I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
like to clean the block before I use it.

Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?

I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
hurt it or the knives.

Thanks.

> ha scritto nel messaggio

>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
> like to clean the block before I use it.
>
> Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour> cleaner
> down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>
> I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will> hurt
> it or the knives.

According to your government, wood is self sanitizing. I'd maybe blow out
the holes with forced air, or I might use a long, homemade swab, lightly
dampened. I sure wouldn't soak it in anything, because you might as well
throw it away or make it your Yule log.

The chances are unlikely that someone pushed a knife in there covered in
meat.

"Giusi" > wrote in message
...
>
> > ha scritto nel messaggio
>
>>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>> like to clean the block before I use it.
>>
>> Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour> cleaner
>> down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>
>> I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will> hurt
>> it or the knives.
>
> According to your government, wood is self sanitizing. I'd maybe blow out
> the holes with forced air, or I might use a long, homemade swab, lightly
> dampened. I sure wouldn't soak it in anything, because you might as well
> throw it away or make it your Yule log.
>
> The chances are unlikely that someone pushed a knife in there covered in
> meat.
>

Yes, but those knife slots make great hiding spots for roaches, and
depending on where she got it from you just never know...

Jinx

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
> wrote:

>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>like to clean the block before I use it.
>
>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>
>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>hurt it or the knives.
>
Good luck with that. I guess you could fold sandpaper and use it on
the insides. I'd pour some inexpensive oil down the slots afterward.


--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

Giusi wrote:
>
> > ha scritto nel messaggio
>
> >I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
> > like to clean the block before I use it.
> >
> > Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour> cleaner
> > down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
> >
> > I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will> hurt
> > it or the knives.
>
> According to your government, wood is self sanitizing. I'd maybe blow out
> the holes with forced air, or I might use a long, homemade swab, lightly
> dampened. I sure wouldn't soak it in anything, because you might as well
> throw it away or make it your Yule log.
>
> The chances are unlikely that someone pushed a knife in there covered in
> meat.

I don't use a knife block, but if it were me, I would scrape inside the
slots with a scraper made from a piece of 1/8" steel rod with an end
flattened, bent and sharpened, then I would dunk the block for 60
seconds in a bleach sanitizer solution, then dump and shake out
remaining sanitizer, then bake at 180 degrees for a couple hours.

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
> wrote:

>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>like to clean the block before I use it.
>
>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>
>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>hurt it or the knives.
>
Sandpaper the entire thing... to get inside the slots wrap a strip of
sandpaper around whatever thin strip of anything you can find, a
hacksaw blade is perfect.

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:01:12 -0600, "Pete C." >
wrote:

>
>Giusi wrote:
>>
>> > ha scritto nel messaggio
>>
>> >I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>> > like to clean the block before I use it.
>> >
>> > Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour> cleaner
>> > down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>> >
>> > I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will> hurt
>> > it or the knives.
>>
>> According to your government, wood is self sanitizing. I'd maybe blow out
>> the holes with forced air, or I might use a long, homemade swab, lightly
>> dampened. I sure wouldn't soak it in anything, because you might as well
>> throw it away or make it your Yule log.
>>
>> The chances are unlikely that someone pushed a knife in there covered in
>> meat.
>
>I don't use a knife block, but if it were me, I would scrape inside the
>slots with a scraper made from a piece of 1/8" steel rod with an end
>flattened, bent and sharpened, then I would dunk the block for 60
>seconds in a bleach sanitizer solution, then dump and shake out
>remaining sanitizer, then bake at 180 degrees for a couple hours.

H S !!!

"Pete C." > wrote in message
ter.com...

>
> I don't use a knife block, but if it were me, I would scrape inside the
> slots with a scraper made from a piece of 1/8" steel rod with an end
> flattened, bent and sharpened, then I would dunk the block for 60
> seconds in a bleach sanitizer solution, then dump and shake out
> remaining sanitizer, then bake at 180 degrees for a couple hours.

Would you really? I think before I went through all that I'd just quit using
a knife block!

