A good set of knives will last you forever...
Feb 07 '01
The Bottom Line Select a knife that feels right to you, and care for it properly.
Speaking as an individual who has been classically trained in the culinary arts, and who has worked in various 4 and 5 star kitchens for years, I feel compelled to give some advice to beginners on the proper selection and maintenance of knives.
First of all, you should select a set of fine knives based on how they feel to you, on how they balance in your hand. Personally, I'm partial to Wusthof-Trident. I know other chefs who prefer Henckles, but most of the people I know would take a Wusthof over a Henckles any day. The important thing to remember is that the knife should feel comfortable in your hand, and feel almost as an extension of your arm.
Secondly, it is extremely important to learn how to grip your knife. The most common grip is to hold the handle with three fingers while holding the blade between the index finger and thumb. This allows for greater control over the cutting edge of the blade. While I was in culinary arts school, we were reprimanded harshly if we were ever caught with our index finger on top of the blade. I know it feels weird at first, but trust me on this one.
Thirdly, you should learn how to sharpen your knives. There are a few instruments that you should become familiar with. There is a steel, which is a long rod of - you guessed it - steel and sometimes a diamond dust coating. Anyway, a steel is used to straighten the edge of the blade immediately after and between sharpenings. To sharpen your knives, a whetstone is used. Always hold the blade at a 20 degree angle against the stone - directions are included with any tri-stone, and I highly suggest you follow them.
And finally, NEVER put your knife through a commercial dishwasher - the harsh chemicals can badly damage the blade and handle. Always wash and dry your knives by hand immediately after use.
I have attempted to give a general overview of selecting and caring for your knives. If you have other questions, please feel free to email me at afollmer@juno.com. I will be happy to answer your questions!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
afollmer
|
|
Member: Amanda Follmer
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 76
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Married to a wonderful husband, and we have 2 girls.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.