The Japanese Sharpen Knives to Razor-Sharp Perfection in Just One Minute — But It’s About So Much More Than Speed

In a quiet workshop in Japan, a chef draws his blade across a stone. With graceful precision and a calm, steady hand, he brings his knife to life — in less than one minute. But what seems like magic is no illusion. It’s a time-honored ritual that reflects centuries of wisdom, care, and respect for the craft.

Welcome to the world of Japanese knife sharpening — a breathtaking fusion of discipline, elegance, and power.

More Than a Skill — It’s a Meditation

In Japanese culture, sharpening isn’t just a kitchen task. It’s a ritual of mindfulness. Every stroke, every angle, every drop of water on the whetstone is intentional. It’s not just about getting a sharp edge — it’s about preserving the soul of the steel, and honoring the tools that make nourishment possible.

The Japanese believe a knife holds a spirit — and sharpening it is a way of renewing its purpose.

The Art Behind the 1-Minute Razor Edge

Yes, Japanese craftsmen can sharpen a knife to surgical sharpness in under a minute — but not because they’re rushing. It’s because they’ve mastered the fundamentals:

Whetstones over shortcuts: Forget machines. True Japanese sharpening relies on natural whetstones (grits from 1000 to 8000+), soaked and perfectly leveled.

Steady angle: A constant angle — usually between 15° and 20° — is maintained with unwavering discipline. Even a small tilt can dull the outcome.

Smooth, gentle movement: The blade glides across the stone in long, controlled strokes. It’s a dance of balance and breath.

Alternating sides: Each side is sharpened in careful rhythm to maintain harmony and edge symmetry.

Edge test: Whether it’s slicing paper, gliding through tomato skin, or shaving hair, a Japanese craftsman knows the test is in the touch.

What This Tradition Can Teach Us

Watching a knife come to razor-sharp life in just sixty seconds is mesmerizing — but the real power lies in what it reveals:

Patience. Precision. Respect. And the idea that quality isn’t rushed — it’s repeated, refined, and remembered.

Here are lessons we can carry into our own lives:

Consistency over speed: It’s not about how fast you go, but how well you do it.

Respect your tools: From kitchen knives to everyday routines, everything lasts longer with care.

Balance is everything: Like the dual sides of a blade, our lives need symmetry — in effort, rest, and intention.

Want to Try It Yourself?

You don’t need to be a sushi master to begin this journey. Here’s how to bring this tradition into your kitchen:

Invest in a proper whetstone: Start with a 1000/3000 grit combo and a flattening stone to keep it even.

Use a black marker on the blade edge: This classic Japanese tip helps you track your sharpening accuracy.

Sharpen regularly: A little attention each week means your knives will never need a rescue mission.

Clean everything after sharpening: This isn’t just cleanliness — it’s respect for the tools that feed your family.

In the End, It’s About Connection

Sharpening a knife the Japanese way isn’t just about crafting the perfect edge. It’s about slowing down, being present, and remembering that even the smallest moments — like slicing vegetables — are worth doing beautifully.

In a world rushing toward convenience, this quiet act of care reminds us:

Excellence isn’t accidental. It’s a choice, made over and over — one smooth stroke at a time.

The battery puzzle: a tiny problem with a real budget.

You know the feeling: you’re sitting on the couch, about to start your favorite movie… and your remote refuses to respond. Once again, the batteries have died. Between the TV, the fan, and the kids’ toys, those little batteries add up to an unexpected price without our knowledge.

Instead than buying more batteries, why not replace them permanently?

A DIY method for a rechargeable remote control

The remedy is shockingly simple. To make your conventional remote control into a rechargeable gadget, you’ll need the following:

A small rechargeable battery (3.7V lithium-based, such as a 14500 or comparable)
A USB charging module (type TP4056, easily available on online sales sites)
A diode (e.g., a 1N4007) to alter the voltage as needed.

A little patience, and that’s all!

The plan is to remove the regular batteries and solder the battery wires in their place. If you add a small micro-USB or USB-C port to the casing (for example, on the back), your remote control will become rechargeable, just like a smartphone. Convenient, right?

And for the curious: the Bluetooth version.

Want to take it a step further? It is even feasible to turn a remote control into a Bluetooth-enabled device. This method demands a little more skill: you’ll need to integrate a microcontroller (such as an ESP32) and entirely reprogram the circuit.

This is another journey that is suitable for those who enjoy electronics and DIY. However, if you only want to eliminate the need for batteries, the first option is sufficient.

