Professional cutler Josh Donald will explore the history of Japanese and Western culinary knife-making and -sharpening, and their perhaps surprising mutual influences.

The program will include examples of modern and historical Western and Japanese knives. There will also be a collection of Japanese whetstones, both natural and modern synthetic stones, on which Donald will demonstrate Japanese knife-sharpening techniques.

As the proprietor of Bernal Cutlery in Oakland and San Francisco, Donald has spent over 10,000 hours sharpening knives. He collects old knives and tries out his Japanese, French and vintage finds in his home kitchen, to the delight of his wife and often the consternation of his children.

Josh Donald’s book Sharp will be available at a reception/book signing following the program.