@fixinmytie avoid steakhouses at all costs unless you want Ritalin deprived 7 year olds ramming steak knives into you knees! – by ElsieAssap (laura cassap)
Kitchen Knives Posts
@fixinmytie avoid steakhouses at all costs unless you want Ritalin deprived 7 year olds ramming steak knives into you knees!
Storing Your Kitchen Knives
It’s important to store your knives properly for safety reason and and to prevent damage and premature dulling of your the blades.
It’s not a good idea to store knives loosely in a kitchen drawer because it can be dangerous to unwary cooks and the blades can easily be nicked as they slide around with the other kitchen gadgets. If you want to store your knives in a drawer, there a couple of safe options. Knife sheaths or guards wrap around the knife blade and prevent the blade from coming into contact with other utensils or, worse yet, fingers. If you like this option, try to avoid the sleeve type sheath that opens only enough to slide the blade in. These can be very difficult to clean and can harbor dirt, germs and even moisture. The better option in knife guards is a knife safe. Knife safes are made of durable, food grade plastic and come in a number of different sizes to fit different size blades. The safe opens flat and then closes over your knife, completely covering the blade, with tabs and rubber pads that hold it in place, allowing safe storage and transportation. These work well because, since the hinge allows them to open completely, they are easy to wash. In fact, many are dishwasher safe.
Another drawer storage option is a drawer block. This is basically a thin wooden block with slots to keep the knives in place. Because drawer blocks can tend to be limited in both the number and types of knives it will hold, a drawer block is best for people who don’t plan on owning a large number of blades and for those who don’t have limited drawer space.
Another storage option for knives is a wall-mounted magnetic strip. This alternative has several advantages. The magnetic strips are sanitary and can hold a large number of knives and, as long as the magnet is strong enough to handle the weight, there’s no restrictions relative to the size and shape of the knives you can store there. However, this option is probably best for someone who has an area in their kitchen that is very low-traffic so as to avoid the strip being bumped accidentally. Along the same reasoning, it’s probably best not to use this storage method in a household where there are small children, rowdy pets or clumsy cooks. In addition, keep in mind that ceramic knives are not magnetic. So if you plan on owning ceramic blades, this storage option won’t work for you.
The most popular way to store knives is with a knife block and for good reason. Knife blocks are a safe and convenient way to store your knives and are great if you have more countertop space than drawer space. But, knife blocks are not without their problems. In particular, knife blocks can be tough to keep clean. Dirt and moisture can get stuck in the slots and can be difficult to get out. Even with this issue, I use a block to store my knives because I haven’t found a better alternative that works for me. But, I make sure that my knives are clean and dry when I put them into the block. (Really, no matter how you store them, knives should always be completely dry before putting them away.) And, I use canned air like they use to clean computer keyboards to remove dust from inside the knife slots.
Knife blocks used to be available only as a part of a knife set. But now they can be purchased alone, and are available in all shapes and sizes. Look for one that is large enough for all your knives and consider getting a block that includes a place for your kitchen shears and for your honing steel.
By: Mary Kenkel
About the Author:
Mary Kenkel helps you find the best for your favorite room in the house!
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Different Kinds of Kitchen Knives
When you are selecting a good kitchen knives there are a lot of things that you need to consider. There are a few different kinds of blades. The type of steel is also something to consider as well. Certain countries have developed their own blends of steel that have different qualities.
Some different blades to consider are the conventional v-shaped blade that is sharpened from both angles, and the Japanese style blade that is only sharpened from one angle. The v-shaped blade is very sharp but does require more maintenance. It does not need to be sharpened more, but it the blade becomes off center and needs to be corrected by sliding it along a metal rod. V-shaped blades are more of a world standard because it was originally used in more countries and the realigning of the blade is an easier way to manage a constant sharpness. The Japanese style blade is very sharp as well and will stay sharp longer. This is ideal for cooks who do not want to regularly recenter the blade. This blade will need to be sharpened more to maintain ideal sharpness as a result.
