THE CARE OF CUTLERY The universal use of cutlery makes it desirable that some in formation should be given on its care and maintenance. An im portant precaution to take with table cutlery is to avoid washing the blades in water which is too hot. The white handles become plastic when hot and begin to leave the blades at the shoulder or bolster, displaying an ugly, narrow gap.
It is often complained that the "stainless" table knife is not stainless, and that it fails to maintain its edge. In order to test a "stainless" knife, two or three drops of malt vinegar should be allowed to dry on the blade. The blade should then be washed in hot water, and if stained there would be just cause for com plaint. The failure to keep a sharp edge is a further frequent criticism, but it should be remembered that there has been a great change in practice on the part of the householder. As the "stain less" knives require no cleaning like the ordinary knives they do not receive that rubbing which helps to maintain the sharp edge in the ordinary blade. The user of stainless cutlery should keep a sharpening appliance made for stainless blades, or a small stick of fine carborundum to be used like a steel, but very sparingly.
Pocket knives require attention, particularly in the joints, which should be kept well oiled. The pocket knife blade can also be sharpened on the carborundum stick (purchased from any ironmonger) by drawing the blade slightly inclined across the stick.
Another necessary precaution both for table knives and pocket knives is not to use them for screwdrivers or for levers. The blades are made from special steels, hardened and tempered to maintain a cutting edge and not for withstanding bending strains.
Razors will maintain their cutting quality if care is taken to prevent corrosion of the extremely fine edge. After use they should be stropped and if the strop is kept in good condition, by applying a little castor oil occasionally, it will put a thin film of oil over the cutting edge, thus preventing the action of moisture upon it. This procedure is equally successful in maintaining a sharp edge on safety-razor blades.
Scissors require attention at the joints; they should be quite free but not allowed to become slack. There is a tendency in most screw joints for the blades to unscrew the rivet and so bring about slackness in the blades. The edges of the blades do not require sharpening except at long intervals, and the carborundum stick will be found a very suitable tool for this operation.
(W. R.)