Showing posts with label cook s illustrated. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cook s illustrated. Show all posts

3/14/2012

Simac MX700 PastaMatic Pasta Maker Review

Simac MX700 PastaMatic Pasta Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Having read all of the reviews of the machine, it strikes me that people who have had trouble are probably not used to making things that require a level of attention. Making pasta is not like using a breadmaker. You can't just put all of the ingredients in the machine and walk away. Having used a CTC Pasta Express for years and being generally satisfied with it, I wasn't in the market for a machine as expensive as the Simac. But as an earlier reviewed observed, a large mail order company was selling it for 119 dollars including shipping. I decided to give it a try.
The PastaMatic 700MX operates differently than most models. For one thing, you have to weigh your flour and carefully measure the egg mixture(I use Egg Beaters). It takes longer to knead than my CTC too.
BUT...it makes the best pasta I have ever tried. The strands are much thinner than the CTC and a short dip in boiling water produces a superior pasta. I have purchased additional dies from Lello and look forward to trying them. The complaint about not being able to use 100% semolina is a recognition that that flour alone is just too dense and coarse for an extruder. No electric machine recommends using 100% semolina. But you can use a mixture of semolina and durum flour, which is a finer grind of semolina.
As for the cleanup, I was expecting all kinds of problems but it really wasn't any more difficult than any other appliance. Let it sit for an hour or so and the remaining dough will harden and be much easier to remove.
In short, I really like this machine! It takes time to make it work but that is time well spent.

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FRESH is best, and easy! Simac PastaMatic Pasta Maker. BIG BUCKS OFF! This mixes and shapes your own fresh pasta... super fast and easy! It's a pro-quality machine, made in Italy. Just add flour and water (or egg) and it mixes approx. 1-lb. batches. Patented double-action mixing paddle kneads it as if you were doing it by hand; Includes mixing and kneading blades, and 8 pasta-shaping discs; Marked measuring cup. Feed slot for adding ingredients for the perfect mix; Compact, sleek plastic case, just 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 10 1/4"h. Cast aluminum gears, sturdily designed for long life; Dishwasher-safe parts, removable for easy cleaning; Weighs 15 3/5 lbs. UL-listed. Get this tasty bargain while they last! Simac PastaMatic Pasta Maker

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2/19/2012

Victorinox Cutlery 10-Inch Round Tip Slicing Knife, Black Fibrox Handle Review

Victorinox Cutlery 10-Inch Round Tip Slicing Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have ,as a professional cook,done a lot of banquet and buffet duty using the 12" Granton edge version-rosewood handle. Cross rib,Prime Rib,tri tip,turkey,ham,the Forschner was up to the task. A couple years ago..I picked up the non-granton 12" for myself at a yardsale. At home,I rarely roast anything that big...so it didn't get used really until I wanted to slice a potato VERY thin. I was surprised...this second hand knife with it's over-long blade easily made potato chip thin slices and I'd never even properly sharpened it.
Inspired....I gave it a little tuneup on the steel...went to town and got some fresh salmon and wasabi and had a Sashimi binge. I was rather surprised how well it was working and just kept slicing thinner and thinner pieces. Sweet.
The blade is thin..a bit flexy,quite sharp with no drag. As a Sashimi knife...I think the round tip will get reshaped,but in case I need to fillet a salmon or carve a roast-I have plenty of faith. I'll be taking it to work after the holidays to fine edge it on the nice stone there.
For home....10" is plenty long,and if you can do slivers of raw salmon...a roast beef is way easy. Forschner's Fibrox handles don't look as good as the rosewood-but are less apt to get slippery. You can spend more for cosmetic reasons....get a brand with a more artsy looking handle. I'd rather be more fussy about the food and use one of these to get beautiful thin slices...like the pros