A small gesture for you, a real step for the planet

In France, hundreds of millions of batteries are discarded each year. Even if they are partially recycled, their production is still incredibly energy intensive. Choosing a rechargeable remote control, even for a simple everyday item, is a tangible step toward a more responsible living.

And, let’s be honest, there’s a genuine sense of accomplishment in using something you’ve created yourself. It is reviving a silent living room buddy.

We all know the drill when traveling—label your checked baggage with a name, phone number, and address to make sure it finds its way back to you if lost. Seems safe, right?

But here’s why you might want to rethink it:
Exposing personal information on your luggage could actually put you at risk. Criminals can use your details to track your movements, and worse, they could plant forbidden items in your suitcase with your information attached.

Here’s How It Happens:
A recent foreign media report reveals a disturbing trend. Criminals are reading the info on luggage tags and secretly adding illicit items—like drugs—next to your suitcase. Since they now know your name and address, they can simply retrieve the bag later, knowing exactly who owns it and where they live.

Real-Life Horror Stories:

Brazil: Police busted a ring of drug smugglers who copied passenger info from luggage tags, added drugs to the bags, and then smuggled them by air.
Hong Kong Incident (2010): A woman traveling to Malaysia, Lam Tran Dinh, assisted an elderly woman with her luggage, only to find herself arrested when the bag she carried was found to contain 1.8 kg of drugs. She was sentenced to death due to Malaysia’s severe narcotics laws.

So, What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Avoid personal details on your baggage tag—stick to just your first name or initials.
Use a digital luggage tag or an encrypted tag with minimal personal info.
Secure your bags with locks to prevent tampering.
Your safety is priority #1! Let this be a reminder to always think twice before revealing too much information—your privacy and safety are worth more than convenience.

Make Use of These Incredibly Useful Benefits from Tomatoes You Might Consider Throwing Away.

Most homemakers rush to toss away rotting, spoilt tomatoes, unaware that they are wasting a treasure trove. Take advantage of these highly valuable benefits from tomatoes that appear to be simply for throwing away.

1. Grow Plants from Spoiled Tomatoes

First, carefully cut the rotting tomatoes into small slices. Make sure the seeds within the tomatoes are not damaged.

Next, fill a container or pot with loose soil and arrange the tomato slices flat on the soil, making sure they don’t overlap. After that, cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 1-2 cm deep, and lightly water to keep it moist.

Place the pot or container in a brightly lit place and water it on a regular basis to maintain the soil moist, but avoid overwatering as this may cause the plants to rot. After around 1-2 months, the tomato plants will flower and produce fruit. When the tomatoes are mature, you can harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

2. Use Rotten Tomatoes as Fertilizer

Slice the rotten tomatoes into small pieces. Then, place the chopped tomatoes in a clean bottle, cover with rice water, and let sit for 3-5 days. You will have a natural fertilizer that is ideal for your plants.

Rice water has long been known to nurture plants. When the rice water is fermented with tomatoes, its nutritional content increases even more, allowing your plants to sprout and bloom magnificently.

3. Use Rotten Tomatoes to Deodorize the Refrigerator

Mash the rotten tomatoes (removing the spoiled section) to extract juice, then soak a cloth in the liquid and use it to clean the refrigerator. It not only removes stains but also leaves a nice tomato scent, making your refrigerator seem fresh and clean.

4. Use Rotten Tomatoes to Clean Metal Objects

The acetic acid in rotten tomatoes reacts with metal, making it suitable for cleaning metal things. You may use ruined tomatoes to clean household things like knives, forks, and faucets. Apply the rotting tomato to the metal surface, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe with a paper towel, rinse with water, and dry with a clean cloth.

If a fire suddenly breaks out in the hotel, you can run away and use the wet towel that is already hanging on the door to cover your mouth. At this time, you do not have to waste 2-4 minutes running into the bathroom and wetting the towel, missing the golden time to escape.

Do you know why you should hang a wet towel on the door handle in a hotel?

The main purpose of hanging a wet towel on the door handle of a motel is to ensure the safety of guests when a fire occurs. The biggest threat in hotels and motels is fire because this is a place where many people live, so fire and explosion accidents are very likely to occur. In fires, the number of people who die from smoke inhalation is higher than the number of people who die from burns.

Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death in fire cases. When inhaling smoke, people will lack oxygen, leading to shortness of breath and rapid weakness. At the same time, a large amount of carbon oxide produced from burning materials penetrates, creating great pressure in the respiratory tract, causing suffocation and respiratory burns. More seriously, smoke inhalation can lead to convulsions and unconsciousness.

