Benchmade Onslaught Model 741 And 741SBK

Benchmade has done it again! For a second year in a row they have won knife of the year. Last year it was the Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage and this year it is the Benchmade Onslaught model 741. This is a big beefy knife by the great designer and maker Bob Lum. Benchmade took the award on July, 26 2010 in Oregon City, Oregon at the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. The award was handed out at the Masters event on July 23, 2010 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Buying a set of expensive kitchen knives isn’t just what is once you lay them neatly in those drawers. Knives can put a big dent on your wallet because these are crafted tools that can last you for many years if properly maintained. We would never enjoy food the way we do now if it were not for the great role that knives play in cooking.

Any kitchen is never without a knife. However clueless you are in the kitchen, you will always need at least one reliable knife to do a number of food preparation tasks. Knives dull with constant use and improper use. Their blades wear out and become dull and in some cases will incur nicks or some other form of wear and tear in time. You need not throw a dull knife away should it start showing its age. With the right knife sharpening stones or equipment, you can easily breathe new life into a knife. Question is, do you know how to sharpen one?

Sharpening knives is an old mastered art. Many still seek professional sharpening services because it is a skill that not everyone can take by the horns especially if you’re squeamish around sharp objects. However, the internet is a great tool to use and pick up some how-to’s on knife sharpening methods as well learning the different types of knife sharpening stones to suit your preference and level of skill.

Anyone can sharpen a knife. All you need is a bit of gumption and a pair of easy hands. You can choose from a wide variety of sharpening stones available in the market, as well as electric knife sharpening equipment for kitchens in restaurants and hotels. With a bit of practice, a little patience, and attention to your strokes you’ll be on your way whistling about sharpening those knives. There are a lot of sites that provide you with easy to follow instructions on sharpening knives and a number of choices on sharpening stones. Read up on reviews and try to find out which sharpening stone products will best fit your needs and your skill, as well as your budget.

The wet stone sharpening method is the most basic of all and you probably already have a wet stone in your tool shelf all discolored and ignored for many years. Why not break that slab out and do a test run on a small un-intimidating knife to see how you can manage with your strokes. They say the best surface to practice prior to a wet stone would be on glass or ceramic. Carefully read whatever instructions on knife sharpening that your favorite information site has to offer. Stock up on some good thoughts you can whistle to or even a good set of tunes to put you in a steady rhythm with your sharpening strokes. You wouldn’t want to be sharpening a knife if you are feeling crappy or PMSing as this could probably be to the detriment of your knife.

Keep in mind that knife sharpening is a learned skill. With time and practice, you will eventually get the hang of your strokes and the rhythm of your glides on the wet stone. Should you believe your clumsy hands are hopeless, you can always rely on a good ole electric diamond knife sharpener and save on time. Just burr it and get it over and done with in a jiff. Then again… traditional knife sharpening can be quite relaxing to some. Given the fact that you’re in a good mood, it could give you some bright perspective once you see the glint on the blades edge. Ha!