Quote:
Originally Posted by WT Sharpe
Need I post more proof that the universe has me in its sights? We were down to two butcher knives, one of which was extremely dull. So I ordered a knife sharpener, figuring it was cheaper to keep both knives sharp rather than buy a new one. Monday the sharpener arrived, and it worked like a charm. Today the knife handle broke.
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I am a long-time knife hobbyist, (we refer to ourselves as 'knif-knuts.') I make them, collect them, repair them, sharpen them, make sheaths for them (of course) and am an active participant (even more active than here in MR) in two knife forums... And I say this; (hear ye! hear ye!)
If your handles broke, your knives weren't worth buying in the first place. The only exception to that I make is the brand "Old Hickory." Their steel is very good but their handles are pretty chintzy.... Do yourself a favor and pick up a good Wusthof, Henckels, (with Henckels be sure there are TWO dancing men on the blade, not just ONE! Very important! The steel is different!) or even Victorinox. These are
not violently expensive, very top-of-the-line knives... they just perform as if they are. They will last several lifetimes, so you can pass them on to your grandchildren, will hold a working edge for a loooong time, and be a pleasure to use.
If you want to spend a LOT of money (and actually get a bit more quality) look at the 'Shun' brand or 'Al Mar' Knives, even Global (if the handles are comfortable for you. They aren't for me.)
Any and ALL knives require maintenance. They need to be sharpened 2-3 times a year. They need to be 'touched up' every week or two. And they need to be 'steeled' on a smooth meat packer's steel (rather than a grooved Butcher's Steel) before every use.
A very handy, very easy-to-use sharpener/touch-up device for the non-initiated is the
Spyderco Sharpmaker. With it, a complete beginner can create a shaving-sharp edge in less than 5 minutes.
Watch! My wife used to be terribly afraid to sharpen her knives. Then I bought her a Sharpmaker showed her how to use it. She no longer comes to me asking me to sharpen her knives, nor does she try to glom MY knives any more!
(The Sharpmaker sits on a kitchen shelf with the 'fine' rods mounted. Once a week or so, we can simply take it down, make 4-5 passes with the knife, and put it back. That's ALL the touch-up needed... Less than 30 seconds.)
Stitchawl