Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Caring For Your Kitchen Knives an Cutlery Blocks

Making large purchases comes with certain performance expectations. This is something that was recently experienced when purchasing a set of knifes for the kitchen. I knew that spending a lot of money was not necessarily an indication that I would be guaranteed proper performing knives if I didn't take care of them. Here are some tips on prolonging the lifetime of your kitchen knives. With some basic, straightforward tips to care for kitchen knives, cutlery blocks sets and individual chef knives.

Tips On Caring For Kitchen Knives, Cutlery and Block Sets

1) When it comes to cutting it is important that a knife is never used on a material that is not meant for cutting. Unsuitable surfaces for cutting can damage your knives and their cutting edge. Only proper cutting boards should be utilized when using kitchen knives. The best material to use for a cutting surface is a hard maple.

2) When you are finished with your kitchen knives it is crucial that you properly wash them. Never place your kitchen knives in the dish washer. When you are done using your kitchen knives you need to wash them in hot soapy water and dry them with a linen free cloth. Dishwasher soap is too abrasive for kitchen knives and will ruin the handles and the blade.

3) Never use abrasive powder or scouring pads when you are cleaning your cutlery. Anything that you are cutting can be cleaned with hot soapy water, liquid soap and a wash cloth.

4) Even if you purchase stainless steel knives understand that they will stain less than non stainless steel knives but will still stain. Knifes are never totally stain free. They will discolor and tarnish with time if not maintained and cleaned properly each and every time they are used.

5) Sharp knives are safer in the kitchen than dull knives. Learning to properly sharpen kitchen knives is an art form. Use tools specific to sharpen kitchen cutlery. Bench stones, whetstones, carbide sharpeners and electric knife sharpeners are all great tools to keep your cutlery sharp.

6) Never use your cutlery to cut frozen food or bone with your kitchen knives. When cutting through bone use a meat clever and take the time to defrost your food prior to cutting it. Cutting frozen meat dulls knife blades and can possibly chip them as well. Once a knife is chipped it will not perform in the kitchen as it should

As with all knives, kitchen knives should be kept out of reach of children. Be sure to teach proper handling techniques before trusting your children to help in the kitchen using cutlery.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Preparations For Your Next Camping Expedition

Camping is all about exploring nature as well as reconnecting with yourself, your friends and your family. Although there are many people that thrive while camping there are plenty of others who get concerned with the idea of camping in the heart of the woods at night. The best way to calm any fears associated with camping is to be prepared for the adventure.  Read on to better equip yourself for your next camping expedition.
One fear many new campers have is that they will not enough food for the number of days and nights they will be surviving in the great outdoors.  It is important to stock up and pack accordingly when it comes to food.  This will ease your stress and make the experience a lot simpler.  Prepare meals that can be warmed up over the campfire.  Preparing as many meals as you can at home ahead of time helps with meal time.  Storing your meals in plastic bags and freezing them ahead of time will also help to keep the meals unspoiled.
Another area in which evokes a bit of fear is the experience of sleeping in a tent.  Sleeping bags are exceptionally comfortable and can be purchased in a variety of weights to ensure no matter what weather you are camping in that you remain warm.  A camping pad can be brought along if the idea of sleeping on the floor is too much for you.
Many people enjoy exploring nature when camping.  With this in mind it is important that you have with you the right navigational tools.  A GPS is not always the best option especially when you are in the middle of the dense woods.  Take a compass with you on all of your hikes.  If you happen to become turned around you will easy be able to navigate in the direction of your campsite with the use of a compass.
Don’t over pack when it comes to survival tools.  A basic survival knife can not only fulfill the duties needed in the kitchen but can be used to gather kindling, cut up fish, or whatever else you may find yourself needing a multi-purpose tool.  There are several top brand name knife manufacturers.  Look for a knife that has both a serrated and straight edge to provide you the most use on your adventure.  One that folds into itself is often better for carrying with you in your camping supplies.
multi-tool pocket knife can be useful as well.  Carrying a multi-tool pocket knife is a smart idea because not only does it fit in your pocket it also provides useful tools such as silverware, tweezers, nail files, pliers, nail clippers and more.   You never know when a splinter will become embedded into your skin and a multi-tool pocket knife can help.  Some smaller pocket knives with multiple tools on them have flashlights as well.  Extra light is always useful especially when camping.
Prepare yourself with a positive attitude and as much or as little camping gear as needed to make your trip not only memorable but also enjoyable.  This article gives you some ideas on what you may want to bring with you.  Remember that besides the necessities of bug spray, food and sleeping bags some entertainment around the campfire is always nice.  A small compact deck of cards can always help with that!
KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.