- Getting
to Know Your Cutlery -- Essential Knife Tips
 (ARA) - 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.
- Courtesy of ARA Content
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ARTICLE POSTED
MAY 18, 2003
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