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From the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife comes a line of fine cutlery designed for accomplished and aspiring chefs at work or in the home. Each blade in the Stamped collection is expertly made in Switzerland from high-carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process for an edge that can be resharpened again and again. The result is a knife that can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Each blade is conical ground throughout its length and depth, and laser tested to ensure optimum cutting power and durability. Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension, the unique, patented Fibrox handles are slip resistant when wet. Plus, all Stamped cutlery with Fibrox handles is approved by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of these handles minimize crevices that may otherwise offer hospitality to bacteria. The Victorinox Stamped collection is an extensive range with open-stock pieces as well as handy and versatile sets.
For the person who loves everything about hosting, from prepping to serving, the 10-inch Slicer is an ideal tool. The slicer makes short work of carving roasts, poultry, and fish into neat and even slices in one continuous stroke. It makes a great gift for the home chef who already has everything else, or anyone looking to round out a collection. All Stamped cutlery should be washed by hand for best care, and Victorinox covers each piece with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
From the Manufacturer
Who is Victorinox? Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook\'s Illustrated, Men\'s Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner? Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York\'s R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America\'s dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name "RH Forschner by Victorinox" and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox\'s 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the "RH Forschner" name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the "Victorinox" name.
What is a stamped blade? A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it\'s less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own? Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef\'s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef\'s best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do? Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery? After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher\'s agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp? All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.

How to "Steel" a Knife 1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip. 2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown. 3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch. 4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down. 5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel. 6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it\'s time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives? Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.

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1/28/2012

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife Review

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This knife was part of a gift, and I am pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. There may be other brands with equal utility, but I have not had the pleasure of using them. I am not shy about blasting Wusthof or Henckels for charging obscene prices when another brand offers the same quality for less, but like several specialty knives in the line, this one is a winner. Put your electric whiz bang in the closet, and amaze your guests with this useful (and large) gem.

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This multi-purpose knife features a scalloped edge rather than a serrated one, so it's less abrasive when slicing through meat. With its wavy edge, juices from your meat stay intact. It's also ideal for slicing bread, pastries or cakes, offering cleaner, smoother cuts so there are fewer crumbs. It's fully forged, balanced and weighted and fits perfectly in the hand.Wusthof's newest state of the art technology incorporates a new computer controlled method for putting the edge on Classic knives. This technology allows for an exacting edge from the tip of the knife down to the heel of the knife. With this newer precision, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side for a total of 28 degrees. The knives are now sharper and this refinement increases the sharpness retention because exacting angles and edges last longer than edges sharpened by hand. The result is a knife that is 30% sharper and the ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) lasts twice as long.

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1/17/2012

Tramontina Gourmet Cast Iron Covered Casseroles Review

Tramontina Gourmet Cast Iron Covered Casseroles
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The price can't be beat! $45 with free shipping is a great value regardless of what I write in this review. I was excited to open the box, and loved the color immediately! I continued to be impressed by the weight of the pot. But after completely un packing, I placed the lid on the pot, and looked at my wife and said, this is why a Le Creuset is $245, and this was only $45. The lid does not seal tightly, and you need to rotate the lid to find the position where it seals best, though it's still not 100%, closer to 90%.
Would I buy it again? Probably. Would I have bought it in a store, where the faults were clear before making the decision to purchase? Probably not. I just cannot justify the $200+ dollars for the "real deal".
I hope this helpful.
UPDATE: After using this dutch oven many times for a variety of dishes, I would increase my rating to 4 stars. The initial dissappointment of the ill fitting lid has faded, and what remains is a pot that does its job well and even out on my bakers rack, next to a Le Creuset, holds its own in terms of looks.

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Friends and family will quickly gravitate to the dining-room table with this beautiful casserole as the centerpiece. Measuring 14 by 11-2/7 by 7-4/5 inches, the covered pot holds 6-1/2 quarts, making it perfectly suited for slow cooking homemade soups and stews, sauteing vegetables, braising meats, roasting poultry, baking, and even frying. It also works well for one-dish meals: start by sauteing onions and browning meat, then add liquid and other ingredients to finish on the stovetop or in the oven. The vessel's interior features a light-beige, smooth, porcelain-enamel finish that requires no seasoning, so it's ready to use right out of the box, while its exterior sports a gleaming, vibrant red porcelain-enamel finish that adds a splash of color to any cookware collection.
Constructed from heavy-gauge cast iron, the vessel not only retains and distributes heat evenly (no hot spots to worry about), but it also resists scratches, stains, and the damaging effects of regular household use. Use it on any stovetop, including induction, electric, gas, and ceramic; it can also withstand an oven's heat up to 450 degrees F. Two integrated side handles flank the casserole, helping to ensure safe transport from the kitchen to the tabletop or buffet for use as serveware. The vessel's heavy, secure-fitting lid keeps heat, moisture, and nutrients contained, and its round stay-cool lid knob makes it easy to remove the lid when it's time to give contents a stir or serve up dinner. The covered casserole carries a limited lifetime warranty and cleans up easily by hand with hot, soapy water.

