2018 Clear Ice Life Gift Guide

Maybe you enjoy clear ice. Maybe someone in your life enjoys living the clear ice life. Here are a few gifts you can consider for them to up their game! These are all things I've tried and used this year, and find them to be super important in processing, carving, and enjoying clear ice.

Hammered Blade Ice Carving Knife

This knife is available from Star Shaker. It has a slightly curved blade that makes it easy to apply pressure evenly when turning clear ice blocks into gems. Getting this knife was a game changer. I discovered it by watching a number of Instagram videos. 

Cost: ~$75 plus shipping
Buy it now

Japanese Nata Tool for block cutting

If you are working with larger blocks of ice, you need something that is going to make all of your major block cuts. I've found this Japanese Nata tool to be impressive to the eye, and effective on the ice. You can get it at Bespoke Post.

Cost: ~$45
Buy it now

Lewis Ice Bag and Mallet for splitting and crushing

Once you have a nice blade like the Nata Tool for splitting, you need an attractive wooden mallet to make your cuts, but not damage your blade. I recommend this set from Visku.

Cost: ~$30
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BarConic Japanese Ice Saw

The last essential tool is a good ice saw to make your initial splitting cuts. There are lots of options, and the prices range over hundreds of dollars. I've settled on a more affordable model that does a decent job. You aren't going to cut through the entire block with it, but it will make a good splitting cut when you need it. It's called the BarConic Ice Saw. 

Cost: ~$40
Buy it now

Keep it clean with bar mats

The other nice discovery this year was the BonBon Professional 18" x 12" Rubber Bar Service Mat. When you are working with ice, there is a quite a bit of melt that happens on your kitchen counter. These mats store the water meaning it doesn't run all over the place. Once you are done cutting, you dump the water out of them. No mess! No fuss! 

Cost: $~9
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Clear ice at home with Ice.Made.Clear.

This year, I received my first clear ice maker for the house. It was a project that I backed on Kickstarter, and it produces six 2" ice cubes every 24 hours. While I still prefer to buy my clear ice in bulk, it is always great to have a ready supply of rocks glass sized cubes ready to go at a moments notice. 

Cost: $89
Buy it now

Get yourself a Clear Ice Life T-shirt!

Why not gear up and show others how much you love clear ice? For that reason, I created a T-shirt based around a common question whenever I go into a cocktail bar: "So, tell me more about your ice program..." Wear your passion proudly and support this site!

Cost: ~$27
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Those are my picks!

I hope this gift list is helpful for you or someone you love living the clear ice life. Happy holidays!