Knife sharpening is definitely worth it for several reasons:
Improved Performance: Sharpening a dull knife restores its cutting ability, allowing for smoother and more precise cuts. A sharp knife reduces the chances of slippage and ensures efficient food preparation. It can make cooking tasks more enjoyable and efficient.
Safety: Dull knives are more prone to slipping or veering off course, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. A sharp knife, on the other hand, provides better control and reduces the likelihood of mishaps in the kitchen. Keeping your knives sharp promotes safer food handling practices.
Extended Lifespan: Regular sharpening helps maintain the overall condition of the knife blade. By removing nicks and dullness, sharpening can prevent further damage and prolong the lifespan of the knife. It's more cost-effective to sharpen knives periodically rather than frequently replacing them due to irreparable dullness.
Versatility: Different kitchen tasks require specific types of knives. Keeping your knives sharp ensures their versatility and effectiveness for various cutting and slicing needs. A sharp knife is more adaptable and suitable for a wider range of culinary applications.
Quality of Results: When working with sharp knives, the ingredients are cut cleanly, preserving their texture, appearance, and flavor. A sharp knife helps maintain the integrity of delicate foods, such as herbs and soft fruits, resulting in better presentation and overall culinary outcomes.
Enjoyment of Cooking: Working with sharp knives makes the food preparation process smoother and more enjoyable. It allows for greater precision and control, enhancing your overall cooking experience. When your tools perform optimally, it positively impacts your connection with the culinary process.
While sharpening knives may require a small investment in terms of time, effort, or professional services, the benefits far outweigh the cost. It's a worthwhile investment in both safety and the quality of your cooking. Regular knife sharpening is an essential practice for any home cook or professional chef who values efficient and effective food preparation.
]]>When it comes to cutting dense vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes, a knife with certain characteristics is essential for efficient and effective cutting. The best knife for this task is often a chef's knife. With its broad blade and pointed tip, a chef's knife provides the necessary leverage and control to tackle large and dense vegetables. Look for a chef's knife with a sturdy and sharp blade, typically ranging from 8 to 10 inches in length.
Another suitable option is a Santoku knife, which originates from Japan. It features a shorter and wider blade with a slight curve. The wide blade helps prevent food from sticking, making it ideal for cutting through dense vegetables with ease and precision.
For heavy-duty tasks and splitting large, dense vegetables, a cleaver is an excellent choice. Cleavers have large rectangular blades with a thick spine, providing the power and weight needed to handle tough vegetables.
Alternatively, a Nakiri knife, a Japanese-style vegetable knife, can be a great option. It has a straight, squared-off blade with a thin profile, making it well-suited for slicing through dense vegetables effortlessly.
When selecting a knife for cutting dense vegetables, prioritize blade material, sharpness, and overall quality. It's crucial to choose a knife with a comfortable handle that offers a secure grip for safe and controlled cutting.
Ultimately, the best knife for cutting dense vegetables is the one that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your cutting style. I recommend trying out different knives and finding the one that works best for you when handling dense vegetables.
]]>To test the sharpness of a knife, there are several methods you can try. Begin with a visual inspection of the knife's edge under good lighting. A sharp knife will have a fine, clean edge without any visible damage, such as nicks or dents. If you notice a dull, rounded edge or signs of damage, it indicates that the knife requires sharpening.
Next, you can perform the paper test. Take a sheet of paper and hold it taut with one hand. With the other hand, attempt to slice through the paper using the knife. A sharp knife should effortlessly and smoothly glide through the paper, creating a clean cut. If the knife tears or shreds the paper instead of providing a clean slice, it suggests that the blade is dull.
Another test involves using a firm vegetable like a tomato or cucumber. Hold the vegetable with one hand and gently draw the knife across its surface. A sharp knife will easily slice through the vegetable, creating clean, precise cuts. If the knife requires excessive force or crushes the vegetable rather than slicing through it cleanly, it indicates a lack of sharpness.
