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Appalachian Bread Knives
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David and June Otis, Owners & Artists
Welcome to Otis Pottery
At Otis Pottery, we believe the items you use in your home should be beautiful as well as practical. For the past 28 years, we have been situated in northern Michigan, making handmade, decorative and functional items in our studio outside of East Jordan. Each piece of pottery is handthrown or handbuilt, glazed in one of our original glaze colors, and hand painted or sprayed to add interest. All of our pieces are high-fired to over 2400 degrees Farenheit, which means they can withstand the heat from your oven, dishwasher, or microwave. They are all food safe and lead free. Browse over 50 original products in three different glaze colors (or come visit our shop in Michigan to see a variety of additional colors and styles).
A Family Business
David and June Otis began work in clay more than 40 years ago in Germany and opened their studio-gallery in East Jordan, Michigan, in 1988. David focuses on beautiful functional work, including his one-of-a-kind teapots, while June crafts intricate hand-built figures and framed pieces.
For the past 16 years, their son, Andrew Otis, has been working with them in the studio, and he now has his own line of decorative large-scale vessels. His pieces range from 3-foot tall garden fountains to 6-foot tall decorative vases all with original colors, carvings, and sculptures.
Andrew Otis, Potter
Traditional Methods
Over the years we have used a variety of different techniques to create the unique line of pottery. Each piece is handcrafted from stoneware or porcelain clay. We fire the pieces in wood, gas, and electric kilns.
Come and Visit
Lovely gardens, a welcoming atmosphere, and distinctive artwork make Otis Pottery a perfect outing. The home and studio-gallery are situated on a 100-year-old homestead just two miles south of the Ironton Ferry on Hwy. M 66 North.
This unique bow saw has its origins in the Appalachians. Mountain people use various bows to make a variety of knives, saws and other useful tools.
This is simply an amazing bow saw. It will cut bread better than any conventional bread knife on the market. Sourdough, French, Pumpernickel, Rye breads and tough bagels can be cut with ease. The bow can also be used to slice fruits, vegetables, cheese and meat.
The blade is high carbon steel. It is scalloped and double beveled. It is extremely thin, which is part of the reason it cuts so well. The strength of the blade is a result of the tension applied when it is mounted on the bow. This bow effect gives the blade a spring steel feel. Because the blades are made for commercial use, they have a very long life. The blade should last at lease two hundred hours of bread cutting before becoming dull.
Besides being a very functional kitchen utensil, the bow is beautiful. Each bow saw is handcrafted from high quality straight-grained hardwood. Each bow saw is hand sanded to a satin finish, then several layers of a tough, non-toxic finish is applied.
Utilize this bow as you wold a carpenter's saw. A back and forth motion with very little downward pressure is needed for a clean precise cut. The blade is high carbon steel, which will rust if you don't wipe it dry after washing. It is recommend to put an occasional coat of mineral oil on both the blade and wood handle. Do not put the bow saw in the a dishwasher. If you follow these simple instructions, your beautiful new bow saw will provide you with years of slicing satisfaction.
What a great gift idea!
16" long
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Here's What Some Of Our Customers Think:
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“A wonderful and beautifully presented pottery shop thats family owned and operated with a more than welcoming, warm, and friendly atmosphere. Regarding the pottery and art itself, I found the presentation, design, and quality excellent. In summary, If your looking for that hidden gem, or if your looking to support a local business, look no further. Otis Pottery is a genuine shop with genuine people who deserve business, and that's a big achievement to earn in my book. ”
- Rampant Fever (5* Google Maps Review)
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“The welcoming air of peaceful serenity and true sense of dedication in their work IS Otis. The artist's unique inclination toward the medium gently persuades the observer to take a piece of the whole place home with them. The first time ever I saw the gallery was nearly 20 years ago and it had every bit the fantastical influence on me it should have for such a magical place. Son, Andrew is a talent with incomparable scale and stylization with massive vessels that beg to be seen on set in your most oppulent dreams. I'd like to say his work is a fusion of things but that would be too simple. If ever you chance by East Jordan and want to know where the best sites can be seen, look no further than M-66 just past nowhere where new traditions blend with the old and kind conversation can be heard over pottery. ”
- Jessica B. (5* Google Review)
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“Otis and his family’s pottery work is beautiful. Otis himself and Otis Pottery are so caring and warm-spirited; Otis Pottery is a genuine, down to earth business with an authentic, sweet owner that really cares about his work and his customers. If you are going to support one local business, support this one! ”
- Savannah T. (5* Google Review)
