle.

There are only two artisans in all of France, the Ramos brothers, who possess the level of skill required to create this exceptional filework. One knife set alone requires seven- to eight-hours of the artisan's intense visual concentration.

The stamina handles are made from wood that is dyed and infused with phenolic resins - a process which allows the natural patterns of the wood to surface, creating unusual color and durability. The resin makes the handle resistant to moisture.

PCD is introducing three-piece boxed sets containing a paring, utility, and chef's knife in a choice of handles: auburn, green, or the very rare, blue stamina. The French knife shape provides excellent control of the tip due to the sleek, triangular shape of the blade. Cooks use more of a forward slicing motion with a French knife rather than a rocking motion used with German-shaped knives.

Terri Alpert, CEO and founder of PCD, remarks, "These knives are the realization of a long-term dream of mine to introduce spectacular looking knives in the French style, that are in reality art in and of themselves. It took years to find a knife maker who shared my aesthetic sense, and who had the imagination and skill to create such beautiful knives."

Each three-piece set contains the 4-inch cook's/parer, 6-inch cook's/utility, and 8-inch cook's knife. The auburn ( #0P004) and green (#0P005) sets are $370; and the blue set (#0P006) is $420, plus shipping and handling. Each Gilles de La Fleur knife is numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. PCD also accepts custom orders for 5-inch boning, 8-inch bread, 8-inch carving, 10-inch cook's, and 10-inch slicing knives.

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