Conventional steel is used by knife manufacturers. Higher quality companies use more nickel to prevent rust. However, Spanish steel is stronger. This allows the blade to be sharpened to a much finer blade. This is less common due to its price and availability. Japanese steel is also very strong but it will have a Japanese style blade.
Finally it is important to select a knife that has a full tang. This means that the steel of the blade runs all the way through the handle of the knife. A full tang ensures strength, weight and balance. Most knives that have a full tang make it visable by fastening the handle on either side of the steel, leaving the steel viasble on the top and bottom of the handle.
By: David Stone
About the Author:
Find out more useful information about knives at [http://www.find-knife-resources.info].
How to Select the Finest Kitchen Knives Possible
Kitchen knives can be purchased in upscale kitchen stores, in department stores, and in discount shops. There are some that are very high quality and hardly ever need to be sharpened and there are those that might be good for a while but need to replaced often. Almost every famous chef has a set of knives they market to the public.
There are two different types of kitchen knives. The first is the forged knife where the blade is made by pressing hot steel into a mold. The blade is then run through several machines or hammered out to take a specific shape. This type of blade costs much more money but they are balanced much better.
The other type of knife is a stamped knife which is made by cutting the blade from a single sheet of steel. After it is cut out the blade goes through a process where it is finished and sharpened. The stamped style of blade is thinner than the forged type and they tend to be a little unbalanced.
There are different styles of knives that must be in every kitchen. The first one is called the boning knife which is suitable for cutting the bone away from meat with a 5 to 6 inch blade. The narrow blade makes it easier to move and cut the meat from the bones. If the size of the bone is large then the knife should also be large.
A Chef. ‘s knife is a must have in the kitchen because you use it in so many various techniques. You can get a chef. ‘s knife in 6, 8, 10 or 12 inch lengths. If you have small hands do not expect to be able to control a 12 inch knife well. The smaller the hand the smaller the blade should be. Use a chef. ‘s knife to dice, mince, slice or chop.
A cleaver is a good knife to have in the kitchen if you frequently cut thick items or you need to chop through a bone. Cleavers resemble an axe with a thick blade that can reach 6 inches in length. Use a cleaver to pound food or to crush it and to chop.
It is advisable to always have a serrated knife handing to cut things that tend to have a hard outside and inside be soft like bread. The blade is notched or has teeth like wedges on the 5 to 10 inch blade. Other knives can be sharpened but a serrated knife can not so this is the one that must be purchased on a regular basis.
A carving knife is generally used to slice cooked meat. There are pointed tipped and round tipped carving knives. The blade is rigid and is usually around 8 inches long. The pointed tip is used to get around bone when carving. It most often comes with a carving fork that helps to keep food still while cutting with the knife.
Utility knives can be used for just about anything. The blade is usually around four to seven inches long and you can cut vegetables, apples and other fruit, garlic and herbs. On occasion you can find a utility knife with a serrated edge.
The smallest knife in the pack is the paring knife. This knife is used to cut small things like apple slices or small vegetables and more often to remove skin from potatoes or apples. Paring knife blades are slender and are 4 inches in length or less.
All of the above kitchen knives are a necessity in the kitchen and the expensive ones will work better for you and last a long time. They will balance well in your hand and you will have less accidents working with them. Make sure to purchase knives that feel like they belong in your hand and you will have a set that will last for many years.
By: Jake Zertosky
About the Author:
Visit our blog for great tips and reviews. Kitchen knives can be bought in upscale kitchen stores, in department stores, and in discount retailers.
Tips About Kitchen Knives – Quality Vs Costs
The most expensive knife isn’t necessarily the best. If you don’t keep your knives in good condition, they won’t be easy to cook with, no matter how costly they were. It’s vital to have the right knives and be able to make sure they’re in good shape, if you want to have an efficient kitchen and avoid accidents.
Get a Chef’s Knife
Make sure that you have a quality chef’s knife – the one blade every cook should have. This is a large handled knife with a blade that starts out wide near the base. It then tapers to a point. This is the knife you’ll use for the majority of your cutting in the kitchen. Since chef’s knives are so versatile, a full knife set isn’t really worth the cost. Investing in a single, high quality chef’s knife and keeping it very sharp will serve you better in the long run.