Another reason to explain why you should hang wet towels on the doorknob in hotels is that this way helps to add moisture to the room. Normally, guests turn on the air conditioner, making the air in the room relatively dry. The wet towel will evaporate, add moisture, and help you feel more comfortable.

Whatever the reason, hanging wet towels on doorknobs is practical and useful. Plus, it’s easy to do and won’t take up much of your time. No matter how tired you are, it’s worth taking a few minutes to do it before you take a break.

The most important furniture in the bedroom is our bed, only a soft enough bed can we have a comfortable sleep, in addition to choosing a soft bed, we also have to pay attention to the location of the bed in the bedroom.

Today we will review the 3 positions of the bedroom that should not face each other, this issue is ignored by many people, it is not a matter of feng shui, superstition but only consider the health of the family.

The head of the bed in the bedroom should not face the window

First of all, the head of the bed in our bedroom should not face the window. Some of you think that the air circulation will be better if it is placed facing the window, especially when the summer weather is very hot, it feels more comfortable to sleep facing the window, but in fact this opinion is wrong.
If the head of the bed in the bedroom is placed facing the window, at night there will be a lot of wind blowing into the room from the window gap, so if the wind blows directly at night, it is easy to catch a cold. Even if the summer weather is very hot, at night when the wind blows directly at night, it is easy to catch a cold, especially if there are young children and the elderly at home, the head of the bed in the bedroom cannot be placed facing the window.

The bed in the bedroom should not be placed facing the mirror
Many of you will pay attention to this issue, some people think that it is a matter of superstition. Actually it has nothing to do with that, the bed in the bedroom should not be placed opposite the mirror, the main reason is that when you wake up at night and look in the mirror, it is easy to panic, especially when you just opened your eyes and your consciousness is not very clear, it is easy to be scared by yourself.

In addition, a mirror should be placed opposite the bed in the bedroom, when sleeping at night, the moonlight is very easy to reflect directly into the mirror, which will affect our rest, the light at the head of the bed will also reflect into the mirror, which will make people feel very dazzling, affecting sleep.

The head of the bed in the bedroom should not be opposite the door

If the head of the bed in the bedroom is opposite the door, it is the same as not being opposite the window, the door, even if it is tightly sealed, will still have gaps, which is easy to ventilate, and it is easy to catch a cold when sleeping at night.

In addition, the headboard in the bedroom directly facing the door will cause noise problems. If family members come home late or get up at night to go to the bathroom, some noise will be emitted, affecting our sleep, especially for those who have trouble sleeping, this will affect sleep even more.

If you want to install a mirror in the bedroom, the homeowner should only place it on both sides of the headboard, but it is best not to place a mirror.

In today’s busy world, the washing machine is our best friend. It saves time, effort, and ensures our clothes come out fresh and clean. But here’s the catch: even the best washing machines can accumulate dirt, bacteria, and foul odors over time if not properly maintained.

If you’re noticing your clothes aren’t as fresh as they used to be, or if you catch an unpleasant smell coming from the machine, it’s a sign that your washing machine might need a little TLC. The good news is, it’s easy to fix! Cleaning your washing machine is essential, and there’s a hidden trick that could make a big difference.

The Hidden Switch You Never Knew Existed

Did you know that most washing machines have a hidden switch that can help you drain out all the dirty water that builds up inside? Many people overlook this feature, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to keeping your machine clean and odor-free.

Here’s how you do it:

• Locate the hidden switch – It’s usually found in the lower right or left corner of your washing machine.
• Open the cover – There’s a small cover over the switch, often marked with a symbol or label. Use a coin to gently pry it open.
• Drain the dirty water – Once open, you’ll see water begin to drain out. This process helps clear out accumulated dirt, grime, and bacteria from inside the machine, which could otherwise be affecting your laundry.
• Don’t Forget the Filter!

In addition to draining the dirty water, there’s another important step to keep your washing machine working at its best: cleaning the filter box. This is a rectangular compartment inside the washing drum where lint, hair, and debris can collect. If left unchecked, these build-ups can lead to dirty clothes and unpleasant smells.

How to Clean the Filter:

• Remove the filter box (usually located near the drainage pump or inside the drum).
• Clean it thoroughly to remove any debris.
• Do this weekly to ensure your washing machine is performing at its best.
• Simple Steps, Fresh Clothes!

