Hand-Forged Carbon Steel Skillet with Folding Handle, Ø 24 cm

Hand-Forged Carbon Steel Skillet with Folding Handle, Ø 24 cm

A Companion for Every Outdoor Adventure

Imagine the aroma of bacon sizzling at dawn in your forest camp, or preparing a hearty evening meal after a long day's hike. This frying pan is perfect for cooking over an open fire with charcoal or wood, but you can just as easily use it on a gas stove. Its design ensures an efficient and even distribution of heat. With a diameter of approximately 24 cm (9.4 inches) and a rim height of 2.5 cm (1 inch), it offers plenty of space to prepare a meal for one or a small group. Its weight of around 730 g (1.6 lbs) is an excellent compromise between sturdiness and portability.

Specifications:

• Material: Hand-forged steel
• Diameter: Approx. 24 cm / 9.4 inches
• Rim Height: Approx. 2.5 cm / 1 inch
• Weight: Approx. 730 g / 1.6 lbs

A Skillet with an Echo of History

Collapsible and portable pans were nothing new in history. Similar equipment was a key part of the kit for travellers, pilgrims, and especially soldiers for centuries. A simple, durable, and easily packable pan allowed for the preparation of a hot meal far from home and was often one of the most valuable pieces of personal gear.

A Taste of History

Even Roman legionaries carried a simple pan called a patera as part of their personal kit (sarcina). It often had a long or, indeed, a folding handle so it could be easily attached to their marching pack. The ability to prepare a hot meal in the field was absolutely essential for the morale and combat effectiveness of the legions, and this simple piece of cookware played an immense role in the daily life of a soldier.

Proper Care for a Long Lifespan

As this is a skillet made from honest-to-goodness carbon steel with no modern coatings like Teflon, it requires proper handling. Your reward will be a virtually indestructible tool that will serve you for many years, getting better with every use.

How to Use and Care for Your Pan:

• Before First Use: Thoroughly wash the pan to remove any protective oils from shipping, dry it, and then perform the "seasoning" process. This means heating a thin layer of cooking oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) in the pan over medium heat until it stops smoking. This creates a natural, non-stick surface called a patina.
• When Cooking: Always preheat the pan with a sufficient amount of fat (oil, lard, butter) before adding your food.
• Cleaning: Never put the pan in the dishwasher. After use, clean it with only hot water and a brush. Avoid harsh detergents, as they will strip away the protective seasoning you've built up.
• Storage: Immediately and thoroughly dry the pan after washing (you can briefly heat it over the flame to evaporate all moisture). Before storing, wipe it with a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust.

What to Avoid:

While this pan can be used on a ceramic hob in a pinch, DO NOT use it on an induction hob under any circumstances! The rapid, direct heating from an induction cooktop can cause the pan to warp permanently.