Butcher Block Care

We sell a lot of John Boos butcher blocks and furniture with butcher block tops at 125West.com, and often we get customer questions about caring for their new butcher block. By following a few easy usage rules and maintenance steps, butcher block life is almost unlimited! Firstly, butcher blocks are made from real wood. Wood is a natural material that responds tochanges in temperature and humidity. These changes set up tremendous internal forces in the block. Their shape and dimensions will change with the seasons. If warping or edge cracking appears it is related to uneven changes in temperature or humidity. Keep your block dry, away from heat and allow it to dry evenly. Regular oiling helps to prevent these problems because it keeps water from entering the board. Sometimes this finish will give the impression that the block is wet, the topis ready to use. Wash your block by hand only using anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water. Do not submerge the block! Add a small amount of bleach or vinegar to the water for extra bacteria killing power after chopping bacteria carrying foods such as raw chicken. You can also rub the block with a half a lemon to kill bacteria. Our blocks are not dishwasher safe. Thoroughly dry the block after washing. When possible allow the block to dry standing up on edge to help the block dry properly and prevent warp. Periodically oil the block with mineral oil, Glumber Oil, or our Block Bros. All-Natural Block Oil. Letting the block dry out because of a lack of oil is the #1 cause of problems with the block. You can't oil your block too much! Oiling will help keep that beautiful sheen. Do not allow liquid to stand on the block for a long period of time, it will stain the block and cause the wood to expand, causing glue joint failure and warp. Use a steel scrapper or sandpaper as needed to keep the top smooth and free of deep cuts and food buildup, then re-oil the top. Work with different areas of the block to help it wear evenly. Both sides should be used if the design allows to extend the life of your board. Do not use a razor sharpened edge on your clever it will chip out the wood. Do not expose tops to excessive heat, cold or moisture! Never put in microwave or dishwasher. Never place on stove burners.

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Fissler Cookware

Firstly, happy Thanksgiving. It has been a trying year in the economy and politics, but we all should still find things for which we can give thanks.

If you're considering high-performance cookware this season and do not want something made in China, you should consider Fissler. Fissler cookware has been produced in Germany since the year 1845! Today, more than 160 years later, Fissler is market leader in the European cookware market. Fissler products are recognized for outstanding quality, function, design, and high performance.

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The Fissler Original Pro cookware collection features all-heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel exterior construction combined with its Cookstar base. The Cookstar base performs on all cooktops (including induction) that encapulates with stainless steel a thick 6mm aluminum core for heat transfer and diffusion without any hot spot. Other features include tightly fitted lids for waterless cooking, easy-pour rims, large stay-cool handles (without rivets for best hygiene), and there even is a measuring scale inscribed inside the pot or pan. Original Pro may also be used in the oven, is dishwasher safe, and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Fissler is also very well known for its pressure cookers that feature the same high-performance construction as Original Pro with stainless steel construction and the Cookstar base. The pressure cookers are simple and very safe to operate while adding a healthy and fast method to your culinary options.

AeroBed for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, you may be expecting house guests or you may be traveling out of town to visit relatives or friends. Where to sleep is usually an issue unless you have an AEROBED! A self-inflating AeroBed mattress offers the convenience and easy portability. Its patented Sleep-Align coil system provides unique firmness zones in different sections of the bed for ultimate sleeping comfort. And with its fully recessed air pump, an AeroBed is a full 9-inches thick to fit standard-sized bed frames, waterbed frames, sofa beds, or futons. And of course, you also can use it on the floor. AeroBed is perfect for overnight guests, vacation homes, dorm rooms, or anywhere you need a quick and comfortable bed. Many people use one every night!

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An AeroBed takes 60 seconds to inflate using its motorized air pump. is constructed with heavy-gauge, non-allergenic, PCV vinyl and electronically welded seams that will provide years of sleeping comfort. The air mattress features the Aero exclusive Quadra Coil® construction for a smoother sleep surface with even cushioning that prevents pressure points and enhances circulation. The surface of the mattress has a plush, velvety surface for further comfort. Also conveniently included with the AeroBed Premier Comfort Plus is a thick, comfortable, machine washable mattress cover. When your houseguests are gone, the AeroBed Premier Comfort Plus deflates completely in 15 seconds and easily rolls up for compact storage in its convenient lightweight carry bag.

Solid Brass Door Knockers

One of the first impressions a visitor to your home may be the door knocker. At 125West.com, choose from a large assortment of handcrafted large, solid brass door knockers that will add a warm welcoming accent to your front door. Many knockers also may be personalizied by engraving! A solid brass door knocker also makes a wonderful housewarming present for family or friends.

These door knockers are made from solid cast brass. They are hand polished to a bright shiny finish with an added layer of clear lacquer to prevent tarnishing. Prices for our door knockers start around $20 and range up to $130 for very large, elaborate knockers.