By following these easy steps to clean your washing machine, you can help it work more efficiently, prevent odors, and ensure your clothes always come out fresh. No more worrying about hidden bacteria or dirty water lurking in the machine!

Now that you know this hidden trick, go ahead and give your washing machine the care it deserves. Your clothes (and nose) will thank you!

Decluttering your home can bring a sense of calm and order, but knowing what to discard and what to hold onto can be tricky. Some items are obvious candidates for the trash, while others may deserve a second chance.

Here, we’ll cover the essentials—four things you should definitely throw away, ten others you should consider tossing, and ten that you might want to keep.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but letting go of certain items can lead to a clearer mind and a more organized life. Whether it’s emotional attachments or the fear of wasting something, many of us hold onto things we no longer need. To help simplify the process, here are four things you should definitely throw away, making space for more clarity, peace, and freedom in your living space.

Expired Medications

One of the first items you should always discard is expired medication. Medications lose their effectiveness over time, and in some cases, they can become harmful. Holding onto old prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines is risky, as taking them can lead to adverse effects.

To safely dispose of these, don’t just throw them in the trash; instead, look for local pharmacy programs that offer proper disposal methods. Having expired medications in your home could also pose a risk to children or pets, so it’s best to get rid of them promptly.

Worn-Out Shoes

Shoes that are no longer wearable are something you should part with immediately. When footwear loses its support or structure, it not only looks unsightly but can also lead to foot pain, blisters, or other health issues. Worn-out shoes that can’t be resolved or repaired serve no purpose and take up valuable space in your closet. By letting them go, you’ll make room for shoes that offer the comfort and support you need.

Broken Electronics

It’s easy to hold onto old electronics with the hope that one day you’ll get around to fixing them, but realistically, broken gadgets usually just collect dust. Items like outdated smartphones, damaged headphones, or frayed chargers can’t be repaired easily or efficiently and should be responsibly recycled. Rather than adding to your clutter, take these broken electronics to an e-waste recycling center, helping reduce the environmental damage caused by improperly discarded tech.

Single Socks or Torn Clothes

We all have that drawer of mismatched socks or clothes with irreparable damage. While it’s tempting to hold onto these items in case you find the missing pair or for future use, the reality is that they are taking up space for no reason. Torn clothes that can’t be repaired, donated, or repurposed serve no functional purpose. Rather than letting these items linger, it’s time to let them go.

Once you’ve tackled the obvious clutter, there are still plenty of items that may be weighing you down without you even realizing it. These things might not seem like clutter at first, but they can accumulate and drain your energy over time. Here are 10 other things you should consider throwing out to create a more harmonious and functional space.

Old Makeup and Skincare Products

Beauty products have a shelf life, and once they expire, they can cause more harm than good. Old makeup can lead to skin irritations or infections, especially products that come in direct contact with your skin, such as foundation or mascara. Skincare items also degrade over time, losing effectiveness. If you notice a change in color, smell, or texture, it’s time to toss them.

Outdated Technology Manuals

In the digital age, product manuals and guides are easily accessible online, rendering paper manuals obsolete. Holding onto old manuals for devices you no longer own, or for products that you could easily research online, is unnecessary. Let go of these cluttering papers and reclaim that extra drawer or shelf space.

Old Receipts

Unless you need them for tax purposes or warranties, there’s no reason to keep old receipts. They pile up quickly and often become unreadable over time due to fading ink. A good practice is to scan important receipts and store them digitally, while the rest can be thrown out after their usefulness has passed.

Takeout Menus

We often accumulate a large stack of takeout menus, but most restaurants now have their menus available online. Rather than allowing these paper menus to crowd your kitchen drawers, toss them out and simply check the restaurant’s website next time you want to order.

Expired Food in the Pantry

It’s common to overlook expired food items in the pantry, but holding onto them only takes up space and poses health risks. Regularly check expiration dates and discard items that have gone past their prime. This not only declutters your pantry but also ensures that the food you do have is fresh and safe to eat.

Old Cookware

Nonstick pans that have lost their coating, warped pots, or utensils that have seen better days are good candidates for the trash. Old cookware that is no longer functional or safe to use only creates clutter in your kitchen. Consider replacing them with newer, safer options.

Unused Gym Equipment

Many people have exercise equipment they no longer use or have never used. Whether it’s a treadmill that’s gathering dust or dumbbells that sit in a corner, if you haven’t used these items in a while, it’s worth considering selling or donating them. Unused equipment just takes up valuable space without serving a purpose.