The thumbnail test can also be employed. Run your thumbnail along the edge of the knife, starting from the base and moving towards the tip. Take care to avoid accidental cuts. A sharp knife will catch and bite into your thumbnail as you lightly drag it across the blade. If the blade feels smooth or fails to catch your thumbnail, it suggests that the knife is not sharp enough.
Lastly, you can use a ripe fruit or a piece of bread for testing. A sharp knife should easily slice through the fruit or bread without crushing or tearing it. If you encounter difficulty making clean cuts or notice excessive pressure required to slice through, it signifies that the knife is not adequately sharp.
Always exercise caution when performing these tests, especially the thumbnail test, to prevent accidental injuries. If you find that your knife lacks sharpness, it may be time to place your knife sharpening order with us, you will be glad you did!
Having a sharp knife can enhance the overall cooking experience and contribute to better results in the kitchen. Here's why:
Precise Cutting: A sharp knife allows for precise and clean cuts. When you slice through ingredients smoothly without tearing or crushing them, it helps maintain the integrity and texture of the food. This can be especially important when working with delicate items like herbs, soft fruits, or tender meats.
Even Cooking: When ingredients are cut uniformly, they cook more evenly. This is particularly relevant for ingredients that require even cooking times, such as vegetables in a stir-fry or meat in a stew. Uniformly cut pieces ensure consistent doneness and prevent some parts from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Reduced Bruising: A dull knife requires more force to cut through food, and this increased pressure can cause bruising or crushing of delicate ingredients. Bruising can affect the appearance, texture, and flavor of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. With a sharp knife, you can minimize the risk of bruising and maintain the visual appeal and taste of the ingredients.
Minimal Juice Loss: When cutting juicy ingredients like tomatoes or citrus fruits, a sharp knife makes cleaner cuts with fewer juice losses. A dull knife can crush the cells of the food, leading to more juice being released and potentially affecting the flavor and texture of the dish.
Effortless Preparation: Using a sharp knife requires less effort and exertion compared to a dull knife. This makes food preparation more efficient and enjoyable. It allows you to work with ease, maintain a steady pace, and focus on the cooking process, resulting in a better overall cooking experience.
At KnifeCare Australia we are convinced sharp knives directly impact the taste of food. It contributes to better presentation, texture, and cooking consistency. It also enhances your efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen, leading to improved culinary outcome.
If you have dull knives in your kitchen place your order today, you will be glad you did!
How much does it cost to have someone sharpen a knife?
In general, professional knife sharpening cost in the vicinity of $15 per knife. This price range may be higher for specialty or custom knives, or if the service includes additional steps like honing or polishing which KnifeCare includes with every order.
Using a mail-in service allows you to have your knives sharpened without the need to visit a physical location. This can be particularly useful if you don't have a local knife sharpening service or if you're unable to drop off your knives in person. You may have to pay a little more but the convenience far outweighs the small extra cost.
]]>The cost of having someone sharpen a knife can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of knife, the level of expertise of the person performing the sharpening, the region or location, and any additional services offered.
In general, professional knife sharpening cost in the vicinity of $15 per knife. This price range may be higher for specialty or custom knives, or if the service includes additional steps like honing or polishing which KnifeCare includes with every order.
Using a mail-in service allows you to have your knives sharpened without the need to visit a physical location. This can be particularly useful if you don't have a local knife sharpening service or if you're unable to drop off your knives in person. You may have to pay a little more but the convenience far outweighs the small extra cost.
Using a mail-in service can save you time and effort. Instead of finding the time to source a local business then call and drop them off, you can simply place your order knowing your knives will be returned in a sharpened and restored condition.
Place your oder today, you won't be disappointed.
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When using a professional knife sharpener near you, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a positive experience and optimal results. Here are some key considerations:
Reputation and Expertise: Research the reputation and expertise of the professional knife sharpener. Look for reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from trusted sources to ensure they have a track record of delivering high-quality sharpening services.