Ruby Crystal 18,696 Carats

This monster natural ruby crystal is one of the world’s largest with a weight of 18,696 carats (8.2 lbs). Referred to as the "125West Ruby Crystal", it is semi-translucent to opaque and contains rutile, which may create a six-ray star if cut en cabochon. The crystal displays a strong red fluorescence when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. It measures 122.4mm x 112.3mm x 133.9mm. The ruby is identified in GIA Report 15171991 dated May 24, 2006.

If carved, the 125West Ruby Crystal gemstone would be the largest ruby carvature in the world. If cut en cabochon, it would be the largest cut and polished ruby gemstone in the world. This is a most unique opportunity for the serious gemstone collector or investor. For more information on the 125West Ruby Crystal, please click here or call the 125West Concierge at 1-888-921-9378 or 1-410-295-3917.


About Rubies:
The ruby belongs to the corundum group of minerals. Its name is derived from the red color (Latin Rubeus). Red corundum is always called by the name ruby, while other colors of corundum are known as sapphire. Rubies can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The ruby coloring pigment is chrome plus some iron. The red color and tone vary with individual deposits, so it is not possible to identify the source area. Ruby is the second-hardest mineral after diamond and seven times harder than topaz. The hardness varies in direction and has no cleavage but does have certain preferred directions of parting. Care must be taken when cutting and setting a ruby. Inclusions in a ruby are common. Rutile needles produce a soft sheen known as silk. Or if cut en cabochon, the effect is six-rayed star (asterism) produced by the reflection of a light source.

Caffè Chicco d'Oro

Number One Coffee in Switzerland!

Switzerland is known for its high standards in coffee and coffee machines (home of the superautomatic coffee machine), and Chicco d'Oro is the number on coffee sold there. Caffè Chicco d'Oro is blended, roasted, and packed a very modern coffee plant located in the Switzerland's southern-most canton of Ticino, a scenic region of deep lakes, palm trees, and soaring snow-capped Alps. Blended from highest-quality 100% Arabica beans from Central America, Chicco d'Oro is roasted to a golden color, has full body, and is rich flavor and aroma. Caffè Chicco d'Oro is ideal for a superautomatic coffee machine and is equally delicious when brewed in an espresso machine or drip coffeemaker. Chicco d'Oro is available in the USA through 125West.com. Packed in 250g (8.8oz) and 1000g (2.2 lb) long-life, nitrogen-flushed bags, it ships right away to your home or office.

History of Coffee

The word "coffee" originates from the word "QAHWA" that in Arabic refers to every vegetable drink; coffee, in fact, was called "Arabia’s wine". Legends and tales lead us into the fascinating world of coffee’s origins. Among these is interesting the one that tells us about Angel Gabriel’s use of coffee to cure the prophet Mahomet. Among the numerous fables, there is a particular one: some Ethiopian monks noticed, in 850 A.D., coffee berries after their goats ate them. The monks picked the berries and obtained a decoction which kept them awake during their night-prayers. Coffee successfully spread from Ethiopia into Arabia as far as the whole zone of near Orient and of Mediterranean sea and with the drink came all the tools too, necessary for its preparation. The success of this phenomenon is proved by bas-relieves too, present in some tombs, made by bedouin families. This demonstrates the assimilation in every day life. In XVI Century coffee reached Constantinople where the first coffee shop was opened. Europeans discovered coffee many years later after already importing cacao and tea. In Vienna, around the year 1683, following the Turkish siege’s end, the first coffee house was built. But we have to wait for the years after Napoleon’s continental blockade to see the successfully diffusion of coffee in western Europe.

Steam Cleaners

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Discover the power of superheated steam to clean almost any surface in the home without any chemicals or detergents. A steam cleaner's self-contained boiler superheats the steam well over 300°F, which when dispensed from the nozzle is 221°F. The superheated steam sanitizes and dissolves dirt, grime, grease, mold, mildew, allergens, and bacteria for easy wipe-up. Uses of a steam cleaner in and around a home are immense. Steam clean and sanitize tile, flooring, glass, tubs, showers, sinks, wood, walls, baseboards, blinds, fixtures, appliances, furniture, carpets, children's toys, fireplaces, workout rooms, pet areas, automobile engines, and vehicle interiors, just to name a few. Once you start steam cleaning, you won't be able to stop! The steam cleaner is not a vacuum, extractor, or shampooing appliance. It cleans and sanitizes purely with superheated steam, and without using chemicals or detergents, the steam cleaner is an ecologically friendly product, too.

