The Vent and Rant Thread

[badgoodDeb]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

actually mine is only about 4 years out of date

Awe and respect!!

[WT Sharpe]

I used to be able to watch people do it on TV. Now even that tires me.

[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.

[Freeshadow]

you are alive... Everything else doesn't matter.
Believe a guy who once did a hunt-shopping for parts fitting to upgrade his dad's PC.
Some things arrive to late to be enjoyed the way they are meant to.

The knife could have broken in a more dangerous way - couldn't it?

[Stitchawl]

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.

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

[WT Sharpe]

I've seen systems similar to the Spyderco Sharpmaker, but most use round sharpening rods, I believe. It would be nice to have a good sharpener for my KA-BAR. I wouldn't dream of using the sharpener I bought for the kitchen cuttery on it; it takes off too much metal. On the plus side, run a kitchen knife through it 10 times and the knife will cut through anything on the table.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Luckily (given the circumstances) it's less than a year (less than six month!) since I bought it, so back to Waterstones it's going.

And back to Waterstones it's gone. It will be interesting to see what happens now.

[xg4bx]

somebody needs to bring back that certain moustache style. i think it looked cool on oliver hardy but i can't wear it without being accused of being a nazi.

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

I've seen systems similar to the Spyderco Sharpmaker, but most use round sharpening rods, I believe. It would be nice to have a good sharpener for my KA-BAR.

The Sharpmaker isn't as versatile as some (it has only two fixed angles) but it's simpler to use for a beginner than most, safer to use, and as effective as any. Although I have far more 'professional' sharpening equipment in the house, it's the Sharpmaker that gets used the most, and certainly for all kitchen cutlery. I did add the extra-fine stones to my set.

I wouldn't dream of using the sharpener I bought for the kitchen cuttery on it; it takes off too much metal. On the plus side, run a kitchen knife through it 10 times and the knife will cut through anything on the table.

Sounds as if you bought the "Chef's Choice" with its diamond wheels... It puts on a very aggressive edge that works well in the Western kitchen. You can slice tomatoes paper thin! However, so will a $4.95 Ginsu knife without sharpening...


Stitchawl

[SneakySnake]

Note to self: Moisturise face AFTER trimming fringe! plah!

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Note to self: Moisturise face AFTER trimming fringe! plah!

Note to self: Pillage BEFORE burning... before....



Stitchawl

[orlok]

Originally Posted by xg4bx

somebody needs to bring back that certain moustache style. i think it looked cool on oliver hardy but i can't wear it without being accused of being a nazi.

There's a UK comedian called Richard Herring who has been trying to "reclaim" the toothbrush moustache (but he's suffering the same kind of abuse you mention).

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by xg4bx

somebody needs to bring back that certain moustache style. i think it looked cool on oliver hardy but i can't wear it without being accused of being a nazi.

Looked good on this guy, too.

[WT Sharpe]

Although as much as I liked him in The Gold Rush, I really liked his speech at the end of The Great Dictator.

[WT Sharpe]

And here's the rant to go along with those two previous posts: When posting from my iPad, I need to attach the file before I write the post. If I don't, when I navigate to the attach screen, my post disappears and I have to re-type it when I return.

2nd rant: When posting from my 1st generation iPad, I can only attach one photo per post, and only from external sites, not from the iPad's hard drive.

Maybe if you use a browser besides Safari, it's possible to do more, but I doubt it. Can you even use other browsers with an iPad?