Felice

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
> > wrote:
>
>>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>>like to clean the block before I use it.
>>
>>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>
>>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>>hurt it or the knives.
>>
> Good luck with that. I guess you could fold sandpaper and use it on
> the insides. I'd pour some inexpensive oil down the slots afterward.

Any idea what happens to most cooking oils after a while? They go rancid
and degrade into a sticky sludge.

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:03:59 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> wrote:

>
>"sf" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>>>like to clean the block before I use it.
>>>
>>>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>>>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>>
>>>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>>>hurt it or the knives.
>>>
>> Good luck with that. I guess you could fold sandpaper and use it on
>> the insides. I'd pour some inexpensive oil down the slots afterward.
>
>Any idea what happens to most cooking oils after a while? They go rancid
>and degrade into a sticky sludge.

Where was "cooking oil" mentioned... furniture oils are inexpensive
too... a bit of mineral oil will refresh the wood (and its appearance)
and it won't go rancid. I'd rub in a good coat of beeswax too. Were
that knife block not significantly damaged I'd have it looking much
better than new in under an hour.

sam coleridge wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>>> like to clean the block before I use it.
>>>
>>> Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>>> cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>>
>>> I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>>> hurt it or the knives.
>>>
>> Good luck with that. I guess you could fold sandpaper and use it on
>> the insides. I'd pour some inexpensive oil down the slots afterward.
>
> Any idea what happens to most cooking oils after a while? They go
> rancid and degrade into a sticky sludge.

I use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for my wooden cutting boards
and 2 knife blocks. I also use mineral oil/bees wax mix to seal my cutting
boards (cherry wood) when needed. I cut raw meats on a Sani-Tuff board which
is rubber.

--

Joe Cilinceon

Felice wrote:
>
> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> ter.com...
>
> >
> > I don't use a knife block, but if it were me, I would scrape inside the
> > slots with a scraper made from a piece of 1/8" steel rod with an end
> > flattened, bent and sharpened, then I would dunk the block for 60
> > seconds in a bleach sanitizer solution, then dump and shake out
> > remaining sanitizer, then bake at 180 degrees for a couple hours.
>
> Would you really? I think before I went through all that I'd just quit using
> a knife block!
>
> Felice

Well, when you have a well equipped shop, making the scraper takes 5
minutes (when I was experimenting making cheese I built a pneumatic
cheese press in about 30min), I always have bleach on hand, and baking
the block dry takes no effort.

On Dec 11, 9:25*am, Stu > wrote:
> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:00:52 -0800, sf > wrote:
>
> -->On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), > wrote:
>
> -->
> -->>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
> -->>like to clean the block before I use it.
> -->>
> -->>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
> -->>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
> -->>
> -->>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
> -->>hurt it or the knives.
> -->>
> -->Good luck with that. *I guess you could fold sandpaper and use it on
> -->the insides. *I'd pour some inexpensive oil down the slots afterward..
>
> Wrap a table knife in a antibacterial wipe and clean the slots, quick, easy and
> cheap.



Thanks everybody. I'm going to do this and see if they wipes come out
dirty or not. If they are bad, then I will do more. I expect it to be
fairly clean. The knives have been used, but they were all stored in
those paper sleeves that they come in new. So, they were taken care
of. I just like to make sure things are clean.

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:03:59 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> wrote:

>Any idea what happens to most cooking oils after a while? They go rancid
>and degrade into a sticky sludge.

Are you over 10? No they don't, if you use them on wood.

--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:03:59 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> > wrote:
>
>>Any idea what happens to most cooking oils after a while? They go rancid
>>and degrade into a sticky sludge.
>
> Are you over 10? No they don't, if you use them on wood.

If you had any idea the lengths nasa and the military went to find an oil
that least degrades over time you would take that back. They all go down
hill to some extent (some not so much, even including some oils used in
cooking but you need a least a little knowledge to identify these).

Yes I am over 10, and suspect that things are so sticky all over your
kitchen you just don't notice stickyness any more even on wood.......yuck!

