Thursday, September 8, 2011

Pocketknife Care Made Easy


There are literally thousands of articles on the web that outline various methods of caring for your knives. In this article, I will break it down to the simplest terms � using the KISS principle �Keep It Simple Stupid� to describe how to ensure your favorite knife lasts you many years. The information in this article is valid for all types of pocketknives, and can be used to care for all knives.


IN CONCLUSION � Take good care of your pocketknives and they will last for many years.Maybe you just gave your son or daughter their first pocketknife and want to teach them how to care for it. No matter if you are a hunter, hiker, camper, or wilderness backpacker, you know that a quality pocketknife is a valuable tool and, if properly cared for it will last you may years.There are many brands of pocketknives and just as many levels of quality with varying degrees of corrosion resistance � suffice it to say knives made with lower quality metals will require somewhat more care to ensure they stay corrosion-free. BUT for the purposes of this article, the prudent level of care described below should keep any knife in good working order.1. USE YOUR POCKETKNIFE PROPERLY � Remember a knife is not a screwdriver and a screwdriver is not a knife: Use your knife properly, cut only stuff your knife was made to cut � avoid cutting cardboard or paper and never use a cutting board made of glass, granite, or other hard substances. And, of course, (but many people ignore this one) don�t use your pocketknife as a screwdriver, chisel or a pry-bar.� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environmentSHARPENING � Always keep your pocketknives sharp. A sharp knife is more efficient and easy to use. There are a number of different styles of knife sharpeners � the three primary styles are sharpening stones, diamond sharpening sticks, and ceramic �crock sticks.� All of these have their pros- and cons- but they all can sharpen knives effectively. When sharpening your pocketknife, I recommend you sharpen to the original angles of the blade. Just follow the instructions that came with the sharpener. Remember there is no need to grind the knife away - go slowly and check progress after every few strokes and stop when you have reached the desired sharpness. When done, don�t forget to wipe the blade clean and apply a light coat of oil or silicone protectant.2. STORING YOUR POCKETKNIFE � When not in use wipe your pocketknife lightly with oil ( a good silicone spray lubricant can also be used) and store it in a dry place. NEVER store your knife in its sheath � especially a leather sheath, as leather tends to hold moisture and can cause corrosion.Whether you have one pocketknife or a huge collection of quality knives, including the full range of pocketknives, folding knives, fixed blade knives and pulti-purpose tools, you must maintain and care for them or they will deteriorate. I remember once when I pulled my favorite knife out of the leather sheath for the first time in a year, it was all stained and the blade was covered with rust.� Oil your knife frequently; especially pivot points and the blade.� Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.� Keep your pocketknife clean and dry.HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR POCKETKNIVES

� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environment




Saturday, September 3, 2011

Pocket Knife Care Made Easy


There are literally thousands of articles on the web that outline various methods of caring for your knives. In this article, I will break it down to the simplest terms � using the KISS principle �Keep It Simple Stupid� to describe how to ensure your favorite knife lasts you many years. The information in this article is valid for all types of pocketknives, and can be used to care for all knives.


� Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.4. SHARPENING � Always keep your pocketknives sharp. A sharp knife is more efficient and easy to use. There are a number of different styles of knife sharpeners � the three primary styles are sharpening stones, diamond sharpening sticks, and ceramic �crock sticks.� All of these have their pros- and cons- but they all can sharpen knives effectively. When sharpening your pocketknife, I recommend you sharpen to the original angles of the blade. Just follow the instructions that came with the sharpener. Remember there is no need to grind the knife away - go slowly and check progress after every few strokes and stop when you have reached the desired sharpness. When done, don�t forget to wipe the blade clean and apply a light coat of oil or silicone protectant.There are many brands of pocketknives and just as many levels of quality with varying degrees of corrosion resistance � suffice it to say knives made with lower quality metals will require somewhat more care to ensure they stay corrosion-free. BUT for the purposes of this article, the prudent level of care described below should keep any knife in good working order.IN CONCLUSION � Take good care of your pocketknives and they will last for many years.Maybe you just gave your son or daughter their first pocketknife and want to teach them how to care for it. No matter if you are a hunter, hiker, camper, or wilderness backpacker, you know that a quality pocketknife is a valuable tool and, if properly cared for it will last you may years.3. CLEANING AND OILING � Many normal uses for your knife such as pealing citrus fruit, cleaning fish or skinning game can leave corrosive residues on your knife. After using your knife, always clean the entire knife with mild soapy water. Then dry it thoroughly and apply a liberal coating of clean oil before putting it into storage. Finally, if you don�t use the knife frequently, take it out 3-4 time a year to inspect it for corrosion, and apply a new coat of oil. These actions will ensure a long life for your knife.Whether you have one pocketknife or a huge collection of quality knives, including the full range of pocketknives, folding knives, fixed blade knives and pulti-purpose tools, you must maintain and care for them or they will deteriorate. I remember once when I pulled my favorite knife out of the leather sheath for the first time in a year, it was all stained and the blade was covered with rust.� Keep your pocketknife clean and dry.2. STORING YOUR POCKETKNIFE � When not in use wipe your pocketknife lightly with oil ( a good silicone spray lubricant can also be used) and store it in a dry place. NEVER store your knife in its sheath � especially a leather sheath, as leather tends to hold moisture and can cause corrosion.1. USE YOUR POCKETKNIFE PROPERLY � Remember a knife is not a screwdriver and a screwdriver is not a knife: Use your knife properly, cut only stuff your knife was made to cut � avoid cutting cardboard or paper and never use a cutting board made of glass, granite, or other hard substances. And, of course, (but many people ignore this one) don�t use your pocketknife as a screwdriver, chisel or a pry-bar.� Oil your knife frequently; especially pivot points and the blade.HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR POCKETKNIVES

� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environment




Friday, September 2, 2011

I'd like a cutting-edge knife block for under pounds 80


?DO you know where I can get a decent set of knives which will stay sharp? I'm willing to pay up to pounds 80. - Jackie Jones, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics ZENA SAYS: Knife block sets look great on display in the shop, but they are often disappointing. Many have stainless steel blades stamped out of one piece of metal and sharpened on an industrial machine. Once the blade gets dull, they are virtually impossible to sharpen at home.