Remember that not every chef’s knife is the same. These blades come in many different sizes, and are measured by the length of the blade. Don’t get one that’s too small – the smallest knife you should buy for all purpose use is around eight inches long, not including the handle. Small knives may seem safer or easier to use, but that’s not always true. Large knives can be used to cut small things, but the reverse doesn’t work.
The variety of knives can be bewildering, since even an eight inch chef’s knife comes in examples between fifteen and a hundred and fifty dollars. Look for a knife that’s around twenty-five dollars if you’re on a budget, but more money can get you a more attractive knife. A significant overhang below the handle will help you keep it sharp.
Keep Your Knives Sharp!
You might have heard that a costly knife will hold it’s edge longer. That’s not really true. Good steel does keep an edge better than the cheapest metal, but cutting any sturdy root vegetable will cause the edge to go out of true. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a mediocre knife or one that’s top of the line. To help fix this, use a steel to straighten the edge on a daily basis. Steels are the long sticks you’ve probably seen with knife sets, and are traditionally made from steel. However, many are not ceramic or diamond. Using a steel is just a matter of swiping it down the side of the knife at a twenty degree angle, but this takes some experience. For those who aren’t comfortable with this process, there are also a few easier options.
However you choose to keep your knives sharp, wash and dry them before and after you sharpen. Once you get used to having your knives sharp, it’ll be easy to tell when the edge is going. Cutting will be a lot harder, especially on tough things. Want to test it? Slide the knife along the skin of a tomato or a peach, but don’t press down. Sharp knives will cut in right away.
Proper Sharpening
A knife and tool sharpener, which has a built in angle, will help you straighten a knife without a lot of skill. Hold the knife with the edge up, and the tip hanging off the counter’s edge. Swipe your sharpener over the edge a few times, and the blade will be a lot sharper. Remember that this kind of sharpener slowly eats away at the blade, and will shorten its life. However, a sharp knife for a shorter time is better than one that is always dull. This is worth keeping in mind if you’re unable to have your knives sharpened professionally and aren’t comfortable with a steel.
A knife should always be treated carefully if you want to preserve its edge. Never use cutting boards of glass, granite, or other hard materials. Wood and plastic are better. The edge should be preserved from damage by immediate washing and drying after use. Store your knife somewhere out of the way of other dishes, so it’ll stay in good shape.
By: Robert Knechtel
About the Author:
Robert G. Knechtel has developed several websites focusing on cooking and the tools that make food preparation easier and better, including About Kitchen Cutlery, as well as information about top cutlery brands, including Henckels Knives and Wusthoff Knives.
Sharpen a Kitchen Knife
The knife is a very important tool and essential part of our basic food necessities. Even in cultures where utensils such as spoons and forks are not generally used, knives are used to cut, slice, and dice food. This includes Muslim culture, in which eating with the right hand is preferred, and in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese culture, where chopsticks are common.
All knives though face a common problem; their steel edges will become dull over time. Knives become dull due to frequent use, oxidation, and improper cutting surfaces. There are many options available to make a knives sharp edge last, and also to sharpen a dull edge. Dull edged knives are more dangerous, they can slip from the food surface during cutting and injure your hand.
Several manufacturers offer complete knive sets which include multiple knives, a cutting block, and sharpening steel along with complete guidelines on how to maintain and sharpen knives. If you do find that you have a dull knife, a sharpening steel can be used to make a fresh, sharp edge. People can be intimidated with a sharpening steel, or a sharpening block, but there is nothing too complicated. If you have dull knives, take a minute, sharpen the knife, and literally in less than one minute, your cutting experience will be completely different. You will be glad that you took the time to sharpen your knife and use the sharpening steel.
I faced this experience myself the first time I used the sharpening steel. “Do I really want to try this – what if I mess up the knife?”, I thought. I was glad I did it, and the beef that I was cutting was twice as easy with the new blade.
A sharpening steel is actually a metal rod that you need to hold in one hand. Pick up the knife with other hand. Second put on the steel rod handle over the knife steel. At third step, hold on the steel on the knife handle at 25 degree angle and draw across the blade. Repeat this process several times until you get your desired sharp edge.
