We chatted with Sacha Pantschenko from ButterUp:
Tell us about ButterUp?
ButterUp was founded in 2014 with the launch of the ‘stupendous splendiferous ButterUp’ via Kickstarter to solve the problem of spreading hard butter straight from the fridge. We found other solutions to this first world problem already out there were overly complex and hard to live with. Our seemingly obvious solution had never been implemented before.
What motivated you to create ButterUp?
ButterUp was motivated by a combination of things. I had always wanted to create kitchen gadgets because of the virtually limitless scope for creative solutions. Another big factor was the launch of ‘Kickstarter.com’ in Australia, a platform that made it possible to raise capital for manufacturing via pre-sales and to test market demand.
What’s so unique about your idea?
I think the idea, building a grater into a spreading knife was so simple and easy to understand for people yet no one had ever made something like this before is what makes it unique. ButterUp is a butter knife actually designed for butter.
Who do you think uses the ButterUp knife?
That’s actually a hard question! Butter is so universal in appeal to many people which I think reflects on our product. Also I think people looking for something different and innovative are the ones who use the ButterUp knife.
What do you love about real butter?
Everything! The taste and texture of real butter can’t be matched.
Where can we buy your products?
Currently ButterUp is distributed by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and we sell via our own websites to customers worldwide.
Why did you decide to raise funds on Kickstarter?
There are always many risks involved when launching a new product, the most challenging is the unknown demand for an idea and the high amount of capital needed to implement it. With Kickstarter or any form of crowdfunding platform, there is the chance to test an idea or product before expenditure on large amounts of capital which is usually the biggest risk.
What’s the best Kickstarter advice you have ever received?
Plan ahead!
Do you have any plans for designing other kitchenware?
Yes, we’ve just embarked on a new product, I can’t tell you too much at this stage but we are working with food technologist and a neuroscientist to learn more about how the perception of flavours can be altered to enhance the dining experience.
What’s next for you?
We’re hoping to launch a new product towards the end of the year via Kickstarter again. Other than that my work and teaching in maker spaces has taken off to help others develop and prototype their ideas.
About ButterUp
Is ButterUp the best thing to happen to your breakfast since sliced bread? Perhaps. Designed to prevent cold chunks of butter from ripping apart your sandwich, this nifty knife takes a hard brick of butter and turns it into sumptuous, spreadable ribbons. The design that features a wide blade with a built-in grater for maximum butter-to-bread surface area. Dishwasher safe.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/butterup/the-stupendous-splendiferous-butterup
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