> wrote in message
...
>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
> like to clean the block before I use it.
>
> Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
> cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>
> I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
> hurt it or the knives.
>
> Thanks.
>
Buy one of these:
http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page....104,53214&ap=3

Then you won't have to bother.
Argus

On Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:42:57 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> wrote:

>Yes I am over 10, and suspect that things are so sticky all over your
>kitchen you just don't notice stickyness any more even on wood.......yuck!
>
Dream on.

--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

On Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:19:05 -0700, "Argus Tuft" > wrote:

>
> wrote in message
...
>>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>> like to clean the block before I use it.
>>
>> Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>> cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>
>> I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>> hurt it or the knives.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>Buy one of these:
>http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page....104,53214&ap=3
>
>Then you won't have to bother.
>Argus
>
I like that! I've seen a way to do the home made type using skewers
too.

--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

In article >,
"Argus Tuft" > wrote:

> > wrote in message
> ...
> >I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
> > like to clean the block before I use it.
> >
> > Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
> > cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
> >
> > I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
> > hurt it or the knives.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> Buy one of these:
> http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page....104,53214&ap=3
>
> Then you won't have to bother.
> Argus

I like this better:

<http://www.amazon.com/RH-Forschner-C.../B0001V3USW/re
f=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260641267&sr=8-2>

<http://tinyurl.com/ycjta3o>

That'd be great for camping at least.

Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet > wrote:

>Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
>All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.

Don't they bang around in the drawer, dulling the blades?

Steve

"Omelet" > wrote in message
news
> In article >,
> "Argus Tuft" > wrote:
>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>> > like to clean the block before I use it.
>> >
>> > Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>> > cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>> >
>> > I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>> > hurt it or the knives.
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> Buy one of these:
>> http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page....104,53214&ap=3
>>
>> Then you won't have to bother.
>> Argus
>
> I like this better:
>
> <http://www.amazon.com/RH-Forschner-C.../B0001V3USW/re
> f=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260641267&sr=8-2>
>
> <http://tinyurl.com/ycjta3o>
>
> That'd be great for camping at least.
>
> Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
> All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
> --
As did mine once upon a time. I made a knife holder for the drawer but
rapidly ran out of space - I have, perhaps, too many and they were an
inefficient use of drawer space. OK, OK one only needs a pair but I've
collected all sorts over the years and I'm reluctant to part with any of
them.
Argus

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:09:46 -0500, Felice wrote:

> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> ter.com...
>
>>
>> I don't use a knife block, but if it were me, I would scrape inside the
>> slots with a scraper made from a piece of 1/8" steel rod with an end
>> flattened, bent and sharpened, then I would dunk the block for 60
>> seconds in a bleach sanitizer solution, then dump and shake out
>> remaining sanitizer, then bake at 180 degrees for a couple hours.
>
> Would you really? I think before I went through all that I'd just quit using
> a knife block!
>
> Felice

it would have to be pretty goddamn filthy before i'd go through with these
gyrations. if you think it's hinky, you could always give the knives a
quick wash after taking them from the block.

your pal,
blake

On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:14:48 -0500, brooklyn1 wrote:

> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:16 -0800 (PST), "
> > wrote:
>
>>I just bought a used set of knives that came with a knife block. I'd
>>like to clean the block before I use it.
>>
>>Any recommendations for how to clean it? Should I soak it? Pour
>>cleaner down the slots? Should I use bleach water or something else?
>>
>>I want to make sure it is sanitized, but not do anything that will
>>hurt it or the knives.
>>
> Sandpaper the entire thing... to get inside the slots wrap a strip of
> sandpaper around whatever thin strip of anything you can find, a
> hacksaw blade is perfect.

sand the inside of the slots on a knife block? you're nuts.

blake

"Omelet" > wrote in message
news
>
> I like this better:
>
> <http://www.amazon.com/RH-Forschner-C.../B0001V3USW/re
> f=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260641267&sr=8-2>
>
> <http://tinyurl.com/ycjta3o>

Got one. Love it. Good knives stay nice and sharp, and away from
everything else.
>
> That'd be great for camping at least.