If you want to use stone to sharpen the steel, you can use any type of stone whether wet or dry but place it on flat and stable surface; you can use your kitchen counter for this purpose. Similarly sharpening steel you will use knife steel over stone at 25 degree angle. Draw your knife on the stone toward you and against your direction repetitively.
Homemade sharpeners are helpful because you can use anytime at home. Some knives require professional sharpening, for example, sending to the manufacturer. If your knife instructions specify this requirement, obviously you should follow these directions.
By: Deevan Aw
About the Author:
Top Ten Things to Look for in Quality Kitchen Knives
When you are looking for quality kitchen knives there are several factors that need to be kept in mind as to what will go into a quality kitchen knives set. You need to make it a point to have the proper knife for whatever special occasion you are preparing your meal for. The wrong kitchen knife can make or break a dinner and if you are not using the proper knife for the job you can easily hurt yourself as well.
The first thing that needs to be considered when talking about quality kitchen knives is of course the two main types that you will find in any kitchen. We are talking about the chef’s knife as well as the serrated knife. The chef’s knife will be used for all kinds of tasks in the kitchen. You will be able to chop, shred, slice and dice with ease. A chef’s knife is the centerpiece of any kitchen in order to effectively prepare any meal. A serrated knife is used primarily to slice things like tomatoes and other items like fruits and vegetables.
It is the debate that has gone on for years, which is best? Forged or Stamped. In my opinion there is no question that forged is one of the best quality knives that you can buy anywhere. There are so many things that you can do with a forged knife that you simply will not be able to do with one that is stamped. On the other hand, a stamped knife will make for a less expensive knife to buy. Yes the quality is a little bit less but you are able to save a few dollars in the end.
Room is an important aspect that you will need to make sure that you consider when looking at your knife choices. If you are stuck having to cook in a small space then a large knife is not the best choice for you and your needs. You will need to consider the amount of space available when dealing with finding the proper sized knife.
Make sure that you keep your knives sharp. It will do you no good to go and seek out quality kitchen knives if, in the end, you are not going to keep them sharp to where they will work at top performance.
Make sure that you consider the weight of the knife when making a decision as to which of the knife sets will make the best choice for you and your needs. A knife that is too heavy for you to use will lead to you having a difficult time using it in the kitchen.
It is important that, when looking for quality kitchen knives, you make sure that you have one that will cut what you need to cut when you need to cut it. This is important with things like bread and tomatoes as these can easily be torn with a dull knife or even the wrong kind of knife.
The type of metal that is used in a knife is an important thing that you need to consider as the wrong type of metal will have a tendency to break and or chip. Quality kitchen knives are an item that requires you to make sure that you buy the right type for your specific needs.
Have a price in mind that you are looking to pay for a set of quality kitchen knives that you will use on a regular basis. Good knives cost money and as a result you will need to make sure that your needs are met in a price range that fits your budget as well.
Quality kitchen knives are an excellent thing that you will take pride in owning. It will be important that you make sure that you decide carefully as to whether or not you want a wood handle or a metal handle.
The last thing that you need to make sure that you have when looking at quality kitchen knives is the type of storage that the set includes. The best types are blocks that are made from a quality wood.
The Right Tool for the Job: Why You Really Need These 10 Most Used Kitchen Knives
When you walk into a passionate cooks kitchen you are sure to see several knife blocks, and lots of magnetic strips all displaying an assortment of knives that would make the Bondon butcher tingle with joy. You may be wondering what all those knives are for, what each one does and if it makes a difference.
Tourne Knife
The tourne knife is among the family of utility knives. It is similar to its more traditional companion the paring knife but with a bird’s beak blade which is shorter (two-three inches long) and with an upward curve.
Ceramic Knife
A ceramic knife is made from a very high grade industrial ceramic known as zirconium oxide. This substance is very hard, being only slightly softer than that of a diamond. That makes the blade of this knife harder than steel of even the highest carbon count. It will not easily dull and needs only to be sharpened occasionally (usually less than once per year). These knives are good for slicing very thin cuts due to their exceptional sharpness.
