Why not just teach her the right way to use them? No, I've never been married, but I have shown several girlfriends about how to treat good knives. One even bought me a Shun chef's knife. Maybe should have kept her...

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
Women are just designed to not understand how to use a quality tool properly.

You don't know any serious quilters do you? Their extensive knowledge in the use of expensive cloth-cutting instruments is directly transferable to kitchen cutting utensils. Smart husbands do not touch the expensive scissors and rotary cutters, lest they discover those same instruments can be used on male body parts in the middle of the night.

Early in our marriage I made the mistake of taking Mrs. 'Hook's rotary cutter to use on fiberglass cloth while repairing a boat floor. That thing was AWESOME and made quick work of the sheets! She didn't know I had used it until she ruined some very expensive cloth for a quilt a few months later. Ever since then we have had an understanding of each other's tools, and the scars on my body have mellowed out.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
Women are just designed to not understand how to use a quality tool properly.

You don't know any serious quilters do you? Their extensive knowledge in the use of expensive cloth-cutting instruments is directly transferable to kitchen cutting utensils. Smart husbands do not touch the expensive scissors and rotary cutters, lest they discover those same instruments can be used on male body parts in the middle of the night.

Early in our marriage I made the mistake of taking Mrs. 'Hook's rotary cutter to use on fiberglass cloth while repairing a boat floor. That thing was AWESOME and made quick work of the sheets! She didn't know I had used it until she ruined some very expensive cloth for a quilt a few months later. Ever since then we have had an understanding of each other's tools, and the scars on my body have mellowed out.

There are two standards. She throws a fit if I even look at the sewing scissors. But she'd use a Kramer chef's knife to open a tin can.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
Women are just designed to not understand how to use a quality tool properly.

You don't know any serious quilters do you? Their extensive knowledge in the use of expensive cloth-cutting instruments is directly transferable to kitchen cutting utensils. Smart husbands do not touch the expensive scissors and rotary cutters, lest they discover those same instruments can be used on male body parts in the middle of the night.

Early in our marriage I made the mistake of taking Mrs. 'Hook's rotary cutter to use on fiberglass cloth while repairing a boat floor. That thing was AWESOME and made quick work of the sheets! She didn't know I had used it until she ruined some very expensive cloth for a quilt a few months later. Ever since then we have had an understanding of each other's tools, and the scars on my body have mellowed out.

That would make for some VERY itchy quilts

Albert at Seattle Edge does a FABULOUS job!!! I will also do sharpening and some repair jobs!
Jim
DBKnives

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Men evolved to shape and use tools.

Women evolved to shape and use men.

AMEN!!!!!

We have had the same problem. After trying to get Mrs. Pal to treat the household knives correctly I gave up. I keep my butchering knives sharp and well hidden. After sharpening her knives several time only to see them abused I no longer sharpen hers. If I need to use one I use the steel to get it sharp enough for what I need to do.

Jim

SWMBO has absolutely no understanding of anything that isn't in her interest. None.

God forbid I use her scissors, but damage, misplacement, loss until I blow a fuse and the tool is returned with admonition that I should lighten up and she didn't lose it, but found it coincidentally.

Yada, yada, yada.

Married for 37 years, so I make a job of following her around, making discrete repairs, looking for my tools and taking them back to their storage spots after cleaning and oiling as needed - regardless of the finish state of the project they were shanghaied for.

I fish the good kitchen knives out of the sink and at least she has an understanding not to use the green scotchbrite on them - finally. That left some scars on me.

Some conflicts are worth the entry fee, some are not. I just take it on the chin and try to protect tools and knives as needed.

quote:

understanding not to use the green scotchbrite on them -

I have those scars on a $130 Santoku....

Divorce worked for me.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
Divorce worked for me.

Yeah but it may cost you a kidney or two....

My wife didn't grow up around good or sharp knives. She has adapted well and she is quite careful after 35 years.

You guys have limited this to kitchen knives, but it applies to all knives. I have one knife in the kitchen that will cut. I keep it away in its box. Its like new and for whatever reason my wife hasn't destroyed it...yet. I hope it stays like that.

But like most guys, I have a pocket knife I carry and keep sharp. Unless its been used by someone else... I've been married for over 47 and a half years. I have no illusions of me owning anything. Its all "ours".

Long ago in my youth and ignorance we were at a picnic. My wife needed a knife and asked for my pocket knife. I hesitated but gave it to her, figuring my life might be at its end. About a half hour later I asked for it back. I got a blank look. So we retraced her steps and there it was. After she finished her task, she did what she always does. She put it down and left it. That process works well in her kitchen. Or even on her deck or in her yard.

I still have the knife in my pocket as I key. I stopped trying to keep it acceptably sharp. I know its hopeless. I don't have enough time left to waste my energy on things I can't win.

Ever since that picnic episode I'm a changed man/fool. The new model is if she wants my knife, I stand there with her as she uses it. Then I want it back. I've bought her countless knives, but she needs one where she is and the knives are where she left them. Not here. Just a little conflict if she has more than one task, but she knows the conflict that will erupt if she wants to remove it from my vision. You've got to adapt.

Christmas is coming. We just finished a birthday. My oldest needed a knife for present opening. Yes, cardboard and wrapping paper cutting. No need for him to carry a knife if dad will be there. He borrowed my knife maybe 5 or 6 times. He's spent his life returning the knife to me immediately after making his cut. Someone suggested he just keep it till he's done. That person received a cold look from me, him, and even my wife. That dog won't hunt.

So for the Christmas presents I have a leatherman. I didn't capitalize it because its maybe a generic version. I'll be taking it along to the present openings. I even relish the conflict when it won't cut.

That brings us back to this thread. Dull knives are dangerous. You protecting your prized knives can also be dangerous. They (we know who they are) take offense at you not sharing. What's yours is also theirs.

And a final story: Last spring we were on vacation. We were jeeping in the desert with friends. My buddy, a retired Air Force officer watched as my pocket knife failed miserably on a task. He said "that knife won't cut anything" so I looked at him and said "guess why". He knew. I'd loaned it to my wife on the vacation.

It wasn't permanently ruined. Just dulled to the point where it was still good for spreading mustard. Or a wife (not just mine) would suggest it could be used as a screwdriver or pry bar.

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:
The new model is if she wants my knife, I stand there with her as she uses it. Then I want it back.

Lol. Exactly my model as well.

The last two posts bring up a female caveat.

After use, any object is to NEVER be put back where it was found - NEVER.

They always know where to find them, but they can't be bothered to replace them.

I think y’all should lock the knives up in the same place your wives lock up your balls.

They are sure to never get used then!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
I think y’all should lock the knives up in the same place your wives lock up your balls.

They are sure to never get used then!!!!

Their wives usually don't lock up their balls. They carry them around in their purse!!!! hehehehe