CARE OF KNIVES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4768, 24 October 1924, Page 3

CARE OF KNIVES.

USEI LL HINTS. Too many housewives discover to their cost that in a few months’ time neglect and careless treatment have resulted in the ruin of cutlery for which a high price was paid. Instead of the blades of knives being washed separately in a jug filled with water reaching well below the join of the handle and blade, knives have' been flung into the washing-up pain and wholly immersed iii hot greasy suds. The result is that not only are ivorj’ handles discoloured and ruined, but the spike of the knife has become loosened in the socket. To tighten a knife handle take out the loosened blade and scrape out the hole. Mix and thoroughly heat three parts cf resin to one of finely-powder-ed bath brick. Fill the hole with this preparation, then heat the steel spike of the knife, insert in the handle straight!}’, and press into position. Remove surplus mixture neatly and smoothly, and leave the knife unused for 48 hours.

Hot water employed in washing the knives will melt the resin. To remove the stains from the ivory handles. rub with a soft clean rug dipped in precipitated chalk mixed to a paste with lemon juice strained through muslin. Let dry, then remove with a duster.

Should stains prove obstinate, wrap the handles in cheese cloth saturated with strained lemon juice. Moisten from time to time with lemon juice. Rinse a couple of hours later in clear, cold water, then dry.

To remove stains from steel, dip a cork in moistened knife powder, and briskly rub. To polish dip a second cork in dry powder, rub, then apply a duster. Rust which has eaten deeply into the metal is beyond satisfactory treatment.

To prevent loss from such cause, knives not in use should first be cleaned and then rubbed over with vaseline, which must be allowed io remain on the steel. Wrap each knife separately in brown paper, fold in a cloth, and store away. Lard is a good substitute: for vaseline, but must be free from salt.

Stee’ will become very bright if cleaned with a cream made by mixing together, fresh olive oil and soot. Apply with a flannel. Polish quickly with a second flannel, and finally with a chamois.