I wouldn't take that many knives camping, but a smaller version of the knife
roll would be great for that.
>
>

In article >,
(Steve Pope) wrote:

> Omelet > wrote:
>
> >Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
> >All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
>
> Don't they bang around in the drawer, dulling the blades?
>
> Steve

No.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

In article >, "Argus Tuft" >
wrote:

> > Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
> > All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
> > --
> As did mine once upon a time. I made a knife holder for the drawer but
> rapidly ran out of space - I have, perhaps, too many and they were an
> inefficient use of drawer space. OK, OK one only needs a pair but I've
> collected all sorts over the years and I'm reluctant to part with any of
> them.
> Argus

I totally understand. :-)
My most often used knives (with the exception of the Kiwi Chinese Chef's
knife) are attached to the stove hood with high power magnets, as are
other cooking implements.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

In article >, "Ekal Byar" >
wrote:

> "Omelet" > wrote in message
> news
> >
> > I like this better:
> >
> > <http://www.amazon.com/RH-Forschner-C.../B0001V3USW/re
> > f=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260641267&sr=8-2>
> >
> > <http://tinyurl.com/ycjta3o>
>
> Got one. Love it. Good knives stay nice and sharp, and away from
> everything else.
> >
> > That'd be great for camping at least.
>
> I wouldn't take that many knives camping, but a smaller version of the knife
> roll would be great for that.
> >
> >

I understand a lot of professional chefs use these.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe:

Omelet wrote:
>(Steve Pope) wrote:
>>Omelet wrote:
>>
>> >Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
>> >All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
>>
>> Don't they bang around in the drawer, dulling the blades?
>
>No.

Actually the countertop knife block is a reletively recent concept...
prior to the '60s most folks didn't have a whole lot of counter space
(even those with large kitchens didn't have a lot of counter space)
and so stored their kitchen knives in a drawer knife block or a wall
mounted knife block... I think a lot of people still do. I have an
under shelf knife block mounted in my pantry for larger knives that I
don't use very often. My countertop knife block is rather small
compared to many... only has five knife slots and one for a steel
because that's all I need, and has slots for six steak knives but only
contains four, the other two are for paring knives. I don't see the
point in displaying knives (or any cookware/appliances) that I don't
use regularly. I have a larger knife block in my gardening shed, for
holding small tools including a few knives I use for gardening.

On Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:24:15 +0000 (UTC), Steve Pope wrote:

> Omelet > wrote:
>
>>Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
>>All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
>
> Don't they bang around in the drawer, dulling the blades?
>
> Steve

get yourself a couple of these:

<http://www.chefknifes.com/knife_guards.htm>

and no problem.

your pal,
blake

On Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:34:12 -0600, Omelet wrote:

> In article >, "Argus Tuft" >
> wrote:
>
>>> Personally, I don't wish to waste counter space on a knife block.
>>> All my knives have a specified kitchen drawer dedicated to knives.
>>> --
>> As did mine once upon a time. I made a knife holder for the drawer but
>> rapidly ran out of space - I have, perhaps, too many and they were an
>> inefficient use of drawer space. OK, OK one only needs a pair but I've
>> collected all sorts over the years and I'm reluctant to part with any of
>> them.
>> Argus
>
> I totally understand. :-)
> My most often used knives (with the exception of the Kiwi Chinese Chef's
> knife) are attached to the stove hood with high power magnets, as are
> other cooking implements.

i stick my kiwis to the side of the refrigerator (with knife guards), but
yeah. couple of paring knives and vegetable peeler, too.

doesn't being on the stove hood get them a little greasy?

your pal,
blake

In article >,
blake murphy > wrote:

> > I totally understand. :-)
> > My most often used knives (with the exception of the Kiwi Chinese Chef's
> > knife) are attached to the stove hood with high power magnets, as are
> > other cooking implements.
>
> i stick my kiwis to the side of the refrigerator (with knife guards), but
> yeah. couple of paring knives and vegetable peeler, too.
>
> doesn't being on the stove hood get them a little greasy?
>
> your pal,
> blake

No, I don't do much frying. Most of my food is grilled in the electric
grill, steamed, microwaved, pressure cooked, roasted, baked and BBQ'd.
Not a lot of airborn grease with those methods. <g>
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>

Subscribe: