Of all your KITCHEN TOOLS, a good quality KNIFE…

Of all your kitchen tools, a good quality knife is the most important. Make sure you get knives that are well balanced and stay sharp. More accidents happen with a dull knife because the tendency is to use more and more pressure until your knife finally gets started, only then you can’t stop it until that force is expended, usually with your finger in it’s way. A good quality knife can be kept sharp very easily. There are as many different types as you can imagine. Buy whatever ones suit you and your kitchen tool needs. Always strive for the highest quality you can comfortably afford. It’s truly worth it.

To keep your blades in good shape, never store them loose in a drawer. A magnet rack, wooden block that is kept clean and dry, or individual sheath will keep your good quality knives in perfect condition.

When a sharpening steel is used for honing, put a little bit of mineral or other edible oil on it. That will help the molecules align smoothly and the knife will be razor sharp in just a couple of passes.

When you feel that you aren’t able to get your good quality knife to take a proper edge anymore, it’s time to take it to your local sharpening shop. There are usually several in any given area. Check them out, get references if you like. No artisan minds giving that sort of information if they are proud of the work they do and if they do a great job of it. You can also ask to see their work on the premises when you get there. Check to see if there are any visible grinding marks anywhere besides the blade edges. Only the very thinnest part of the edge should be re-ground and there should only be very slight markings in any case.

We hope that you have many years of joyous slicing and dicing with your good quality knives.