Chef’s Knife
The chef’s knife is also called a cook’s knife; it is an all-purpose knife that is used for chopping, dicing, mincing, and slicing. This knife comes in lengths of six, eight, ten, twelve and fourteen inches. The hefty weight and very good balance of the chef’s knife allow for heavy duty tasks such as thicker vegetables, larger fruits and tougher meats.
Cleaver
This knife has a short wide blade that is very rigid and thick that tapers with a very sharp cutting edge. This knife is used to chop, shred, pound or crush ingredients. The blade has a beveled edge and is balanced and heavy. The back edge of the blade can be used for the breaking of bones, pounding of meat and the crushing of seed and garlic.
Deli Knife
This knife was originally designed for cutting through thick sandwiches and has a blade made for dealing with the various ingredients of a sandwich from soft vegetable to tough meats and heavy bread. The blade is off set which allows for easy usage and good handling.
Filet Knife
The Filet knife consists of a very long, very thin and flexible blade that comes either 6 inches long or 11 inches long. The purpose of having such a narrow blade is to allow the knife to move easily along the back bones of fish and around bones and joints.
Roast Beef Knife
The roast beef knife is good for cutting all kinds of meat, including ham, beef pork and lamb. It is made with a very long grantoned blade that can be laid across the length of a roast; the blade is usually between 12-14 inches long.
Santoku Knife
This knife is the Japanese equivalent to the chef’s knife and is the primary knife used in the preparation of Asian dishes. It has a short, wide blade that is thinner and has a long, straight cutting edge that curves upwards at the tip.
5 Great Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50
We all know that making a great meal starts with a great set of knives. After all a carpenter is only as good as his hammer and a chef is only as good as his knife. But the desire to have a high quality set of knives doesn’t mean you have to pay a fortune. Here are five Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50. All of these sets can be found at Overstock.com but are also available through other quality discount retailers online.
First we have the Granger 14-piece Cutlery Block Set; this is one of the best Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50 I have ever seen. These Granger knives are precision-stamped for durability and they feature high-quality, stain- and rust-resistant, stainless steel blades and a full tang. This great set includes a rubber-wood block and all the handles are triple-riveted with a gorgeous satin bake-lite grip. The suggested retail price is $46.99.
Set Includes:
• One 8.5-inch Chef’s Knife
• One 8-inch Bread Knife
• One 8-inch Sharpening Steel
• One 7-inch Santoku Knife
• One 5-inch Utility Knife
• One 3-inch Paring Knife
• Six 4.5-inch Steak Knives
• One pair Kitchen Scissors
• One Knife Block
The second of our Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50 is a 15-piece kitchen essential set from Sabatier. This cutlery set features high carbon stainless steel blades with perfect edge technology and are perfectly balanced for precision and ease of handling. The handles are black finished and have pearled ends for a truly unique design that fits any kitchen décor. The suggested retail price is $45.50
Set includes:
• One (1) 8-inch chef
• One (1) 6-inch slicer
• One (1) 4.5-inch Santoku
• One (1) 4.5-inch fine edge utility
• One (1) 3-inch parer
• One (1) 6-inch steak knife
• Six (6) knifes
• All purpose shears
• One (1) black block
Our next value choice in our presentation of Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50 is the Superior sushi knife set. This great set is made of vanadium steel and offers superior craftsmanship. This set features all wood handles which are comfortable, durable and easy to control. The included storage case and high quality bamboo cutting board are nice touches. And with a suggested retail price of $47.50, this is a great way to add some specialized knives to your collection without breaking the bank on something you will not use all the time.
Set includes:
• 10.25-inch salmon/bread slicing knife (14.5 inches overall)
• 9.25-inch Yanagiba sushi knife (13.5 inches overall)
• 6-inch Gyuto knife (10.75 inches overall)
• 6-inch Tosagata knife (10.75 inches overall)
• 5.75-inch Nakiri knife (10.75 inches overall)
• Bamboo cutting board measures 15.75 inches wide x 12 inches long x 0.75 inch thick
• Nylon storage/carry case
The next offering we have in our parade of Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50 is the Legno 15-piece contemporary chef knife set from BergHoff. This great knife set is so good it’s hard to believe that its suggested retail is under $49.00, but it’s true. The set has lots of nice features normally found in sets of the $125-$200 range, such as rounded wooden handles, full tangs, beech wood block, classic black enamel finish, and high carbon forged steel blades.