Wendy Miranda, of Lakeland, suggests their Soft-Grip 15-piece knife set, at pounds 49.99 (www.lakeland. co.uk 015394 88100), which includes six steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel and block. For a single knife, try their Kyocera Ceramic Slicing Knife at pounds 48.97. Alternatively, I suggest the Lion Sabatier Licorne fivepiece set in havea wood block. It's currently on special offer for pounds 79.95 from Kitchen Kapers (www.kitchenkapers. co.uk, 01276 683688).




Kyocera Introduces a Ceramic Knife Sharpener for the Home


COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Kyocera Advanced Ceramics recently introduced an electric ceramic knife sharpener (Model # DS-50, MSRP: $79.95) to the US market for a simple solution to sharpening Kyocera knives at home.


Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6359005&lang=enKyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of cutting tools, electronic components, semiconductor packages, industrial ceramics, solar power generating systems, document imaging systems and telecommunications equipment. During the year ended March 31, 2009, the company’s net sales totaled 1.13 trillion yen (approximately US$11.5 billion). Kyocera marks its 50th anniversary in 2009, and the 40th anniversary of its U.S. operations. It is ranked #418 on Forbes magazine’s 2009 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.About KYOCERAKyocera ceramic knives hold a razor-sharp edge 10 times longer than conventional cutlery, are chemically inert and typically half the weight of equivalent steel knives. Ceramic will not rust or transfer a metallic taste or smell, keeping foods fresh. Since the ceramic blade is so light, no artificial weight is added to the handle. This creates an extremely balanced, lightweight tool that becomes a comfortable extension of the hand, reducing fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks.Kyocera Tycom Corp. is the world’s premier manufacturer of carbide cutting tools for the printed circuit board industry and precision micro tool supplier to the medical, electronic, industrial, automotive and aerospace industries. It is also the U.S. distributor for Kyocera Advanced Ceramics cutlery and kitchen tools. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of San Diego, Calif.-based Kyocera International, Inc., the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6359005&lang=en




Thursday, September 1, 2011

KYOCERA to Double Shipments of Ceramic Kitchen Knives


Company Targets Two Million Units Per Year by March 31, 2014


Kyocera Corporation�(NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971)(http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of ceramic kitchen utensils and applied ceramic products, solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the company's net sales totaled 1.07 trillion yen (approximately USD11.5 billion). The company is ranked #554 on Forbes magazine's 2010 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.Kyocera will continue to develop products that meet its customers' various needs so more people worldwide can enjoy the ease-of-use, convenience and quality of ceramic knives.Kyocera's retail distribution network has also steadily increased to about 8,000 stores worldwide. U.S retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and Amazon.com offer Kyocera's knives, along with Harrods in the U.K., El Corte Ingl�s in Spain and Galeries Lafayette in France.KYOTO, Japan -- Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it will boost annual shipments of its popular ceramic knives to two million units per year by FY2014* -- an increase of 120% over last fiscal year's volume of 900,000. The company will also strengthen its main manufacturing facilities for ceramic knives in order to meet expected growth in global demand.* FY2014: Fiscal year ending March 31, 2014In recent years, demand for the company's ceramic knives has rapidly grown. The trend of consumers demanding higher quality kitchen products, an increase in kitchen products being purchased as gifts, and the 2006 introduction of Kyocera's Color Series have all contributed to the increased popularity and sales.After more than a quarter of a century of sales, total shipments of Kyocera's ceramic knives exceeded 6 million units in December of 2009, and are currently sold in more than 35 nations.Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6365642&lang=enKyocera knives and kitchen utensils are made using the company's fine ceramics, resulting in lightweight blades that stay sharp for long periods, never corrode, and can even be bleached for thorough cleaning. These unique characteristics have contributed to the growing popularity of Kyocera's ceramic knives since their introduction in 1984.Global Web site: http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/fc_consumer/kitchen/U.S. Web site: http://www.kyoceraadvancedceramics.com/For more information about Kyocera Ceramic Knives:About KYOCERA

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6365642&lang=en




The Yoshi Blade: Now You Can Cut Down on Prep Time


Most cooks generally agree that the worst part of cooking is getting everything ready to make their pi�ce de r�sistance. Most great dishes require prep work � maybe it�s chopping the vegetables for your homemade pico de gallo, slicing the ingredients for your mango salsa, or simply scraping and cutting the vegetables and meat for your homemade soup. It is all the �grunt work� that goes into a good meal.


Santoku is an all-purpose kitchen knife that originated in Japan. Its 5- to 8-inch blade has a flat edge and a sheep�s foot blade that curves in an angle at the end of the knife. The handle of the knife aligns with the top of the blade. When translated, the word Santoku means �three uses,� which is perfect for the Yoshi Blade as it easily performs the three tasks you want of any knife: it slices, dice and minces. This means the Yoshi Blade is just about the only knife you need in your kitchen.The Yoshi Blade is an eco-friendly design that will not rust and will keep its sharp, precision edge year after year. Its blade is make of zirconium oxide, one of the most studied ceramic materials. If the term �zirconium� sounds familiar, it should. Single crystals of the cubic form of zirconia are used in jewelry � cubic zirconia. The qualities that make this faux gem stone so hard to tell from its diamond counterpart make it a strong, sharp knife that is 40 percent stronger than steel. In fact, it is the second-hardest material known to man after the diamond. And because the Yoshi Blade is made of a ceramic material, it will not rust or pit.Santoku- designed knives are lighter, thinner and shorter than a Western chef's knife, which is usually about 8 inches long. And remember, a shorter knife is more nimble to use.Manufacturers of the Yoshi Blade knife usually offer the knife as part of a package, which can make it an even more valuable deal. One package offers a free ceramic peeler � for use when peeling carrots, radishes and cucumbers � free with the purchase of the knife. Other times, you can buy a set of the Yoshi Blades, including a 5-inch slicing knife, a 4-inch paring knife and a 3-inch paring knife. No matter which package you find, a Yoshi Blade knife is bargain like no other.MaterialsCaring for your Yoshi Blade is pretty simple. First it will rarely need sharpening. If, by some chance, it becomes dull, the manufacturer will sharpen it for just the cost of shipping and handling.ReviewsThere are other great qualities about the Yoshi Blade. For instance, it will not stain or rust because of the hardness of the ceramic material. It is also a non-stick surface that makes the blade easy to clean. And, as opposed to stainless steel, the ceramic blade will never alter the taste of food it touches.If you�re still not sure about the claims made about Yoshi Blade knives, check out online reviews that tout the benefits of the Yoshi Blade knife:Santoku design�The Yoshi blade might not out-perform some of the top-dollar (a few hundred dollars per knife) chef�s knives, but for the $30 price point, you would have a hard time finding a knife that performs better and cuts with such precision,� read another review.�The paring knife, as well as the other two ceramic Yoshi Blade knives, performed flawlessly on fruits and vegetables we tested, as well as turkey breast. We were able to thinly slice the softest and juiciest tomatoes and get a nice slice of cooked turkey with the same knife,� said one reviewer.If you are a cook who values your time, you owe it to yourself to make some of that prep work a more manageable chore. A good knife can go a long way to making your time in the kitchen a more pleasant experience. See if the Yoshi Blade isn�t the knife to do just that.The difference between prep time that is a chore and prep time that�s a breeze can be a good, sharp knife � like the Yoshi Blade ceramic knife. This powerful knife will cut bread without smashing it. It will let you slice vegetables like a surgeon, thanks to its precision, ceramic blade. And as for cutting meat, the Yoshi Blade always stays sharp enough to cut the thickest cuts of meat.When making a Yoshi Blade, the material forming the blade undergoes high-pressure molding. Then it is fired at temperatures in excess of 1832� Fahrenheit. The material is then polished on a wheel to form the cutting edge, which is attached to the handle of the knife.Packaging

