Expanding on Sharpen Those Knives...

Jason G is right on about the sharp knife thing. Once you experience professional-quality sharp knives you'll never want to go back to the knives in your drawer! However, certain safety and maintenance tips are warranted.

Never store knives in a drawer. This is is a cruel booby trap for anyone who reaches into the drawer, the knives will bump around in there and the blades will dull.

Always let others know in the kitchen where your knives are. Don't put objects on top of them (like towels, and don't ever drop a knife into a sink full of water with the intention of washing it later.) Also a booby trap.

Never reach out and catch a knife if you drop it. Sounds like common sense, but you'd be surprised how hard it is to fight that reflex.

When carrying a knife, always point the blade downward toward the floor, and announce to others that you are holding a knife.

Reiterating what Jason G said- use the honing steel frequently. Every time you use it. This will keep the edge sharp, like new.

Safe cutting!
Toni V