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1/13/2012

Wusthof Culinar 10-Inch Super Slicer Wavy Serrated Knife Review

Wusthof Culinar 10-Inch Super Slicer Wavy Serrated Knife
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wanted to replace my cheap knife block set with a great one that can last a generation and found Wushtof Culinar Series to my liking. Initially, I thought the metallic handle could be slippery. So, I went to a local store and tested it and found it to be be very very grippy and solid to hold. I liked how these knives curve on the handle. That helps handle get a perfect grip in the hand.
This is a very long serrated knife and it works great to slice meats, bread and large items like watermelon. With our old bread knife, we could hardly cut the bread neatly without crushing it producing lots of bread crumbs. With this one, we are able to cut the bread like they do at bakeries. Perfect!
You will not regret spending money on this. You can avoid get a seperate bread knife and carving knife if you get this one.

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This is the super slicer, a 10-in. long knife with a serrated edge that's ideal for slicing foot-long sandwiches or artisan-style breads that tend to be larger than most. The serrated blade cracks through hard crusts yet won't tear and pull the softer insides so your slices stay intact for serving.Part of the Wusthof collection, Culinar knives feature the same legendary forged stainless precision blade and balanced design as lines such as Grand Prix. Its unique patented 18/10 stainless handle sets it apart from more traditional Wusthof knives, adding a contemporary elegance to a timeless, functional kitchen tool.

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9/17/2011

Harold Imports 4-Tier Cooling Rack Review

Harold Imports 4-Tier Cooling Rack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My kitchen is very small and has very limited counter space, so I have a problem when I bake several sheets of cookies. Enter the Baker's Mate, which holds up to four cookie sheets. It is very sturdy and doesn't take up much counter space, allowing you to stack four cookie sheets at a time in a relatively small area (unlike trying to find room for four cooling racks!). It folds up for easy storage and is made in Sweden.

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This kitchen cooling rack is perfect for breads, cookies and pastries. Rack allows air to circulate, which in turn, stops the cooking process. (Plus, you can serve those delicious baked goods all-the-sooner.) Rack has 4-tiers. Accommodates large or small batches of baked goods. Made of durable and long lasting metal.

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9/12/2011

Totally Bamboo Congo Parquet End Grain Cutting Board Review

Totally Bamboo Congo Parquet End Grain Cutting Board
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a nice cutting board and was ranked highest by America's test kitchen. It is a managable size but still large enough to prepare most dishes. The board seems easy on my knives but does not mark easily.
My board did seem to warp slightly however, which makes it rock during cutting. I placed a towell underneath it to stablize it, which seems to do the trick.

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Totally Bamboo's Congo cutting board is designed with the epicurean kitchen in mind.16% harder than maple, Bamboo makes a superior material for cutting boards. The Congo cutting board is handcrafted using flattened strips of cured Bamboo bonded together with the highest rated, US laboratory tested and certified, formaldehyde-free adhesive specifically developed for food contact surfaces. Congo's size, 17.25 x 13.75, makes it perfect for all your larger cutting and serving needs. Congo's unique look is created using the end grain or cross-section of the bamboo pole.Small sections of the end grain are set in opposing directions creating the parquet design.No stains or paint are used to create the two-tones of Congo. The light tone is the Natural color of the Moso Bamboo and the scrumptious Honey shade is created in a very specialized heating process which caramelizes the natural sugar in the wood.These colors are permanent and will not fade or wash out.Care: wash with warm water and mild detergent and occasionally wipe with mineral oil (Do not clean in the dishwasher). An Ecological wonder, Bamboo is a grass that grows to a harvestable height of 60 feet in 3 to 5 years.It has an extensive root system that continually develops new shoots thus not requiring replanting making it an incredible self-renewing resource and a brilliant alternative to the wide spread clear cutting of our world's hard wood forests.Do the world a favor¿ Do Bamboo

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5/15/2011

Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle Review

Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For years I've used an electric knife to slice turkey, roasts, ham, etc. No matter how well I sharpen a carving or chef's knife, I've been unable to avoid sawing back and forth to complete a cut, or worse, having the meat just tear apart as I cut. And thin, deli-style slices are just a dream, even with a sharp electric knife.
This slicer has cured all that. It's long enough to complete a breast cut on a 30-lb turkey in one stroke, and wide enough to make that stroke in a dead-straight line with little or no guidance from me. Thin ham slices for sandwiches are no problem at all. And it's sharp enough cut through the tenderest meat as if through warm butter. The small grooves on the blade seem to keep slices from sticking, making for an effortless cut.
I bought this knife on the basis of a review in Cook's Illustrated. You can spend more, or less, but I don't think you can buy a better slicer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle

