SHI - Salt & Pepper Grinder

Shi - Salt & Pepper Grinder

釋 "Shi": To release

Shi is a manual spice grinder that pairs a cherry wood body with a ceramic grinding mechanism. Each turn is deliberate, a quiet ritual that reconnects the act of seasoning with craft and intention.

Date — April 2024

Category — CMF Design

Most kitchen tools optimize for speed,

Spice grinders are often treated as purely functional objects. Plastic, disposable, forgettable. SHI reimagines the grinder as something worth keeping on the table, as an object with weight, warmth, and presence.

Spices and seasonings on store shelves Disposable plastic pepper grinder Assorted salts and peppercorns

SHI asks you to slow down instead.

Form

Tapered to rest naturally in the palm, with a turning action that feels smooth and deliberate.

SHI grinder held in the palm

Material

Cherry wood and aluminum chosen for their tactile contrast, warmth and rigidity present in each grind.

SHI grinder prototypes showing wood, metal, and frosted glass

Ritual

The act of grinding becomes a moment of pause. Being intentional, tactile, and present.

SHI grinder in a quiet tabletop moment

Sketches

SHI grinder ideation sketch 1 SHI grinder ideation sketch 2 SHI grinder ideation sketch 3 SHI grinder ideation sketch 4 SHI grinder ideation sketch 5 SHI grinder ideation sketch 6

Prototypes

SHI grinder prototype on design sketches SHI grinder with prototype form studies SHI prototype evolution from wood frame to final form SHI frosted prototype lineup

Material used: vacuum formed PETG, cherry wood, aluminum, spray paint. Manufacturing material: frosted glass, ceramic, cherry wood, aluminum.

SHI grinder in a styled tabletop vignette SHI grinder with coffee and dried botanicals