Broken Toys

Children outgrow toys, and sometimes they break or become too worn to be played with. Broken toys can be unsafe and no longer provide joy to your children. Rather than keeping them in storage or trying to repair toys that aren’t worth the effort, consider throwing them away or recycling them if possible.

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of magazines and newspapers can quickly become an overwhelming presence in any room. While it’s fine to keep some special editions, holding onto every issue of a magazine or daily newspaper is not necessary. Recycle the old copies and clear up that precious space on your shelves or coffee table.

Outdated Party Supplies

Many of us store leftover party supplies like balloons, banners, or disposable tableware, thinking we’ll reuse them. However, if the items are outdated or damaged, it’s better to let them go. Keeping these old supplies only adds unnecessary clutter.

In terms of quality, what is the big difference between large navel oranges and small navel oranges? When cutting large navel oranges, you will see that the navel is covered with a white membrane, with few segments inside, mostly peel, and an unattractive taste. In general, the orange segments are not sweet and have less juice than usual.

On the contrary, small navel oranges do not have a clear navel, the peel is thin, the segments are more juicy and sweet. It can be said that sweetness and water content are the differences between large navel oranges and small navel oranges. When buying oranges, you should pay attention to the navel to choose the best fruits.

1. How to choose delicious oranges

In addition to the navel, when buying oranges, you can rely on the following factors to choose the most satisfactory fruits.

2. Based on color

The eye-catching golden yellow color is the first thing that catches our eyes when we come to the orange counter, but if you look closely, you will see that oranges have many different shades. The same orange variety, the darker the color, the more sunlight it receives and thus accumulates more sugar inside, making it sweet and juicy. You should choose these fruits.

3. Based on shape

In the middle of an orange stall, we often see slightly oval oranges, round oranges, plump oranges, and slightly wrinkled and rough oranges. If you want to eat delicious oranges, you should choose round oranges because they will be juicy and sweet.

4. Feel by hand

You should hold the orange to feel its weight because a large fruit is not necessarily heavy, it may have a lot of peel and dry segments.

Hold the orange in your hand, if you feel it is heavy, it is fresh and juicy; On the contrary, if it feels light, it means that the orange has been picked a long time ago and stored for a long time, and is not delicious.

Holding the fruit also helps you feel the softness or hardness of the orange. Fresh and ripe oranges have elasticity when you pinch them; if it is difficult to pinch, the fruit has a thick skin and is not delicious.

According to an insider from hotel housekeeping, when you first check in, boil a full kettle of water and pour it into the toilet immediately. Yes, you read that right. This seemingly strange step could help protect you from germs and bacteria that may be lurking in your room, especially in places you wouldn’t normally think about.

Here’s why:

While most hotels clean rooms, not all maintain the highest hygiene standards. The electric kettle, a common amenity in hotel rooms, might not always be as clean as you think. Some guests use it for things you can’t even imagine—like boiling noodles, seafood, or even… underwear! This means the kettle could be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why boiling and discarding the water helps sanitize it.

But there’s more to this than just cleaning the kettle. The toilet is one of the most bacteria-infested places in the room. Boiling water can help disinfect the toilet as well, offering an extra layer of protection against germs left behind by previous guests.

The Story Behind:

Picture this: you’ve just arrived at your hotel room after a long day of travel, eager to relax. You unpack, check out the amenities, and find the electric kettle on the desk. It’s a common feature, but have you ever wondered how clean it really is? Maybe it’s been used by guests who cooked instant noodles or, worse yet, boiled something unspeakable inside. It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but it happens more often than you’d think.

This is where the boil-and-pour method comes in. Boiling a full kettle of water and pouring it into the toilet does two things: it helps sanitize the kettle and the toilet, both of which might not have been properly cleaned. The heat from the water kills bacteria that could potentially harm you. Think of it as your own quick “cleaning ritual” for peace of mind.

Though it sounds unusual, this advice comes from housekeeping staff who’ve seen it all. In the world of hotels, cleanliness can sometimes fall short, and this small step ensures you’re not exposing yourself to any hidden germs.

Of course, the best way to stay safe is to book reputable hotels known for their high standards of hygiene. But if you’re in a situation where you have doubts about the cleanliness of your room, this quick hack could be a lifesaver.

When staying in hotels, don’t take cleanliness for granted—take matters into your own hands. A quick boil-and-pour ritual can protect you from unexpected germs and bacteria. It’s a small but effective step in ensuring your stay is both comfortable and safe. And remember, if you ever find yourself questioning the cleanliness of a hotel room, it’s better to be cautious than sorry!