Step 1 Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Using the large holes on a hand grater, grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Lightly blend the butter and flour mixture with your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse meal. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 2 Add the water and blend until thoroughly incorporated. Form the dough into a ball and place it on a floured cutting board.
Step 3Roll out the dough, adding flour as necessary, to 1/8 inch thick. Place a 9-inch pie pan face down on the dough and cut it to fit the pan, leaving a border of about 1 inch. Line the pan with dough, crimp or trim the edges and chill 30 minutes until ready to use.