Food enthusiasts who enjoy slicing, dicing and chopping soon discover that proper knives are key ingredients for comfort and ease in food preparation. It pays for seasoned and new home cooks to learn about the qualities of good, sharp knives.
The experts at CUTCO Cutlery, North America's largest manufacturer of high-quality kitchen cutlery and accessories, offer these essential cutlery tips, as well as advice on safety and maintaining that sharp edge:
Knife Edges
Both straight and recessed-edged knives are necessary. Straight edges are best for paring, chopping and mincing. Recessed edges are best for carving, trimming and slicing.
Full Tang
The blade extends the full length of the handle for extra strength and perfect balance. This is an important feature for small knives and essential for large knives.
Handles
The shape of the handle affects comfort and safety. Look for a handle that's ergonomically-designed, well-balanced, comfortable and gives you a good grip as you work. The handle should be smooth so food does not become trapped and made of a nonporous material for sanitation. If it has rivets, they should be ground flush with the handle.
Keeping Knives Sharp
A sharp knife is a safe knife because it glides easily through food. Cutting surfaces -- not foods -- dull knives.
Use a wood or polypropylene cutting board and never cut on glass, ceramic or metal surfaces.
Knife blades made of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel that are properly heat-treated are durable, flexible, hold a sharp edge and retain a beautiful, mirror-polish finish.
Straight-edged knives require periodic sharpening. Unique recessed edges, such as CUTCO's Double D (Double Durable with triple cutting edges) edge, provide clean cuts and stay sharp for years.
As soon as you notice a straight edge becoming dull, "bring back" the edge with a sharpener from the manufacturer, a sharpening stone or sharpening steel. A quality recessed edge can be resharpened by the manufacturer.
Daily Care
Wash cutlery one piece at a time rather than tossing in the dishwater with other utensils and dishes; then dry and put in a proper storage container. For best all-around care, washing by hand is recommended. However, if washing in a dishwasher, place cutlery in the silverware basket with the points down or lay flat on the upper rack.
Storage
Keep knives sharp and beautiful by storing safely in a wood block on the counter or in trays that fit in a drawer or hang on a wall.
Guarantee
The length of the guarantee is a good indication of how long you can expect the knives to last. CUTCO Cutlery's Forever Guarantee ensures free maintenance and sharpening for its customers, forever.
For more information and to receive a free kitchen guide, "How to Choose & Use Cutlery," featuring handy tips for carving, vegetable and fruit cutting, chopping and more, call toll free (800) 828-0448 or visit www.cutco.com.
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