Cutlery Reviews

I just don't think that the "hammer design" is the best for pounding or tenderizing meat. Look at my other reviews to see what design I would recommend over this one. The reason why I don't like this design is because the swinging action is less precise. There's a lot more meat splatter going on with the hammer style. Why? Because there's too much energy being smashed into the meat. When the meat is splattering, it's tearing, it's disintegrating, and I think the meat is being damaged. It is possible to pound/tenderize meat without having it be such a destructive/explosive, not to mention, messy, process. Whenever there is splatters of meat flying around the kitchen, I see that as a sign of too much energy and to tone it down a little.

The other options for tenderizing meats is to use a flat meat pounder and/or a bladed meat tenderizer. Both options are a lot less destructive and a offer a lot more controlled environment. You can look at my other reviews to find these other items.

Conclusion:
If you must have a hammer type pounder/tenderizer, this one will do the job. But if you're shopping around, you might want to look at other designs that offer more precision, smaller, easier to clean and store and can multi-task.

I first saw one of these when my father-in-law who is a private pilot showed one to me. I was favrorably impressed with is size and performance. Unfortunately he could not remeber where he got it. Subsequently, I found it on Amazon and purchased several for my self and as gifts. The flash light fits nicely in my pocket, the light is quite bright. If there is any fault, is that the replacement batteries are rare and expensive, though I did find them on the web for under 3.00 each

These are incredibly useful, pen sized lights. The white ones are remarkably bright and the red ones are very useful when you need to see your way around or look for something without compromising your night vision. I have purchased several of both. I use them myself and they make great gifts for my friends.

Let's be reasonable when reviewing this light... it's not going to be blazing bright. How could it be with the tiny BR435 batteries? But since they are Lithium batteries, they will last a long time and still give off plenty of light. Which is kind of the point. I don't see how anyone could give this item a 1 unless they got dead or nearly dead batteries.

While the light isn't blazing bright, it's more than effective reading in the dark or locating lost items, etc. In a completely dark room it will show brightly on a wall across the room or provide enough light to shine off the ceiling, illuminating the entire floor for navigation. I got mine at Fry's Electronics in Downers Grove, Il for $10, and I'm more than satisfied at how bright it is.

Moving on, I'd like to point out that the whole point of this little light is that it is absolutely perfect for urban carry. It sits right next to my Leatherman Micra and Fisher Space Pen in my pocket and I don't know it's there. The hard aluminum is quite rugged and the knob to turn on the light is pleasantly tough to turn (preventing either prematurely switching on the light or letting the batteries loose). It has 2 o-rings as well, so I think this thing may be water-proof, though I haven't tested that theory.

The light is seated inside the tube, so it doesn't have side-scatter which can effectively kill night vision. It does have tiny pinholes that let out just enough side-light... great design. It also comes with a nice removable pocket clip. I remove it for smooth profile in my pocket.

The only drawbacks I've found with this light are the ease with which the coating comes off the aluminum (could use better anodizing) and the difficulty locating the batteries in my rural area... but I'm only counting one of those against the light. Also, For some the inability to flash the light on/off quickly is a detractor - though I don't find it to be a big issue.

I absolutely recommend this for all urban carriers, flashlight fanatics, purses, emergency survival kits, First Aid Kits, Bike packs, back packs, fanny packs, and any number of other uses. It's a great light and you'll be happy to own it. About the only improvement I can see Coast making is to replace the lamp with one of the new pure-white LEDs instead of the blue-white ones. Those new LEDs can put out twice the lumens at the same power rate.

This holder for 12 knives does exactly what I want it to do. Safely transport very sharp knives back and forth to my church culinary chores without taking a chunk out of an unsuspecting colleague. I give it only four stars because it doesn't seem quite as good as some similar products I've seen on various Food Network documentaries, which seem to easily carry things which are a lot less flat than the average knife.

But, if the price is right and carrying knives is what you want, get this product, it is especially good at being stiff, avoiding the risk of pushing a sharp tip out at you at an awkward moment.

A well balanced and sharpe knife right out of the package. I find myself picking this knife up first more and more. It keeps a sharpe edge much longer than some of the more expensive knives I have and feels just right in my hand. Another KitchenAid product well made. The price was right also.