If you are a cook who values your time, you owe it to yourself to make some of that prep work a more manageable chore. A good knife can go a long way to making your time in the kitchen a more pleasant experience. See if the Yoshi Blade isn�t the knife to do just that.




Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Experts question airport X-ray results


The Washington Post


Government testing, which has been mostly classified because of security concerns, has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the full-body scanners.The "good catches," federal officials say, have largely gone unnoticed amid the criticism that erupted over the ghostly X-rays and "enhanced" pat-downs. The Transportation Security Administration, which intensified airport screening last month, points to several successes: small amounts of marijuana wrapped in baggies, other drugs stitched inside underwear, ceramic knives concealed in shirt pockets.The full-body scanners in use at 78 U.S. airports can detect small amounts of contraband and hidden weapons, all while producing controversial images of travelers.Based partly on early successes, federal officials are planning to continue an unprecedented roll-out of the technology over the next year. By New Year's Day, about 500 machines will be in use across the country. By the end of next year, 1,000 X-ray machines will be operational, accounting for roughly half of the nation's 2,000 lanes of security checkpoints.

Based partly on early successes, federal officials are planning to continue an unprecedented roll-out of the technology over the next year. By New Year's Day, about 500 machines will be in use across the country. By the end of next year, 1,000 X-ray machines will be operational, accounting for roughly half of the nation's 2,000 lanes of security checkpoints.




Cutting up on winter food


We admit it freely: eating is among our favorite activities, especially this time of year. After all, winter food festivals hardly end with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years--at least among our family and friends. Any occasion is a good time to indulge one's taste buds. Dead ahead lies Little Christmas, as well as Groundhog, Valentine's, and St. Patrick's Day--and Lincoln and Washington's birthdays can hardly be ignored, either. Now, if good food deserves anything beyond a hearty appetite, it's the proper eating utensils---and tops on our list is a quality set of knives, which is why we go with cutlery from Chi Home, LLC, Houston, Texas.


The Chi Cuisine Ceramic lineup includes the 6", 7", and 8" Chef, 6" Slicer, 5" Santoku, 5" Utility, and 4" and 3" Paring knives. To learn more, visit www.chihome.com.

The Chi Cuisine Ceramic lineup includes the 6", 7", and 8" Chef, 6" Slicer, 5" Santoku, 5" Utility, and 4" and 3" Paring knives. To learn more, visit www.chihome.com.




Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Kyocera Kyotop Ceramic Chef�s Knife


You will experience the difference as soon as you pick up this ceramic chef�s knife. Kyocera offers a premier line of ceramic cutlery in the Kyotop Damascus line of professional kitchen knives.


This knife feels incredibly light, yet perfectly balanced in the palm of your hand. The blade is expertly fashioned with razor sharp precision. Pakka wood handles add a touch of elegance to the knife, not to mention the beautiful dark sheen of the wood.I first fell in love with ceramic knives when I discovered them as a wonderful compliment to raw foods preparation. This knife is the best choice for those enjoying a living foods lifestyle. As the diet purifies so does one�s sense of taste refine accordingly. The metallic taste of steel detracts significantly from the subtle qualities of the nutritional elements.Actually, it all started with sushi. Top professional chef�s first began using ceramic knives a couple decades ago for advanced preparation techniques. It was only a matter of time before the Japan blades made their way into western culture, as more and more people learned of the exceptional quality of these knives.Th Pakka wood is engineered to perform under extreme conditions and will never warp or absorb water. This advanced line is more than just a chef�s knife, it�s an experience.These blades are tough. The damascus kitchen knife has been engineered for strength. Ceramic blades are often fired in a sealed chamber under high pressure. This enhances the blade density, giving it greater wear resistance.There is another interesting quality of the damascus line. These blades leave a cut so pure they won�t brown fruits and vegetables. This makes them ideal for a healthy lifestyle that includes many fresh fruits and vegetables, free of the metallic impression.If you�ve ever sliced an apple in half and left it for a while, you likely discovered the brown discoloration. Ceramic does not leave the metallic residue behind that creates this visible form of oxidation. These ceramic blades leave no metallic taste or smell associated with traditional kitchen cutlery. Your fruits and vegetables will retain freshness longer, simply by switching to ceramic knives.And the unique damascus design across the blades only add to the aesthetic appeal.The Kyotop knife truly adds a sense of heightened adventure to the culinary experience. The sleek, grounded damascus blades almost dare you to push exotic creations even further, and the blade action doesn�t even feel like cutting. Often I experience an impression of effortless movement through the morsel of choice.You may also be surprised to learn just how many professional kitchens now use ceramic knives in addition to the traditional chef�s knife. But truly these blades are for everyone wishing to experience the superior quality of a ceramic chef�s knife. As soon as you discover the experience for yourself, they will become increasingly popular in kitchen as well!Kyocera ceramic knives are crafted of lightweight zirconium oxide, making them impervious to the food acids that often discolor steel products. They will never rust or stain. The lasting beauty and longevity of these knives only adds to the value of your investment.With a boost in productivity and efficiency, this damascus kitchen knife will impress you with a experience of zen-like precision. These ceramic blades produce slices so thin you can actually see through them. They maintain superior edge retention which makes them ideal for fruits, vegetables, and boneless meats like sushi.

