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An old timer taught me how to read a carcass in 10 seconds flat
I was working at a shop in Cleveland about 5 years ago. This guy maybe 70 years old comes in with his own knife roll. Watches me break down a side of beef for a minute then says "you're fighting the grain son." He showed me how to feel the muscle direction with my palm instead of looking. Changed how I work. Anyone else have a mentor moment like that?
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nora1102d ago
Heard a podcast once with a butcher from Argentina who said the same thing. He said most guys learn to cut by sight but your HANDS know the meat better than your eyes ever will. That old timer gave you a REAL gift. I remember reading about how Japanese knife makers test blades by feel too. It is all about that connection between your fingers and the muscle fibers. Funny how the simple lessons from old guys stick with you FOREVER.
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robert_bell2d ago
Wait, you were just breaking down sides of beef in Cleveland when this random 70 year old walks up and gives you the secret? That's nuts. I'd have probably thought he was some lost grandpa looking for the deli counter.
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