Sophie Buhai, Sterling Silver Toothpick and Case

[Acquire from Sophie Buhai]

The smallest object on these pages, made as seriously as the largest.

Solid sterling silver · Hammered case, polished pick · 2.5 inches

Why it's here

For centuries a gentleman carried his own toothpick, in gold or silver, in a case made for it. Then the wooden splinter in a paper sleeve took over. Sophie Buhai has brought the old habit back in sterling, and it earns its place for two reasons: it makes people smile, and it proves nothing is too minor to be made well.

The object

A slim silver pick slides into a case about two and a half inches long. The case is hammered by hand, so the surface catches light unevenly and feels slightly rough between the fingers. The pick itself is polished smooth. Together they weigh around fifteen grams.

Living with it

Keep it in a jacket pocket and bring it out after dinner. It rinses clean under a tap and goes back in its case. Expect to be asked about it at the table, and expect to be asked where it came from.

Material: Solid sterling silver
Finish: Hammered case, polished pick
Length: 2.5 in
Weight: Approx. 15 g

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