Butchers are amazing, loving and enthusiastic people who have a passion for delicious meats and high-quality cuts. They’re dedicated workers and love to feed and host their friends. If you have a butcher in your life and their birthday is coming soon, there are many practical presents you can buy for them. Tools, accessories and edibles are all a great idea. Everything that’s butcher-related will bring a smile to their face.
Apron
We all have aprons at home, and we use them while cooking. But the butcher’s apron is specifically designed for one purpose, to protect the butcher while they work. It has several specific characteristics that make it unique. So, if you really want to surprise your friend, get them a heavy-duty apron for a butcher.
Its goal is to keep the person clean, and safe and make them look as stylish as possible. You can get this item online or at your local store. There’s a big variety of choices when it comes to shapes, sizes, colours and designs. It all starts with high-quality materials. They’re the foundation of a good apron.
Butchers are exposed to knives and tools all the time, so it’s important for them to be armed with high-quality, sturdy materials that won’t get damaged after a few wears. The 2 most popular materials for an apron are Kevlar and leather. They can be a bit more expensive but are surely worth the investment because safety always comes first.
This is a clothing item that’s meant to have many pockets in different sizes and placements. Butchers deal with many tools when they work, and they need a safe place to store them. This way every tool will be on hand always. Pockets also make them more organised and more efficient in what they do because there will be fewer trips to the other room to get a tool.
There are two reasons why the apron needs to be kept clean. First, because it prevents the spread of bacteria, and second it looks more presentable in front of customers. The best, easy-cleaning materials are nylon, plastic and leather. Nylon and plastic can be uncomfortable to wear. Leather on the other hand is organic, breathable, comfortable and simple to clean.
These aprons are usually lightweight and have adjustable straps. This way they can fit any person who wears them. If you can, find an apron that has cross straps on the back. They’re the sturdiest and most comfortable aprons. And finally, make sure the apron is stylish. Choose something that represents the character of your friend. You can even personalise it with their name or some kind of logo.
Cleaver
The cleaver is one of the tools that butchers use most often. Of course, they have other knives they work with, but the cleaver is the base for their work. The handle, the blade, and the material are the three most crucial factors to take into consideration. Just like with the apron for a butcher, the material should be strong and durable.
One of the best options is carbon steel. Its great natural properties keep it sharp longer. However, it’s susceptible to rust and adds a metallic flavour to the meat. Stainless steel is another option. It’s the first choice for many butchers because it’s durable and rust-resistant. The efficiency of the blade depends on its height and length. Its optimal dimensions are around 17-20 cm in length and 8 cm in height.
The thickness of the blade also plays a big part in its function. The ideal cutting edge would have an angle between 15 and 17 degrees. Of course, your friend will benefit more from a blade that is lighter. They will be able to use it more quickly and effectively because the weight of the cleaver won’t strain their hands and wrists.
Manufacturers nowadays pay close attention to the handle. They’re making it ergonomic so that it can fit the hand perfectly. You can find handles made of wood, steel or plastic and each has its pros and cons. If you know your friend’s preference, go for it. Keep in mind that plastic is lightweight but can melt when in contact with high heat, wood is strong but gathers bacteria.
Butcher Block
A butcher block is a big wooden surface used as a cutting surface. This is an item butchers use every day and all the time, so it has to be very thick. It features a simple design. a simple appearance that’s extremely practical. The most important thing to consider is the material. That’s where the block gets its sturdiness.
Walnut blocks are all the rage right now. They’re strong and resilient and can stand up to a lot of cuts, scratches and other forms of wear and tear. Cherry and hickory are also a couple of good options. Their grains are very original and look specific and they make the block look unique and amazing. Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain which your friend will appreciate a lot.
Seasoning Basket
A seasoning basket can be a very fun gift to put together. It’s also creative and you can make it very personal. Every butcher enjoys eating meat and most likely has developed a variety of cooking techniques. Meat requires seasoning, herbs, and spices whether it’s seared, grilled, or baked. You can even make a nice combination of spices and add a couple of butcher aprons to complete the gift.
There are so many choices. You can go with Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, or a combination of the three depending on your friend’s preferred cooking style. You can also include fresh herbs in addition to spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, espresso rub, oregano, cumin, and Italian seasoning. They’ll add a nice freshness to the meat.
Some of the options you have are rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, chives and more. You can tie them together in little bouquets and place them around the basket among the spices. If the packages the spices come in aren’t appealing, you can always buy small jars and transfer them inside. Buy some tags and markers and label them accordingly. This is an amazing gift that’ll last for a long time.
Knife Sharpener
A butcher’s job requires a lot of knife sharpening. That’s why a knife sharpener would be a great gift. Manual sharpeners are portable and simple to use. They simultaneously sharpen the knife’s two sides. Electric ones have motorised discs or wheels. Some of them have two or three sharpness levels, which can be useful to a butcher. Some butchers even prefer the traditional whetstone for sharpening. So, if your friend is a fan, go for it. Give them the best birthday gift they could imagine.
Australia Everyday Living 