01 The story
From sketch to table
Every collection begins with a question. The finest objects disappear into use: balance is felt, never announced.
02 The details
The details
Small details that make a profound difference.
A note from Odd Leikvoll
Odd Leikvoll is the founder of Hardanger Bestikk.
Across several decades, Leikvoll developed some of Hardanger Bestikk’s most recognisable collections, moving between ornament, Scandinavian minimalism and new approaches to surface and construction. His designs were created to function naturally in the hand, while remaining distinctive enough to become part of everyday life around the table.
Odd Leikvoll
Questions about Kristin Complete Collection
What is included in the Hardanger Bestikk Kristin Complete Collection?
The Kristin Complete Collection brings together the principal place setting with additional pieces for dessert, cake and serving, allowing the collection's distinctive ornamented design to continue throughout the different moments around the table. Rather than combining unrelated utensils, the complete collection creates a coherent setting in which Kristin's polished surfaces, sculpted handles and characteristic decorative details form one continuous visual language.
What is the design story behind Hardanger Bestikk Kristin?
Designed by Odd Leikvoll in 1994, Kristin looks to Norway's rich traditions of craftsmanship for its identity. The collection was inspired by an era when skilled craft formed an essential part of everyday culture, translating references to traditional Norwegian wood carving into stainless steel. Its elaborate ornamentation gives Kristin a distinctly historic character while the balanced proportions allow the design to remain elegant around the contemporary table.
What makes the ornamentation of Kristin distinctive?
Kristin is recognised by the intricate relief-like decoration running through its handles. The ornamentation draws inspiration from traditional Norwegian carving and requires a specialised production technique to reproduce its complexity in stainless steel. Rather than being applied as a separate decorative element, the pattern becomes part of the form itself, giving each piece depth, tactility and a strong connection to Norwegian craft traditions.
Why choose the Kristin Complete Collection?
The Complete Collection allows Kristin's decorative language to extend beyond the essential dinner setting into dessert, cake and serving pieces. This continuity is particularly meaningful with a design as distinctive as Kristin: every additional piece carries the same ornamental vocabulary, creating a table setting that feels collected as a whole rather than assembled from separate elements.
Who designed Hardanger Bestikk Kristin?
Kristin was designed by Norwegian designer Odd Leikvoll for Hardanger Bestikk and introduced in 1994. Through the collection, Leikvoll translated references to traditional Norwegian craftsmanship into a contemporary cutlery design, combining complex ornamentation with polished stainless steel and functional proportions. Kristin reflects the idea that cultural heritage can remain present around the table not as a reproduction of the past, but through objects designed to be used today.