You may also be surprised to learn just how many professional kitchens now use ceramic knives in addition to the traditional chef�s knife. But truly these blades are for everyone wishing to experience the superior quality of a ceramic chef�s knife. As soon as you discover the experience for yourself, they will become increasingly popular in kitchen as well!




Sunday, August 21, 2011

Pocketknives are Priceless


They can be the sportsman�s' most excellent companion. Whether used on a fishing trip or for cutting up that big buck, pocketknives are priceless.


Some pocketknives that are sold are deliberate copies of period pocketknives. Bowie pocketknives come in a lot of special patterns and lengths. They come with matching handles that portray certain eras in olden times. Many pocketknives like the Case products are considered collectable. They come in a range of handle material and blade designs. Knife collectors are abundant and keep the knife companies extremely busy. There are historic pocketknives made for re-enactors and collectors. Contemporary pocket knives are being fashioned that reflect those used by the early Native American and the mountain man.Blades come in many different forms. A few of these different blade materials on these pocketknives consist of 154 cm, 420, aus-8, 440, Ats-34, aus-6 and D-2 steel. Some steel will hold an edge longer and some will resist rust and the elements better. Higher carbon steels are better for most purposes. D-2 and ats-34 are superior blade materials. Good tempering is an added plus for determining blade characteristics.A sharp knife will be much safer and it will do its future job much quicker and easier. Be safe and enjoy the wide range of knives on hand to you. You have so much to pick from.Typically the larger pocketknives are made of softer metals. Large knifes used instead of an axe for cutting are normally made of this variety. Some knife makers claim that their pocketknives will plow through two elk. Some pocketknives are manufactured to be satisfying to the eye but will not hold up well under heavy use. Fixed blade pocketknives can take a lot of misuse and do not have need of a locking devise to make them stable and safe. Keep your pocketknives sharpened.Get the knife that fits you and fits the planned use that you want of it. If you would like to carry a individual knife, a small folding knife is best. Folders are also made for heavy work on deer and other game animals.Prices will be higher for horn and other exotic materials used for handles. The better blade metal will be more costly than lesser quality blades. The higher quality blades will hone to a sharper edge. Blades with higher Rockwell hardness will typically stay sharper longer. A Rockwell hardness of 58-60 is considered good and serviceable. Blades come today in many different forms. Ceramic blades are very sharp and normally are so hard they have to be sent back to the manufacturers to be sharpened. The lone drawback is that they are very brittle and break more easily than average blades. Titanium and powdered titanium used in blade materials are very serviceable and make good blades. Buffalo bone handles look super on Obsidian blades.They come in several different shapes and sizes. The smaller knife is better used for hunting needs. The longer thinner pocketknives are good for your fishing uses. Fixed blade or folding pocketknives give you a tool with different handling. Knife handles come in several different materials. Wood, rubber, horn, leather, plastic and several other materials adorn these knives.Sets of pocket knives are sold for the serious sportsman that will handle every duty from gutting and skinning down to steak preparation.The sheaths that go with these pocketknives are made from lots of unusual materials. Leather, kryton and other materials are used to cover and protect these pocket knives. Many are decorated with materials of choice. Some have snap closures and others have good receptacles for their fixed blade counterparts. Some sheaths are adorned with beads and some are decked out with leather lacing.

Stop by http://www.knifepointer.com for more knife info.




Author: Guy Scott


Friday, August 19, 2011

Smart Storage Solutions For Your Kitchen


More than ever before has it become essential to be organized, as kitchens become more of a living and entertaining space, and with just about everyone getting into cooking and entertaining.


Utensils, cutting knives are best near their place of use, there are now a diverse range of storage products for knives from work top freestanding units to wall magnets.Also consider practicality of where things are, i.e.it is good to have your large dinnerware quite close to the dishwasher to save time and effort.You can get an array of different drawer dividers, my favourites are the wooden ones which add a bit of interest and don�t mark like their�plastic counterparts, make sure you measure accurately before purchasingBe creative when storing your utensils, pots and pans and ornaments and make it fun. Create open and closed storage by combining closed cupboards with open displays units, these can be bought or custom made.Whether it�s an interesting ceramic pot with your wooden spoons in, or�bake ware in a dedicated drawer - it is always far easier to find things in logical places.Clear plastic containers are good for cereals, but best stored in a cupboard and bought out only at breakfast, whereas tall elegant glass ones containing pastas and pulses in great shapes, textures and colours can go on display in large glass containers. Square containers are good in cupboards for space savers, although we use a collection of wooden square Cuban cigar boxes, Victorian enamel bread bins and flour containers can be found at your local bric-a-brac/antique shop and make a great authentic addition to any kitchen.We are all proud of our latest gadgets, but more often than not we build up a space hungry collection - too much to display all at once. So put away the sandwich toaster in the summer and get out the zinc beer cooler ready for that bar be que.In any kitchen, especially a small one, day to day living becomes more of a pleasure if you have planned your kitchen and dining areas well. In a large kitchen, it is equally important to optimize the space to realize its potential. If your kitchen is already fitted, you can rationalise and implement extra touches to your storage even more effectively. If you are putting in a new kitchen, then you have no excuse not to be really putting into practice the �science� of storage.Make sure you have a good range of clips, pegs and fasteners to keep food fresh and plan a cycle of storage cleaning to ensure everything hidden is kept regularly spic and span. Think of kids and pets when planning to keep certain things like cleaning product out of harms way.If you are lucky enough to have a larder [or pantry as it is also called] you should use the space thoughtfully, mainly for storing groceries. In our house we have shelves in the upper half, with containers at the back with less used ingredients and the good looking jars, containers, packets and tins at the front which are a display in their own right. The lower section has two wire basket trolley units which are pulled out for ease. The design of your pantry should be a bit like the inside of your fridge - with all the surfaces utilized.6] Group items by function.To find out more about enhancing your home kitchen and dining experience, go to;Free up the walls, use freestanding antique dressers, [glass fronted ones let you see everything at a glance] rails for hanging, metal industrial shelving units, or bakers racks from catering suppliers - store the least used things at the top!5] Thoughtfully load your larder.This is important if you already have a fitted kitchen to add personality to bland units; a small area of shelving with your own quirky objects combined with practical kitchenware. If you are installing shelving, think laterally with your installation - you can go floor to ceiling for example. Use insides of cupboard doors for hanging, quality hooks are good if well installed, however, be �clever and don�t crowd�4] Organize Draw space.http://www.kitchendesires.com/9] Be Clean and safe.10] Cut out the distance.1 ] Utilise redundant space.3] Get rid of the fitted kitchen look.Here are my ten essential tips for smart kitchen storage:8] Get Containers for every use.Long gone are the days when you had a plastic bin hidden under the sink unit, where dirt and germs collected - this space is now freed up for cleaning and utility product as bins and recyclers are designed to be space effective and look great. Corner bins are often practical where space is limited.With a bit of planning and enthusiasm you will be able to treat kitchen storage as a creative project - not just a functional chore.2] Display rather than conceal.