Set includes:
• Six (6) steak knives
• One (1) 2.5-inch paring knife
• One (1) 5-inch utility knife
• One (1) 8-inch carving knife
• One (1) 6-inch carving knife
• One (1) 8.5-inch bread knife
• One (1) 8-inch butcher knife
• One (1) 9-inch chef’s knife
• One (1) pair of utility shears
• One (1) wood display block
For a completely different style to your knives you can choose the Miracle Blade III set. This unique item is the last of our choices for Affordable Kitchen Knife Sets Under $50 but it’s a doozy. This set features an entirely new blade design with ergonomic handles that are comfortable easy and fun to use. This set retails for under $45.00 and is one of the most innovative knife collections we have seen in a long while.
Set includes:
• Two slicers
• One paring knife
• One filet knife
• One chop ‘n’ scoop knife
• One rock ‘n’ chop knife
• Four steak knives
• One pair of shears
• One juicer knife
Finding the Best Budget/Affordable Kitchen Knives in America
If you want to add a new level of sophistication and function to your kitchen but have a set budget in mind take a look at the best budget kitchen knives online. In each budget category we have selected the best of the best so that you know you are getting the best value you can for the price you can afford.
To get started, in our $50 price range we have our R.H. Forschner 3-Piece Fibrox Chef’s Knife Set from Victorinox. This is a great starter set for people who want a good knife set but don’t have a lot of money to spend. In this set you get the three essentials – A chef’s knife, a slicer and a paring knife. The knives are top-quality, after all this is the company who produces the world famous SWISS ARMY brand of products. Even professional chefs who can afford $1000-a-piece knives rave about the ruggedness, and super sharp edge. These knives are German style which means that they are very handle-heavy with a sharp, durable blade and a full tang. They are a great set to match up with a nice basic Japanese set to give you a well equipped set of cutlery for under $100. This is a great way to get started with best budget kitchen knives.
Our second budget group is designed for those who have between $100 and $300 to spend. Among this group, looking for the best budget kitchen knives, they can afford a slightly more impressive set of knives for the kitchen and we recommend the Messermeister San Moritz Elite Mini set. This company although not well known in the United States is a producer of extremely high-quality knives worldwide, in the same caliber as Wusthof and Henckels but at a lower price due to their limited marketing strategy; they are top quality. For those looking for the best budget kitchen knives in this price range this set is a sure bet. The blades are made of very high grade steel – a high-carbon blend containing molybdenum and vanadium for sharpness and edge-retention. They feature a full tang and have a Rockwell hardness rating of 56. This is topped-off with a POM handle designed to never chip, break, fade, crack, melt, warp, bend, scratch, peel or pit. The handles are molded from the material and are a joy to hold. Messermeister provides free lifetime re-sharpening as well as a lifetime warranty on these knives.
Lastly, for those who want high quality but still want the best budget kitchen knives that won’t break the bank, let’s look at the $300-$500 range. Here we find the Shun knives. Now, granted Shun knives are not exactly what you would call “budget” but they can be very cost effective if you choose to select a small set of basic essentials. These knives are worth every dime that you spend on them and you may find yourself trying new recipes just so you can get your hands around your shun knives again. The under-blades are forged from high grade VG 10 steel; this is the same steel you find in top grade Japanese knives. This under-blade is then wrapped with 16 layers of the highest carbon steel available. The result is a Damascus style blade that will hold its sharpness and retain its edge for many years, even decades, with proper care and handling. The Rockwell hardness factor is almost at the top of the scale for kitchen cutlery with a rating of 61. We suggest going for the 6-piece set if you don’t mind not having a bread knife and want to save $100. That puts a basic set of Shun in the beautiful Bamboo block on your counter for $500. That’s what we call the best budget kitchen knives with style.