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SWEDISH TRADITIONS

Why do Swedes care so much about butter knives?

Have you ever wondered what's behind the Swedish fondness for the wooden butter knife?

Why do Swedes care so much about butter knives?
What is it about the 'smörkniv' that so captures the Swedish imagination? Photo: Leif R Jansson/TT

Almost every Swedish households will have several of these in their cutlery drawer, and if you go to a souvenir shop you’re bound to see plenty of them, perhaps with an elk or Viking decoration carved into the handle.

Dairy in general, including butter, plays a big part in the Swedish diet – although it only became really accessible to the majority after the Second World War – so the knife is often used to spread butter or Bregott (an oil-based spread) on crisp bread (knäckebröd) or open sandwiches (smörgåsar).

The Swedish butter knife (smörkniv) doesn’t have a blade but is rounded for ease of spreading. So what is it that makes them such a beloved symbol of Swedish culture?

When I asked about the butter knife on Twitter, it was clear a lot of people have strong opinions. Some said that the use of wood rather than metal made it distinctly Swedish, and that it did the job better than other materials.

People from nearby countries, namely Finland, Norway and Estonia, jumped in to say they also have wooden butter knives – and that one reason they’re so close to people’s hearts is that it’s a typical early woodwork or handicraft project in schools. 

Others agreed with me that the Swedes can’t claim the butter knife as unique.

But maybe it’s not the shape or material of the knife that makes it so Swedish, but rather the way it’s used. The Local’s writer Richard Orange argued that the Swedishness of the butter knife is the way one knife is used by everyone at the table (and that people who keep it on their plate are committing a huge faux pas). In that way, it shows the value placed on collectivism in Sweden.

Either way, it’s not the only dairy utensil that there’s a Nordic complex over.

Swedes can be equally protective of their cheese cutters (osthyvel), a tool for getting thin, even slices of cheese, and woe betide the person who uses them incorrectly, leaving a “ski slope” (skidbacke) in the cheese.

Member comments

  1. Let’s hear what you think! Is there something special about the Swedish smörkniv, or maybe another seemingly mundane item that sums up Sweden to you?

  2. Aren’t many things found in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England, probably including wooden butter knives, of Swedish origin, delivered or left behind by harbor raiders and inland invaders, I.e. “Vikings”?

  3. This article was great! Butter knives can be found in all cultures, but I think the Scandinavians have made the butter knife an essential kitchen utensil. So much so that they can not think of using anything else with which to spread their butter. As an immigrant to Sweden, I was fascinated with this and so I started to make butter knives, but with my own design and style. I make mine in porcelain and decorate them with various fun designs under different names for each range because butter knives do not have to be boring 🙂

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FOOD AND DRINK

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

The Stockholm bar scene isn't just made up of expensive wine and fancy cocktails. There are also numerous pubs that may not make a 'best pubs in the capital' list, but are as budget friendly as they are laidback, and perfect for grabbing a beer without breaking the bank.

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

Going out to enjoy a meal and drink can be a very enjoyable experience, offering the chance to unwind and socialise. However, eating out or just going out for a beer can be expensive. Here are some of the more affordable bars and restaurants in Stockholm.

Hellströms

Hellströms Bar and Restaurant has a snug and welcoming atmosphere. They offer meals such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. They also have weekly offers, pasta nights on Monday and Tuesday nights, a fajita buffet on Wednesdays, burger and fries offer on Thursdays and a nacho buffet on Fridays.

Along with meal deals during the week they also have club 90, with music from the 90s from 8pm-1am on Wednesday night, a music quiz every Thursday and a pre-party from 10pm on Saturday. Finally, their afterwork promotion takes place every weekday between 3pm and 8pm.

The price of beer starts from 30 kronor ($2.90).

Find out more about their events here.

Location: Fatbursgatan 1, Stockholm

Crazy Horse and Black Elk

With three venues across Stockholm, the Crazy Horse is a lively and bustling bar. They offer a wide range of menu options, from snacks to burgers, fajitas, salads, fish and grilled dishes. It can get busy, so bear that in mind.

The cost of beer starts from 32 kronor, before 6pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Sveavägen 60 & 61 and Götgatan 44, Stockholm

Lion Bar

This bar has a friendly and laid-back environment. With five locations in Stockholm, Sundbyberg, Vasastan, Sveavägen, Gärdet and Hornstull they feature a curated selection of dishes, which include fish and pork to burgers and steak. The post-work offer is available until 7pm from Monday to Friday.

Beer starts from 32 kronor, before 7pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Tulegatan 7, Roslagsgatan 20, Sveavägen 74, Furusundsgatan 20 and Hornsgatan 154, Stockholm

The International Bar

Located in Östermalm, Gamla Stan and Birkastan, the International Bar is another favoured venue. The bar can be noisy, but it is a welcoming environment. Like many other bars, it has a broad food menu to choose from, which includes Swedish meatballs, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.

They also have afterwork reduced rates from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm. The bars also show sporting events, such as the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Cost of beer starts from 39 kronor.

Additional information can be found here.

Location: Norrlandsgatan 23, Mälartorget 13 and Rörstrandsgatan 11 Stockholm

Bara Enkelt & Bara Backe

The Baras group has eight venues across Stockholm and Uppsala, with Bara Enkelt and Bara Backe being popular spots.

The atmosphere in these bars is energetic and vibrant, especially on the weekend. Both bars offer a food menu, which includes snacks such as fries and halloumi sticks along with mains, including burgers and pasta dishes. Afterwork discounted prices are offered every day until 5pm.

Draft beer starts from 42 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Skånegatan 59 and Götgatan 33, Stockholm

Retro Bar

Another popular sports bar with a television screen at every corner, so you won’t miss any of the action. With an American-inspired food menu, they serve a range of burgers, stakes, pasta dishes, fajitas and salads. Their afterwork promotion is on until 6pm from Monday to Friday. When it comes to sports, they show matches from the Premier and Champions League to the NFL and more.

The cost of a beer starts from 54 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Sveavägen 120, Sveavägen 55, Sankt Eriksgatan 22, Hornsgatan 136 and Bondegatan 25, Stockholm

Flying Horse

If you are looking for a bar to watch football, the Flying Horse is a popular sports bar. When a football match is being screened, this bar has an exciting and dynamic atmosphere, offering a wide selection of food, from light bits, like sandwiches to main meals which includes burgers, fish, chicken and salads. The pub offers discounted prices on drinks for their afterwork deal from Monday to Friday until 6pm.

Due to the venue being a popular sports bar and it does fill up quickly, if you are planning on going it is recommended that you book in advance.

The cost of beer starts from 59 kronor.

Get more information on this bar here.

Location: Odengatan 44, Stockholm

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