http://www.kitchendesires.com/




Author: Mike Furniss


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Spruce Up Your Home Without Busting Your Budget


Do-it-yourself tips for summer remodeling projects


Make a tiny bathroom look larger.Pour on the charm: upgrade the faucet.For more easy and inexpensive tips on sprucing up your home this summer, visit www.americanstandard-us.com or www.hometips.com.Kids climbing the walls? Try scrubbable paint.While many of us turn our thoughts to upgrading our homes, our budgets may already be tapped. Here are some simple do-it-yourself ideas to spruce up your home, specifically the kitchen and bath, without breaking your budget.Flooring makes a huge difference in the appearance of a kitchen or bath. "Oftentimes vinyl flooring is dated and worn," Vandervort says. "But the good news is that you can go ahead and lie new vinyl or laminated wood material right over the old flooring. Many of the items available today give the look of ceramic tile or natural wood at a lower cost."Ketchup, food, scuff marks, mud all these things can just be wiped clean with some of the new high-performance paint finishes available today. "Interior paints have a scrubbability rating, established through standardized testing," Vandervort says. "Though this rating may not be posted on the can, a paint retailer should have information on the rating."Gain a foothold on more attractive flooring.Even a bathroom the size of a phone booth can look larger with a little ingenuity, according to www.americanstandard-us.com. Try using lighter, cooler colors: they feel airy and trick the eye. Wallpaper with a smaller pattern also helps expand the space. Try some on the ceiling, or emphasize horizontal lines with a coordinating border. Or try installing bath tile that contains a subtle pattern and then repeat it onto the floor. If your bath is really petite, try using a trim pedestal lavatory or wall hung fixtures - both free up valuable floor space. Also, remember to go heavy on the lighting and choose reflective surfaces, such as a shiny marble vanity."One problem with using a flat paint on interior walls is that it doesn't take kindly to scrubbing," he says. "If you scrub it with a damp cloth, you'll remove the dirt or smudge, but the exposed pigment particles can ruin the finish. To avoid this, choose a high performance paint (not flat), that can stand up to a good washing."For an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up a kitchen, install under-the-counter lighting. A small purchase at the hardware store is all it takes to completely change the way the light hits the surfaces of a room. You can also save energy dollars by choosing the right lighting. "Switch from incandescent light bulbs to highly efficient compact fluorescents, and you'll use about one-quarter to one-third less energy to produce the same amount of light," Vandervort says. Another tip: move natural light further into rooms by bouncing it off the ceiling. A window located close to the ceiling works for this, as do louvers or operable blinds that can help direct light.Expand space with drawer organizers.Jazz up cabinets with snappy new drawer pulls.(ARA) - Ah, summer. Between neighborhood softball games and trips to the community pool, it's the biggest time of the year for moving and home remodeling.Is a small-sized kitchen or bath cramping your style? Try adding drawer organizers to increase your storage space. These days, you can find a nice range of inexpensive racks and slide-in baskets at discount and hardware stores. Whether you store cleaning utensils, Grandma's vintage pie pans, or your favorite bath salts you can create new nooks and crannies for all of your stuff, and get the clutter off the counter.A beautifully designed faucet can change the look of your sink area and the way you feel about your drinking water. Simple faucet design lines can make a clean and modern addition to the kitchen or bathroom sink, while some faucet models can even improve the taste of the water coming from the tap. "Not everyone likes the taste of their tap water," says Vandervort. "For those who choose the filtration route, an attractive, yet practical solution is the ClearTap Water Filtering Kitchen or Lavatory Faucet, made by American Standard. It removes contaminants, retains fluoride, and produces clean, good tasting water with the turn of a faucet handle."Brighten it up.

For more easy and inexpensive tips on sprucing up your home this summer, visit www.americanstandard-us.com or www.hometips.com.




Author: ARA Content


Great Tools For Knife Sharpening


Knife sharpening has come a long way from the traditional bench stone. Although these are still available, a wide variety of other tools are now available to sharpen every type of knife or cutting device. The knife sharpener you choose will depend on the tools you need to sharpen and your personal preference.


Wheels come in a variety of shapes. A straight wheel is the most common. These have a front facing cutting edge. A cylinder wheel is another common shape. These wheels have the cutting edge on the front of the cylinder.� Oil your knife frequently; especially pivot points and the blade.Maybe you just gave your son or daughter their first pocketknife and want to teach them how to care for it. No matter if you are a hunter, hiker, camper, or wilderness backpacker, you know that a quality pocketknife is a valuable tool and, if properly cared for it will last you may years.� Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.� Oil your knife frequently; especially pivot points and the blade.The grit size is another consideration in choosing the right wheel for the job. A lower number, for example ten or twenty four, is a coarse grain wheel. A larger number, like 100 or 180 is a fine grain. Fine grains are good for finishing work as they remove smaller pieces of metal from the edge of the knife.Maybe you just gave your son or daughter their first pocketknife and want to teach them how to care for it. No matter if you are a hunter, hiker, camper, or wilderness backpacker, you know that a quality pocketknife is a valuable tool and, if properly cared for it will last you may years.IN CONCLUSION � Take good care of your pocketknives and they will last for many years.Zirconia alumina is a blend of aluminium and zirconium oxide. This combination makes for a very durable wheel. It is good for sharpening a wide range of steels and alloys. This material is the next most common substance used after aluminium oxide.