Credentials and Experience: Check if the professional knife sharpener has relevant credentials, certifications, or training in knife sharpening. Experience and knowledge in handling different types of knives and blades are essential for achieving the best results.
Equipment and Techniques: Inquire about the sharpening equipment and techniques used by the professional. Ensure that they use high-quality sharpening tools, such as sharpening stones or systems, to achieve precise and consistent results.
Safety Measures: Confirm that the professional knife sharpener follows proper safety protocols during the sharpening process. They should take precautions to prevent accidents and ensure the blades are handled safely.
Communication and Understanding: Engage in clear communication with the professional about your specific needs and expectations. Discuss the type of knives you have, their intended use, and any particular preferences you have for the sharpness or edge angle. A good professional will listen and understand your requirements.
Maintenance and Care: Inquire about additional services such as blade maintenance or care recommendations. A professional knife sharpener may be able to provide guidance on how to maintain the sharpness of your knives between sharpenings and offer suggestions for prolonging their lifespan.
Price and Turnaround Time: Understand the cost of the sharpening service and the estimated turnaround time. While price should not be the sole determining factor, it is essential to consider it in relation to the quality of the service provided.
Customer Satisfaction: Look for feedback from previous customers to gauge their satisfaction with the sharpening service. Positive customer reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the professionalism and quality of work provided by the professional knife sharpener.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a professional knife sharpener near you who will provide excellent service and help maintain the sharpness and longevity of your knives.
]]>Using a professional knife sharpener offers several advantages over sharpening knives yourself:
Expertise and Skill: Professional knife sharpeners have specialised knowledge and experience in sharpening various types of knives. They understand the nuances of different blade materials, angles, and sharpening techniques. Their expertise ensures that your knives are sharpened accurately and optimally.
Consistency and Precision: Professional sharpeners use advanced equipment and techniques to achieve consistent and precise results. They have access to high-quality sharpening tools, including sharpening stones, honing rods, and precision machinery, which may not be readily available or familiar to individuals without professional training.
Time and Efficiency: Sharpening knives can be a time-consuming task, especially if you're not experienced or lack the appropriate tools. Professional sharpeners have the necessary tools and techniques to efficiently sharpen knives, saving you time and effort.
Safety: Knife sharpening requires proper handling and technique to avoid accidents and injuries. Professional sharpeners are trained to handle knives safely and have the necessary precautions in place. They minimize the risk of mishaps that can occur when inexperienced individuals attempt to sharpen knives themselves.
Longevity of Knives: Professional knife sharpeners understand how to sharpen knives without compromising their structural integrity. They know how to remove the appropriate amount of metal from the blade to achieve optimal sharpness while preserving the knife's lifespan. DIY sharpening, especially if done incorrectly, can potentially damage or reduce the longevity of your knives.
Specialized Services: Professional knife sharpeners may offer additional services such as blade repairs and re-profiling. They can assess the condition of your knives and provide recommendations for improving their performance and longevity.
While it is possible to sharpen knives yourself, using a professional knife sharpener ensures consistent, precise results, saves you time and effort, and helps maintain the quality and longevity of your knives.
Until KnifeCares revolutionary service it's been necessary to take your blunt but valuable knives to mobile operators or dusty unhygienic workshops for sharpening. It's inconvenient, time consuming and more often than not their sharpening schedule doesn’t fit in with yours. You could drop off your blunt knives to retail shops like the Essential Ingredient, but they only sharpen once a month!
We knew there had be a faster, more convenient way. KnifeCare is now Australia's premier nationwide postal sharpening service and boy has it resonated! KnifeCare knife sharpening orders come in Australia wide, from regional areas like the Central Coast to major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. We’ve simply combined the ancient art of knife sharpening with the convenience and the connectivity of the modern world.
