If you’re looking for a way to test drive a knife without having to commit to a purchase, then keep reading. We’ll cover a few different methods that you can use to achieve your goal. For some, you’ll need an extra pair of hands. For others, it’ll just take a little bit of detective work.
Knife Sharpening
Getting a sharp knife is essential if you plan on using it to cut through food quickly and efficiently. Even decent knives can be improved with a bit of TLC (that’s Tin-l-ing to you). Once you’ve had a good sharpening session, you’ll be able to cut through whatever you desire with ease. If you’re looking to purchase a new knife, then consider what type of sharpening you need to make it easier for you to get the hang of using it.
Wrap It Up
This is a great way to get a knife without having to commit to buying it. Simply take a sharp knife and wrap it in a small piece of cloth. Then, grab a nearby bottle and start shaking it vigorously. If you do this right, then you’ll end up with a sharp knife inside a bottle. Of course, you’ll need to find a way to keep the knife inside the bottle when you’re done. To do this, tie a knot in the bottle’s mouth using some twine or wire. Then, pour the contents in a safe place until it solidifies. After this, you can take the knife out and store it safely at home. This method won’t give you an exact idea of how the knife will behave in reality, but it’ll get the job done for the time being.
Use Deodorizer
A lot of knives are sensitive to smells, so if you have an old or new knife you’re planning to use, then be sure to deodorize it first. There are a variety of commercial products you can use for this purpose, but some people prefer to simply toss it into a corner and wash their hands afterwards. It really depends on what type of odor you’re trying to remove. We don’t recommend using bleach to treat knife smells because it’ll strip the steel of its natural protective coating. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with sharp instruments, so do what you need to do to remove the smell.
Do Research
This one may seem obvious, yet people will go out of their way to purchase a knife only to discover it’s not the right one for them. It’s important to do some research into the different types of knives available, their uses, and how sharp they are. You may be surprised to learn that some knives are better suited to certain types of food or for certain tasks, while others are just for decoration. If you’re not sure what type of knife you need, then it’s best to either buy one that already has the right qualities or go down the road to find out what else is out there. It’s usually better to learn how to sharpen a knife yourself than to go through the trial and error process of learning how to use a dull knife.
Buy A Craft Knife
These are exactly what they sound like; knives that are handmade and designed for skilled use. They’re usually made of high-quality materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel and have a tapered, sharpened edge. The best part is that you won’t need an extreme sharpening session to make them usable. Just a few swipes across the grain with a proper stone will do the trick. So, if you’re looking for a versatile and safe knife that you can bring along for any occasion, then consider a craft knife.
Watch The Corners
Make sure you watch the corners of your kitchen and dining room whenever you prepare food. This will help you avoid trips and falls that may otherwise occur if something was dropped or knocked over by accident. It’s also wise to keep your hands near the counter when cutting vegetables or fruits because the hand motions needed to cut with a knife are similar to how you would when throwing a punch. It’s easy to accidentally stab yourself or cause an injury to yourself or another person simply by being careless with a knife. So, keeping your hands close to you at all times will reduce the risk of being hurt by a knife.
Use Tissue
Wet tissue goes a long way in protecting your food from being contaminated by grease or other fluids. So, if you’re preparing something gourmet or high-risk, then wet tissue should do the trick. You can also use napkins or cloths to mop up spills on the countertop. When mopping up liquids or cleaning up after accidents, make sure that the area is completely dry before continuing with other tasks. Otherwise, you may end up with a damp countertop that could lead to mildew or bacteria growing in the nooks and crannies.
Get The Right Equipment
It’s important to have the right equipment in your kitchen, especially if you’re preparing food that needs to be kept at a certain temperature range. For example, if you’re making salmon, you’ll need a thermometer to ensure the fish doesn’t overcook. Having the right equipment prevents accidents and ensures each bite is prepared the way you intended it to be. Don’t cheap out and purchase the first thing you come across when looking for equipment. Instead, take your time and do a bit of research into what else is out there before making a purchase. With proper equipment, every bite will taste the same as the first.
Find The Sweet Spot
Every knife has a ‘sweet spot’, which is a place where the knife is particularly suited to. Ideally, you want to find the spot where the blade meets the handle or a position where the tip is hovering just above the surface of the food you’re chopping or slicing. Whatever the case may be, you need to find that sweet spot for each individual knife to ensure the most efficient and safe use.
Consider Your Safety
Make sure that you’re always mindful of your safety when using a knife. Wear protective gloves, wear safety goggles or at least shield your eyes, and stay close to the kitchen counter. Having these safety measures in place makes it much easier to prevent injuries from occurring and minimizes the risk of accidents. If you follow these guidelines, then you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a sharp knife without the fear of getting hurt.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of how to get a knife without betting, it’s time to put this knowledge to the test. Go out there and start sharpening!