Manual sharpeners are less expensive. They are also precise and work with all types of chain. A manual lever is used to lock the chain in place. Manual chain saw sharpeners often come with more than one wheel. This makes them more versatile and ensures they will work with your chain.




Author: Bianca Bartegi


Pocketknife Care Made Easy


There are literally thousands of articles on the web that outline various methods of caring for your knives. In this article, I will break it down to the simplest terms � using the KISS principle �Keep It Simple Stupid� to describe how to ensure your favorite knife lasts you many years. The information in this article is valid for all types of pocketknives, and can be used to care for all knives.


There are many brands of pocketknives and just as many levels of quality with varying degrees of corrosion resistance � suffice it to say knives made with lower quality metals will require somewhat more care to ensure they stay corrosion-free. BUT for the purposes of this article, the prudent level of care described below should keep any knife in good working order.HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR POCKETKNIVES2. STORING YOUR POCKETKNIFE � When not in use wipe your pocketknife lightly with oil ( a good silicone spray lubricant can also be used) and store it in a dry place. NEVER store your knife in its sheath � especially a leather sheath, as leather tends to hold moisture and can cause corrosion.IN CONCLUSION � Take good care of your pocketknives and they will last for many years.There are many brands of pocketknives and just as many levels of quality with varying degrees of corrosion resistance � suffice it to say knives made with lower quality metals will require somewhat more care to ensure they stay corrosion-free. BUT for the purposes of this article, the prudent level of care described below should keep any knife in good working order.1. USE YOUR POCKETKNIFE PROPERLY � Remember a knife is not a screwdriver and a screwdriver is not a knife: Use your knife properly, cut only stuff your knife was made to cut � avoid cutting cardboard or paper and never use a cutting board made of glass, granite, or other hard substances. And, of course, (but many people ignore this one) don�t use your pocketknife as a screwdriver, chisel or a pry-bar.SHARPENING � Always keep your pocketknives sharp. A sharp knife is more efficient and easy to use. There are a number of different styles of knife sharpeners � the three primary styles are sharpening stones, diamond sharpening sticks, and ceramic �crock sticks.� All of these have their pros- and cons- but they all can sharpen knives effectively. When sharpening your pocketknife, I recommend you sharpen to the original angles of the blade. Just follow the instructions that came with the sharpener. Remember there is no need to grind the knife away - go slowly and check progress after every few strokes and stop when you have reached the desired sharpness. When done, don�t forget to wipe the blade clean and apply a light coat of oil or silicone protectant.Bench grinders are inexpensive tools that are used by many to sharpen knives. They can be used to sharpen a variety of objects, including knives, cutters, hand tools and drill bits. They can be mounted on your workbench. The wheels come in six or ten inch diameter sizes. The motor used in these varies from 1/3 to 1 horsepower. A good bench grinder has a tool rest to keep the wheel steady and improve accuracy in sharpening.A Bench Grinder for Knife Sharpening1. USE YOUR POCKETKNIFE PROPERLY � Remember a knife is not a screwdriver and a screwdriver is not a knife: Use your knife properly, cut only stuff your knife was made to cut � avoid cutting cardboard or paper and never use a cutting board made of glass, granite, or other hard substances. And, of course, (but many people ignore this one) don�t use your pocketknife as a screwdriver, chisel or a pry-bar.Whether you have one pocketknife or a huge collection of quality knives, including the full range of pocketknives, folding knives, fixed blade knives and pulti-purpose tools, you must maintain and care for them or they will deteriorate. I remember once when I pulled my favorite knife out of the leather sheath for the first time in a year, it was all stained and the blade was covered with rust.Ceramic aluminium oxide is one of the newest materials used in grinding wheels. It is a very strong material and is used when precision is needed. Ceramic aluminium oxide is often blended with another abrasive material. The substance it is blended with varies according to the purpose and material it is being used to sharpen.

� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environment




Author: Larry T Clark


Pocket Knife Care Made Easy


There are literally thousands of articles on the web that outline various methods of caring for your knives. In this article, I will break it down to the simplest terms � using the KISS principle �Keep It Simple Stupid� to describe how to ensure your favorite knife lasts you many years. The information in this article is valid for all types of pocketknives, and can be used to care for all knives.


� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environmentManual sharpeners are less expensive. They are also precise and work with all types of chain. A manual lever is used to lock the chain in place. Manual chain saw sharpeners often come with more than one wheel. This makes them more versatile and ensures they will work with your chain.If you own a chainsaw, you will need a chain saw sharpener. Automatic sharpeners are the easiest method available to sharpen a chainsaw. The chain is locked in place when the wheel is lowered. Position the tooth and set the angle on the sharpener. Pull the head up when finished and position the next tooth. Automatic sharpeners ensure uniform sharpening.2. STORING YOUR POCKETKNIFE � When not in use wipe your pocketknife lightly with oil ( a good silicone spray lubricant can also be used) and store it in a dry place. NEVER store your knife in its sheath � especially a leather sheath, as leather tends to hold moisture and can cause corrosion.Whether you have one pocketknife or a huge collection of quality knives, including the full range of pocketknives, folding knives, fixed blade knives and pulti-purpose tools, you must maintain and care for them or they will deteriorate. I remember once when I pulled my favorite knife out of the leather sheath for the first time in a year, it was all stained and the blade was covered with rust.4. SHARPENING � Always keep your pocketknives sharp. A sharp knife is more efficient and easy to use. There are a number of different styles of knife sharpeners � the three primary styles are sharpening stones, diamond sharpening sticks, and ceramic �crock sticks.� All of these have their pros- and cons- but they all can sharpen knives effectively. When sharpening your pocketknife, I recommend you sharpen to the original angles of the blade. Just follow the instructions that came with the sharpener. Remember there is no need to grind the knife away - go slowly and check progress after every few strokes and stop when you have reached the desired sharpness. When done, don�t forget to wipe the blade clean and apply a light coat of oil or silicone protectant.� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environment� Keep your pocketknife clean and dry.Chain Saw Sharpeners� Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR POCKETKNIVES� Keep your pocketknife clean and dry.

