Knife Care and the Truth About Food Safety

How to Sharpen Your Knife

1. Soak your whetstone in water for 20 to 30 minutes
2. Hold the knife at 45 degrees to the stone
3. Lift the back of the blade one finger width — about 15 to 20 degrees
4. Move back and forth with light, even pressure
5. Do about 200 strokes per section, then flip and repeat
6. Finish with a honing steel to polish the edge

Knife Care Rules

• Never put knives in the dishwasher
• Wash with cold water and soap only
• Expensive knives are more delicate, not tougher

Food Safety Myths Busted

• Do NOT wash raw chicken — it spreads salmonella everywhere
• Pat chicken dry with a paper towel instead
• Cooking to the right temperature kills bacteria
• Natural preservatives like salt, vinegar, oil, and pepper have kept food safe for thousands of years

Mass-produced food carries more contamination risk than local farm food.