From the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife comes a line of fine cutlery designed for accomplished and aspiring chefs at work or in the home. Each blade in the Stamped collection is expertly made in Switzerland from high-carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process for an edge that can be resharpened again and again. The result is a knife that can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Each blade is conical ground throughout its length and depth, and laser tested to ensure optimum cutting power and durability. Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension, the unique, patented Fibrox handles are slip resistant when wet. Plus, all Stamped cutlery with Fibrox handles is approved by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of these handles minimize crevices that may otherwise offer hospitality to bacteria. The Victorinox Stamped collection is an extensive range with open-stock pieces as well as handy and versatile sets.
The 12-inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife has a safe, rounded tip and gives a long, straight edge to maximize the cutting surface. The flutes in the Granton Edge blade minimize friction, which helps the knife glide through meat with ease, making paper thin slices and preventing food from sticking to the blade. All Stamped cutlery should be washed by hand for best care, and Victorinox covers each piece with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
From the Manufacturer
Who is Victorinox? Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook\'s Illustrated, Men\'s Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner? Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York\'s R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America\'s dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name "RH Forschner by Victorinox" and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox\'s 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the "RH Forschner" name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the "Victorinox" name.
What is a stamped blade? A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it\'s less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own? Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef\'s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef\'s best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do? Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery? After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher\'s agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp? All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.

How to "Steel" a Knife 1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip. 2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown. 3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch. 4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down. 5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel. 6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it\'s time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives? Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.

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3/30/2011

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Bread Knife Review

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Bread Knife
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
It's a Wusthof Classic, so it's got all the weight, balance, comfort and precision sharpness of the great German line. This is a great choice for all amateur & aspiring chefs, and many professionals.
The purpose of this review is to urge any shopper investing in a Wusthof bread knife to go for the full 10" length -- it makes a positive difference in leverage as you slice, and easily clears the diameter of virtually any boule, ciabatta, and other artisan loaves. The same principle applies to roasts and other meats, if you use your serrated knives for carving.
The length doesn't diminish anyone's ability to slice tomatoes, panini or any other foods, either. If you're going to spend $100+ on a quality bread knife, make your money go further with the 10" model.

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The pronounced serration of this knife's blade is ideal for cutting through tough crusts without undue pressure. The knife's length and triangular tip make it perfect for slicing both long and round loaves. Cooks frustrated by bread knives that tear crusts or send crumbs flying will welcome this efficient worker.

Like all knives in Wusthof's Classic series, the knife's blade, tang, and bolster come precision forged from a single piece of precisely tempered, high-carbon, stain-resistant steel. This tempering allows the knife to hold its edge for an extremely long time. Even more, it comes with a unique compound angle not seen in many knives. This angle tapers from the spine of the knife to the edge to allow for a sturdy, yet extremely sharp edge while it also tapers from the bolster to the tip to give the knife strength as well as flexibility. Traditional in look, Classic knives are seamlessly constructed with a visible full tang triple-riveted into an ergonomically-shaped synthetic handle. Though the knife is dishwasher-safe, Wusthof recommends hand-washing all fine cutlery. Made in Germany, the knife measures approximately 18 by 3 by 1 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
From the Manufacturer
In the culinary world variety and preparing something outstanding is the key to success. Due to this, Wusthof offers more than 350 different kinds of knives to be able to provide the perfect knife for everyone. No matter which kind of blade and handle shape you are thinking of--Wusthof has the right knife for all your needs.

The most important features of a high-value forged Wusthof knife:
Exceptionally sharp
Long-lasting cutting edge
High stain resistance
Easily restorable edge


Classic Cutlery
The Classic triple-riveted knife series features:
Precision forged from a single piece of sturdy high-carbon steel that resists stains and corrosion
Wusthof's Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) creates an extraordinarily sharp blade that retains its edge 30% longer
Special alloyed, stainless steel
Durable polymer handle is contoured for a comfortable grip
Seamless, hygienic fit of the handle
Full tang is triple riveted to the handle for exceptional durability and control
For professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts
Made in Solingen, Germany

Details of a Forged Wusthof Knife

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