That just sounds wrong doesn't it? Well, most accidents occur when you have a dull knife. This is mainly due to the fact that you have to use more force to cut, slice and dice- causing more chances for slips, accidents and cuts. You lose control of the smooth "controlled" cuts when your knives are sharp. Unless you are going to touch the blade directly, keeping your most important tool in the kitchen is vital to your safety and enjoyment of cooking. Another important fact is that, in knowing that your sword is sharp, you will take extra care to not get in contact with this sharp tool versus, haphazardly cutting away because you "think" you are safer. The analogy I like to use for this is the SUV analogy. Just because you feel safer in your "tank", you drive as if you are invincable- but more accidents are a result because you put less emphasis on your safety. This post will look into some of the key points about knives and hopefully shed some light on your dull blades. Sharpen the Saw...and happy cooking!
Does a Knife's Edge Wear Away?
You might think that your knives get dull because the edge gets worn away. Well, actually the edge of the knife is kind of like a syringe in a sense. After use, it bends and possibly folds over itself but doesn't actually wear away. It is possible that pieces are broken off, but the microscopic edge is still there.
Are Magnetic Sharpeners Best for Sharpening Knives?
Not really, knives are made of steel alloy and are crystalline not molecular.... sooo a magnetic sharpener does not "reshape" the knife's edge.
Is a Sharpening Stone the Best For Sharpening Knives?
Because sharpening stones do not have the angle guides, it is harder to get the right symmetrical edge that is a result by an edge that is created by using a professional home sharpener. I would not suggest using a sharpening stone because no angle guides are used and it is very time consuming and it takes a skilled user to get it close to what a professional home sharpener can provide.
I Heard Manual Knife Sharpeners Don't Work!
That was true in the past, but newly developed, professional quality manual knife sharpeners are very effective and easy to use. Be sure the knife sharpner has the angle guides that to help "unfold" the knife's edge. You will also want to make sure the knife sharpener gadget has a 100 percent diamond abrasives- Diamonds will not distemper knives.
Do I Need to Re-Sharpen the "Forever Sharp" Knives I See Advertised?
Most of these "Never Need Sharpening" type knives that you see advertised on T.V. are usually designed like a saw, with teeth. A serrated knife gets dull by wearing out the "teeth" and it gets bent and mishaped after use... especially if you try to cut through the cans and other items as advertised on television. Even though the teeth gets dull, it will still cut. The quality of the cut will be messier since the cuts will be tears and shreds rather than a clean cut. Especially with bent teeth, the misaligned angles will pull and make your cuts look like you tore it in two. I suggest checking with the company selling these knives to find out how to resharpen them over time and use. Might not be a "great" deal as it seems. You might have to resend them to the manufacturer for refurbishing- which might cost you extra. There are knife sharpeners that will safely sharpen serrated knives, but remember to use the angle guided and diamond abrasive type sharpeners.
Which Cutting Boards are Best for Knives?
Most of the hard cutting boards- Acrylic, glass, granite, marble and stone type cutting boards dulls knives much faster. So which cutting boards are maintain the sharpness best? Try using polyethylene or polypropylene boards for a healthier knife. Wooden type boards come second, after the two "P" cutting boards, when you consider the sharpness maintenance for your knives.
How Should I Store My Knives?
Do not keep your knives in the drawers with your other kitchen gadgets and utensils. With each opening and closing of the drawers, the knife will get damaged by movement and touching other objects. I store my knives with a Magnet, but be careful that it is not sticking in a dangerous space or if kids are around. Knives in the drawer could also cause accidental cuts while reaching in for the forks... be careful! Another option is to use the "block" I am not really a fan of the "block" but it is a great home for the knives... I admit it OK! =P
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
 | Victorinox 40520 Fibrox 8-Inch Chef's Knife List Price:  |
Features
|
 | Presto Pro EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener List Price: |
Features
|
 | Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Sharp Duo Knife Sharpener List Price: |
Features
|
 | BASSOMATIC / FASCINATING RHYTHM (THE LIGHT REMIX) Sale Price: $3.74 |
Features
|
 | Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener List Price: |
Features
|
 | Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, Serrated Edge List Price: |
Features
|
 | AccuSharp 001 Knife Sharpener List Price: |
Features
|
 | Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor & 120 Shark Super Stainless Blades List Price: |
Features
|
 | Colonel Ichabod Conk Straight Razor Sharpening Stone Sale Price: $18.89 |
Features
|
 | Leather Shaving Strop Straight Razor Sharpening 18" Sale Price: $39.99 |
Features
|
Related posts:
Henckels Cutlery Sale