| You`ve just paid out your hard-earned money on | | | | Safety</b> |
| a brand new kitchen knife. That is the buying part | | | | The kitchen can be a busy place, and accidents |
| over with. But, what about taking care of it, so | | | | can and do happen. Follow these tips and avoid |
| that it will last you for a long time? | | | | problems with cutting yourself with your knives. |
| Following some simple rules will help you to keep | | | | If used properly, a sharp knife is safer than a |
| that quality knife in great condition, giving you | | | | blunt one. Less force is required to use a sharp |
| years of satisfaction. | | | | knife, so there is less chance of it slipping. But a |
| Cutting on an unsuitable surface is likely to | | | | sharp knife can be very dangerous if abused. |
| damage either the knife or the surface! Use a | | | | It may seem like a contradiction, but sharp knives |
| chopping board made of wood or plastic. | | | | are the safest. With a clean edge, a knife is more |
| After use wash the knife in warm soapy water | | | | predicable and easier to control. If you've |
| after use, and dry it. Never use a dishwasher for | | | | purchased a top-of-the-line knife, maintaining the |
| wooden-handled knives. Preferably don`t use a | | | | quality of the blade ensures maximum value from |
| dishwasher for any knives. | | | | your investment. |
| Don't use a scouring pad or other abrasive | | | | While a sharp knife is indeed a safe knife, it's wise |
| material to clean your knife. This will scratch the | | | | to use caution with your newly sharpened knives, |
| blade. A sponge or soft cloth is best. | | | | as they will be sharper than you expect. |
| Many knives are stain-resistant, but you may | | | | Always use a chopping board, and never touch |
| notice some discolouration of the blade if it is not | | | | the edge of the blade with your finger. |
| cleaned after use with acidic foods such as | | | | Never leave the knife lying in a washing up bowl, |
| lemons or pickles. This discolouration can normally | | | | or anywhere else where your fingers could come |
| be easily removed by rubbing gently with a good | | | | into accidental contact with the blade. |
| quality mild cream cleanser to bring back the | | | | Finally, it goes without saying that sharp knives |
| knife's original shine. | | | | should be kept well out of the reach of children, |
| Don`t allow your knife to go blunt. Sharpen | | | | and stored in a safe place such as a knife block. |
| regularly using a whetstone, or perhaps a ceramic | | | | Never use your knife to cut frozen food or to |
| or diamond tool. | | | | cut through bone. This will blunt the blade or |
| <b>Of Paramount Importance Is Knife | | | | possibly even chip it. |