� When not in use, remove your knife from the sheath and store in a dry environment




Author: Larry Clark


Choosing the Right Kitchen Cutlery


Kitchen knives come in all sizes and shapes. Each small variation results in a different use. There are long ones, short ones, wide ones, narrow ones, curved ones, angled ones and the list goes on and on. They are made from carbon steel, stainless steel, stamped steel ceramic or even plastic. The better knives are balanced so as they are being used they do not feel awkward. By awkward I mean they feel heavy or light at the pointed end. Proper balance eases the strain on the user. Grips or handles have made great advances further easing the strain on the user. Sharpness is also a key factor in easing the strain on the user. The type of edge used for a particular cutting or slicing project is very important.


Plastic blades are not very sharp and are specialized in the use in the kitchen. They are used to cut vegetables so they don�t turn dark.Wood handles are made from hardwoods. Wooden handles are the most attractive and do not become slick when wet. Some individuals claim the porosity of the wood retains bacteria and refuse to use them. This is up to the individual as whether this factor is included in the decision process.Ceramic blades are made from ceramic. They are extremely hard and will hold their edge for a long time. They will cut the glaze on a dinner plate and should only be used on a cutting board. The down side is that they must be professionally sharpened.That�s because few of the top guns riding high in Google have locked up a similar top listings in Yahoo.The way knives are constructed determines several things. There are several types of material used in the manufacturing of the blade material.HandleYou�d think so but I bet not.The Business EdgeJohnny Shaw
Never Give Up, Never Surrender
http://www.rfunstuff.comForged blades are made in a detailed process that takes a lot of time and is accomplished by skilled craftsman. I will not go into detail here, but this type of blade is more often than not preferred by chefs.Right. This is the absolute PERFECT time to grab a number one ranking in Yahoo! Or at least some top 10 rankings. From what I�ve seen most markets are ripe for the picking.Don�t believe it?IMPORTANT: I�m NOT saying a top 10 ranking in Yahoo is worth the same amount of traffic as a top 10 ranking in Google. But I AM saying if you don�t have a top 10 Google ranking and prospects of landing one anytime soon look bleak, maybe Yahoo is a promising alternative. Because some search engine traffic is better than none, right?Titanium alloy blades are lighter and more flexible than steel blades. The carbon in the alloy allows them to be heat treated so they will hold an edge well. They do not impart any flavor into your food, either.Admittedly this "study" of 15 keywords is far from comprehensive.In any case, get in on this now before it�s too late. And get the jump on your competitors sitting pretty in Google. Because like Zig Ziglar says the "Opportunity of a lifetime is only good for the lifetime of the opportunity."Opportunity?Composite handles incorporate the best of the wood and plastic materials. They are easy to care for and some chefs will use nothing else.Might be a good thing to do you know. Since Yahoo could be, or rather should be, accounting for maybe 20-25% of your site�s total traffic?ConclusionHigh Carbon Stainless Steel blades combine the best of both worlds. They do not discolor like the carbon blades, but they can be sharpened to a keen edge that is long lasting. They do not impart any flavor into your food.Steel blades are either forged or stamped.Stainless Steel blades are made from an alloy of iron with 10-15 % chromium, maybe some nickel and molybdenum with only a very small amount of carbon. This type of material cannot be sharpened as sharp as the carbon steel blade, but it is very resistant to staining and discoloration. Some people think the discoloration imparts a flavor into the food.This information is not by any means everything there is to know. It should give you the basic information you need to make a qualified decision. There are many variations to the ones listed. Choosing your knife will be determined by several factors. How often will you use a particular knife, what will it will be used for, and how much are you willing to spend are just a few of the things you should look at. Hopefully the information given will give you a basic understanding and an idea of what you might look for when purchasing your kitchen cutlery.The numbers are nothing short of shocking. Best, or is it worst case, only about a third of top 100 listings in Google made the top 100 in Yahoo.Well, let me prove it to you.Regardless, just because you can�t crack the top 20 in Google all is not lost. Roll up your sleeves and focus some attention on ranking well in Yahoo. What have you got to lose?

Johnny Shaw
Never Give Up, Never Surrender
http://www.rfunstuff.com




Author: Johnny Shaw


Are You Cashing in On the Little Known Opportunity in Yahoo?


When it comes to search engine rankings do you have both Yahoo AND Google covered?


The other issue may be that Yahoo ranks pages more based on content. While Google weighs links and link text more heavily.Again I don�t know if this is because most webmasters are so focused on Google or what. But I think that�s part of it.Take a look for yourself. Here�s some keyword phrases I checked followed by the number of overlapping listings.And maybe it�s just me, but it sure looks like there�s an opportunity for prime listings in Yahoo.Along with the whiz bang graphic it gives you a mini-report. The report shows how many listings make repeat appearances in the top 100 of both Google and Yahoo. They�re called "overlapping links". A confusing choice of terms but it still means the number of listings in the top 100 in Google that are also in the top 100 in Yahoo too.To research this I used a nifty tool called Thumbshots Ranking. http://ranking.thumbshots.com/The size and shape of the knife determines its primary use. The cook�s or chef�s knife is used for the heavy duty cutting needed in the kitchen. It is normally a longer, heavy constructed knife that will handle the abuse of the overzealous cook. Slicing, dicing, and chopping are some of the primary uses of the cook�s knife. The slicing knife is for use in slicing food such as ham or large cuts of meat. The Bread knife normally has a thin serrated blade. The serrated blade allows it to easily slice through a loaf of bread or a tomato without crushing or tearing. The steak knife is normally a smaller version of the slicing knife, designed for individual use. The knife used most often by any cook is the paring knife. It is a small knife that is easy to handle and can be used for cutting, peeling and dicing fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, etc.Flat ground blades are tapered from the backbone to the edge. This blade is very strong but is heavy.Copyright 2004 John GergyeStamped blades are designed to be made in mass. The quality of the metal used is such that it can be worked quickly into a finished product. This type of knife is less expensive than the forged one, but it must be replaced on a regular basis.The handle of your knife can be made from an array of different materials. The basic handles are wood, plastic, composite and Stainless Steel.Hollow ground blades look a lot like the flat ground except starting about halfway up the blade it is ground into a concave shape. It is weaker than the flat ground blade but has the advantage of being lighter.I tried to come up with competitive and not so competitive terms.The type and design of the knife edge determines how it should be used.ConstructionIn fact have you even bothered to check to see how your site is doing in the "new and improved" Yahoo?Stainless Steel handles are by far the most durable. They are the most sanitary but can be tricky to handle when wet. Manufacturers form them with bumps and finger grooves to help eliminate this problem.Plastic handles can be molded into almost any shape you can imagine. The modern plastic handle has evolved into ergonomically designed units designed by a computer. They fit your hand nicely, but a lot of pole people complain about the �one-size-fits-all� concept. Also, plastic handles can be slippery when wet.But if you�re like most you�re probably still focused laser like on Google. And perhaps not even aware of the little known opportunity Yahoo has to offer right now.Laminate blades are made by layering different materials together. The number of possibilities is endless. The only way to decide if you want one of these types is to buy and try.bed and breakfast - 37
wedding invitations - 35
email software - 33
logo design - 32
pet supplies - 28
satellite tv - 22
business cards - 21
dating services - 19
ceramic knives - 17
furniture shopping - 15
medical transcription services - 14
wine racks - 14
business opportunity - 11
web designer - 6
digital phones - 4The Serrated blade looks like a saw. It is ideal for cutting things that are hard on the outside and soft on the inside. It actually tears the food rather than cutting, so it should not be used for all kinds of food.All you do is simply stick in any keyword (phrase) and let it rip.

Copyright 2004 John Gergye




Author: John Gergye


I'd like a cutting-edge knife block for under pounds 80


?DO you know where I can get a decent set of knives which will stay sharp? I'm willing to pay up to pounds 80. - Jackie Jones, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics ZENA SAYS: Knife block sets look great on display in the shop, but they are often disappointing. Many have stainless steel blades stamped out of one piece of metal and sharpened on an industrial machine. Once the blade gets dull, they are virtually impossible to sharpen at home.


Wendy Miranda, of Lakeland, suggests their Soft-Grip 15-piece knife set, at pounds 49.99 (www.lakeland. co.uk 015394 88100), which includes six steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel and block. For a single knife, try their Kyocera Ceramic Slicing Knife at pounds 48.97. Alternatively, I suggest the Lion Sabatier Licorne fivepiece set in havea wood block. It's currently on special offer for pounds 79.95 from Kitchen Kapers (www.kitchenkapers. co.uk, 01276 683688).




Author: Zena Alli


Kyocera Introduces a Ceramic Knife Sharpener for the Home


COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Kyocera Advanced Ceramics recently introduced an electric ceramic knife sharpener (Model # DS-50, MSRP: $79.95) to the US market for a simple solution to sharpening Kyocera knives at home.


This sharpener and all Kyocera Advanced Ceramic products are available direct at: www.KyoceraAdvancedCeramics.com

About Ceramic CutleryAbout KYOCERAKYOTO, Japan -- Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it will boost annual shipments of its popular ceramic knives to two million units per year by FY2014* -- an increase of 120% over last fiscal year's volume of 900,000. The company will also strengthen its main manufacturing facilities for ceramic knives in order to meet expected growth in global demand.* FY2014: Fiscal year ending March 31, 2014Kyocera Corporation�(NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971)(http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of ceramic kitchen utensils and applied ceramic products, solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the company's net sales totaled 1.07 trillion yen (approximately USD11.5 billion). The company is ranked #554 on Forbes magazine's 2010 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.Kyocera ceramic knives hold a razor-sharp edge 10 times longer than conventional cutlery, are chemically inert and typically half the weight of equivalent steel knives. Ceramic will not rust or transfer a metallic taste or smell, keeping foods fresh. Since the ceramic blade is so light, no artificial weight is added to the handle. This creates an extremely balanced, lightweight tool that becomes a comfortable extension of the hand, reducing fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks.

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KYOCERA to Double Shipments of Ceramic Kitchen Knives


Company Targets Two Million Units Per Year by March 31, 2014


In recent years, demand for the company's ceramic knives has rapidly grown. The trend of consumers demanding higher quality kitchen products, an increase in kitchen products being purchased as gifts, and the 2006 introduction of Kyocera's Color Series have all contributed to the increased popularity and sales.Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6359005&lang=enBut the machines could miss something far more deadly: explosive material taped to someone's abdomen or hidden inside a cavity. Researchers and security experts question the technology's ability to detect chemical explosives that are odorless, far smaller than previous incarnations, and easily molded to fool machines and security screeners into thinking they are part of the human body.Based partly on early successes, federal officials are planning to continue an unprecedented roll-out of the technology over the next year. By New Year's Day, about 500 machines will be in use across the country. By the end of next year, 1,000 X-ray machines will be operational, accounting for roughly half of the nation's 2,000 lanes of security checkpoints.Kyocera knives and kitchen utensils are made using the company's fine ceramics, resulting in lightweight blades that stay sharp for long periods, never corrode, and can even be bleached for thorough cleaning. These unique characteristics have contributed to the growing popularity of Kyocera's ceramic knives since their introduction in 1984.Kyocera's retail distribution network has also steadily increased to about 8,000 stores worldwide. U.S retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and Amazon.com offer Kyocera's knives, along with Harrods in the U.K., El Corte Ingl�s in Spain and Galeries Lafayette in France.The "good catches," federal officials say, have largely gone unnoticed amid the criticism that erupted over the ghostly X-rays and "enhanced" pat-downs. The Transportation Security Administration, which intensified airport screening last month, points to several successes: small amounts of marijuana wrapped in baggies, other drugs stitched inside underwear, ceramic knives concealed in shirt pockets.Government testing, which has been mostly classified because of security concerns, has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the full-body scanners.Kyocera will continue to develop products that meet its customers' various needs so more people worldwide can enjoy the ease-of-use, convenience and quality of ceramic knives.After more than a quarter of a century of sales, total shipments of Kyocera's ceramic knives exceeded 6 million units in December of 2009, and are currently sold in more than 35 nations.Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6365642&lang=en

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