We know many of you haven’t sharpened your knives in years, so let us look after them for you. In just 3 clicks you will be on your way to having your knives back sharper than ever before – guaranteed!
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The good news is we can reshape the knife by carefully grinding back the bolster of the knife and recreate a flat edge removing the concave shape from the knife for as little as $20 over the usual sharpening fee.
]]>The big difference between Western and Japanese knives is the steel they are made from. Japanese knives are made from a harder steel but unfortunately that also makes them more prone to crack or chip. They are also thinner to give them less resistance when slicing but makes them more vulnerable when compared to conventional knives. The Japanese have always prized sharpness over durability whereas German knives like F.Dick are renowned for their durability. It’s a good idea going forward keeping this in mind when you are in the market for a new knife. Japanese knives are a true work of art and known for their ability to hold an edge and the price to purchase reflects that quality, however they are best used by someone who understands their brittleness and respects the craftmanship and quality. For those of us that simply require a good quality kitchen knife and give little thought about its care other than the occasional sharpening then knives such as F.Dick will be a better purchase and less likely to give heartache when inadvertently dropped from the bench or chipped from incorrect use.
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Ingredients
3 eggs
2 cups of caster sugar
3 tsp vanilla essence
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups of grated zucchini
3 cups plain flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
3 tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsalted nuts chopped (walnuts, pecans etc)
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and grease and line 2 loaf tins. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until frothy. Add the caster sugar, vanilla essence, vegetable oil and beat until texture resembles moose. Stir in grated zucchini and sift in flour, bicarb, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Finally add the chopped nuts and gently stir in until just combined. Place in greased loaf tins and bake for 1 hour. Check zucchini bread is cooked by placing a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, cool for 5 mins then remove from tin and allow to cool.
This delicious zucchini bread fills the house with the most beautiful smells and is best served warmed or toasted with a generous dollop of butter. It freezes perfectly and will last in the fridge for a week.
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Many of our clients from all over Australia, from Hobart to Darwin, describe the joy of receiving their newly sharpened knife as a gift and given how convenient it was, wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.
Now you have your trusted knives back, cutting and slicing better than ever before, it's important to give them the care they deserve. We have some basic tips that will ensure the timeline between sharpening is increased and so is the lifespan of your knives.
Here they are:
Knives are simple tools used on a regular basis and appreciated by many for their function and beauty. The days of sharpening as a skill and that skill being handed down are largely gone. This created an industry churning out poor quality, cheap knives many of us buy instead of sharpening our quality knives. Fortunately, companies like KnifeCare have invested tens of thousands of dollars in sharpening technology and combined that technology with the best knifesmiths in Australia. KnifeCare’s sharpening service is affordable and convenient enabling the joy of having a quality knife available to all.
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Talk to any gentleman over the age of 65 and chances are he will know, at least the very basic principles of sharpening knives. Why then, as time has gone by, has this basic life skill been lost to all but the most mature members of our society?
Back in the day, knife making was lauded as a craft and the knives produced a prized possession of the household. It wasn’t a throw away society back then; quality mattered, tools were used for a lifetime and many handed down through the generations as heirlooms. As the decades pass, the pace of life has led to a ‘quick fix’ mentality where we replace, rather than repair and reuse.
Quality knives are still highly valued, but until recently, it’s been simpler to buy a cheap disposable one than be troubled with the inconvenience of getting out the wet stone and bringing back the edge of blade you received as a wedding present decade’s earlier. Businesses shot up that attempted to fulfill the need mainly via mobile sharpening businesses or drop in centers, but they failed to address the primary need of their customers - convenience.
Its for this reason KnifeCare was established. We wanted to bring back all those amazingly beautiful knives across Australia but knew we needed to fit into our customers life seamlessly and conveniently. We strive every day to do this and believe there isn’t a competitor in the market that comes close to our service. We invite you try KnifeCare where we’ve combined the ancient art of knife sharpening with the latest technology, integrated conveniently into the lives of our customers.
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