How to Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen Knives

A kitchen knife is an unusual tool, in that the point of contact between the tool and the medium upon which it works is actually extremely delicate. Imagine if a wrench were as delicate as an X-acto blade that had to be replaced regularly, or if bar clamps would routinely stop holding things in place because they became all wonky with use. Most non-cutting tools are blunt, hearty and reliable. But blades have to be cared for, stored carefully, and sharpened (somewhat) regularly. 

But if there is an abused and neglected blade in your home that is used frequently but cared for rarely (okay, maybe not YOUR home, Mr./Ms. Attention-to-Detail––but the average home), it is the knives in your kitchen. Unless you are a professional ice sculptor or sword swallower, it is likely that the knives in your kitchen are the ones that get the most daily use. And if you are anything like me, it is way too easy to just grab one, use it, and put it back without special care for these knives. Despite my best intentions, it is easy for me to leave a dirty one on a cutting board, haphazardly toss one into the sink, clean in the dishwasher and store them in less-than-ideal ways (i.e., cluttered together in a drawer. I know. I'm an animal.) … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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'Fifty Shades Freed', 'Peter Rabbit' & '15:17 to Paris' Kick Off February 2017 at the Box Office

February kicks off with three new wide releases including the final chapter in the Fifty Shades franchise, Fifty Shades Freed, alongside Sony's live-action/animated hybrid Peter Rabbit and Clint Eastwood's true life thriller The 15:17 to Paris. The three new titles are expected to lead the way at the box office, which means Sony's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will fall outside the top two for the first time since hitting theaters eight weeks ago. Looking at an easy finish atop the box...

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10 DIY Valentine's Gifts You Should Make for Your Special Someone This Year

Two years ago, on February 9th I came home from a long day of work at about 7:30 and my wife gave me incredible news.  She was pregnant! This was going to be our first child, so naturally I was overcome with so many different emotions. I paused… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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Don't Toss Those Fries! How to Hack Your Restaurant Leftovers

I love all the "comes with" food from restaurant meals. You know what I’m talking about—the side dishes and classic pairings that are served with what you actually ordered: fries, steakhouse rolls, steamed rice...and, because I live in the South, biscuits. Oh, the biscuits. If you’re like me, though, half of that glorious freebie food gets launched at the end of the meal because you’re too full from the main entree.

… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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This Is Definitely the Coolest DIY "Lathe" You'll See This Week

In his continued bid to take over much of the world's media channels, Anthony Bourdain has partnered with the producers of Balvenie Scotch Whisky on an online program that is truly exceptional. In the process of producing the first batch of episodes, he met with some of the most extraordinary craftspeople in the United States (and ended up walking away with some Bob Kramer knives that certainly left our mouths agape.)

If you want to watch between 7 and 16 minutes of well-produced, craft-heavy, and inspirational material, this series is for you. And lucky us, a new batch of videos just dropped in the last month or so. So if you've already caught up with the initial episodes, there's more to watch. … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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How to: Carve a Simple Wooden Spoon from Any Hardwood

Look, I love making furniture. I love sourcing the materials, planning out parts, and executing the joinery. But lately, I find myself increasingly drawn to the "other" things you can do with wood. What are the smaller, craft level projects that show off the beauty of working with natural materials, but can be completed in a weekend, or even a single sitting?   … Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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How to Create a Meaningful Valentine's Day You'll Actually Want to Celebrate (No Cheesiness Allowed)

 

"See I'm all crooked feet, Saint Valentine" – Gregory Alan Isakov 

Valentine's Day sometimes feels like a conspiracy. It's a holidays front loaded with expectations that are onerous, distracting and just waiting to be disappointed. And all… Continue reading on ManMadeDIY.com

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