Capitalize on the Most Important Tool in your Kitchen
17.10.11
Chef Knife – A chef knife is my most versatile tool. You’ll use this knife for chopping, slicing, dicing and cutting almost everything. When
shopping for a chef knife, look for a knife that feels comfortable in your hand. If you have a small hand you may opt for an 8”
blade or if you have a larger hand you may feel more comfortable with a 12” blade. In either
case, hold the knife and pretend to use the knife as you would to chop. Does the knife feel too heavy? Too light? Is the handle comfortable in your grip? Do you prefer the feel of a one piece construction knife (the blade and handle are of one solid material) or do you like a 2 piece knife? Also look for a balanced feel. If the handle feels substantially heavier than the blade, this imbalance may affect your knife skills. Prices range from $50 to thousands depending upon your budget.
Paring Knife – A paring knife will be used for cutting and peeling smaller ingredients when you need more control. Things like peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables, slicing vents in pastry or slicing garlic. Unlike a chef knife, a paring knife will most often be used in your hand without a cutting board so it is very important that the knife fits comfortably in your hand and gives you good control. The average size blade of a paring knife varies from 2 ½ inches to 4 inches. Again, make pretend peeling and slicing motions to better understand which knife feels right for you. Prices range from $10 to hundreds.
Source: Oakville.com
Portable toolbox from SOG
12.10.11
Awhile back we looked at the SOG S67 Power Assist EOD multitool with the compound leverage, gear-driven pliers, a serrated and straight blade, cutters, crimpers, flat-blade screwdriver, file and C-4 punch/glass breaker.
This wonderful tool has been a constant sidekick and traveler with me for months. I can’t begin to tell you how many times it has been used for cutting, tightening, loosening and bending. It’s practically a pocket tool kit all by itself.
Want more versatility to do more chores around the home? Add SOG’s Contractor FF-01 2×4, one of the company’s new themed tools. This one has a few visuals to give it the carpenter’s theme — such as the hammer-shaped blade release, the putty knife-shaped pocket clip, the circular-saw-like blade assist wheel and the decorative embossing on the case that looks like house framing.
But that’s where the theme ends and the practicality begins on this $41.50 tool. For one there’s a nice, sharp straight-edged knife — no frills, just 3¼ inches of useful sharpness. Push down on the hammer-shaped release on the spine to fold the blade out of sight and it’s ready for its second job — skinning wire.
Source: Bangor Daily News