Descaling Saeco Superautomatic Coffee Machines

Limescale is a widespread problem for all coffee machines. Scale is the build up of precipitated minerals from hard water on the internal components of a coffee machine. If left untreated, limescale can affect the efficiency of heating elements and clog internal tubing. Limescale also can crack internal components to create water leaks. While easy to do, descaling is the single most important maintenance task that will extend the life of your expensive superautomatic coffee machine. Therefore, I recommend that you descale your Saeco superautomatic coffee machine or espresso machine on a regular basis (approximately every 3 to 4 months). The non-toxic Dezcal Saeco Descaling Agent is simple to use and is very effective. Follow these simple steps to descale manually your Saeco coffee machine (newer machines also offer an automatic descaling program):

• Dissolve the contents of one 1oz packet descaling agent in one liter (32oz) of water
• Pour mixture into the machine's water tank
• Allow about 6oz of solution to flow through the steam arm
• Allow machine to sit about 15 minutes
• Again allow about 6oz of solution to flow through the steam arm
• Allow the machine to sit again for 15 minutes
• Allow the rest of the solution to flow through the steam arm
• When water tank is empty, rinse and fill with fresh water
• Allow full tank of fresh water to flow through steam arm to rinse machine
• Machine is now ready for coffee operation

The Saeco Descaling Agent is sold in a box of 3 packets (enough for almost one year of descaling). Price is $12.95.

F.Dick 1893 Damascus Steel Knife Series

It is clear that the F.Dick 1893 cutlery series is something special with bolster and end-piece made from Damascus steel. Produced from 33 layers of different stainless steels by hammer forging and folding, each blade delivers incredible hardness while retaining flexibility. The iridescent shine on the blade's patterned grain surface is a result of this highly technical steelmaking technique and is unique for each blade. Laser-engraved labeling on the blade appears almost as a watermark and complements the aesthetics of the knife. The blade is hand sharpened and will retain its edge for long periods of use. Last but not least, the 1893 knife series also features a soft-touch, secure-grip poly handle that meets highest hygiene standards.

There are six pieces in the F Dick 1893 collection: Paring Knife, Chef's Knife, Santoku with Kullenschliff, Serrated Bread Knife, Carving Knife, and Carving Fork. You will the entire collection of 1893 (with free shipping) and other F.Dick cutlery at 125West.com.

Metro Super Erecta Wire Shelving System

The Super Erecta Wire Shelving System is the original wire storage system. Introduced nearly 30 years ago, it is universally found in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, stores, factories, warehouses, etc. The extra-sturdy open wire shelves minimize dust accumulation and can hold up to 800 pounds of weight, making Super Erecta the ideal solution for commercial and industrial applications. Home users also can order Super Erecta or its consumer version, InterMetro Professional's Choice. Metro's split sleeve shelve connector is a timeless design that allows shelves to be positioned (and repositioned) at precise 1-inch increments in just a few minutes. Today nearly 100 highly specialized accessories are available for Super Erecta to meet diverse storage challenges. And a full selection of casters also are available for mobile applications. For personal assistance in finding the right solution, feel welcome to contact the 125West Concierge, your Super Erecta wire shelving product specialist, by email at concierge@125west.com or by calling the toll-free number 1-888-921-9378.

Peugeot Pepper and Salt Mills

Peugeot of France created the pepper mill in 1842, long before it made motor cars or bicycles. Over 150 years later, Peugeot is still a leader in pepper mills for hotel/restaurant and home use. Its milling mechanism has grinding and channeling grooves cut into the metal. The channeling groves are designed to line up the peppercorns with the grooves to crack the corns before the fine grinding process. The mechanism is case hardened and is guaranteed to hold up to a lifetime of your pepper milling demands.

At 125West.com, you'll find the complete selection of Peugeot pepper and salt mills sold in the USA that include bodies in hand-rubbed beech wood, 18/10 stainless steel, and clear acrylic. You'll also find mills with the new Peugeot u'Select milling mechanism that provides a choice of pre-set levels of grind from very fine to coarse. Each is backed by a lifetime warranty! If you are looking for a special holiday gift for a gourmet family member or friend that will last for years to come, consider a Peugeot pepper mill and salt mill!

Rotational Hitting Mechanics

The baseball swing has undergone an amazing transformation in homerun and slugging power over the last few years. The modern professional hitter relies on rotational mechanics, in other words, hitting around a stationary axis with a circular hand path while utilizing physical torque to maximize bat speed and power. The technique of linear hitting with weight shift and extension is NOT used by the professional or top-collegiate hitter, because it simply does not generate the same bat speed and power as rotational hitting. Bat speed and power are generated by powerful hip rotation with the body and hands rotating in unison. Hand extension occurs only after contact with the ball is made, not before.

A terrific instructional video for understanding and implementing the principles of rotational hitting mechanics is the BATSPEED FINAL ARC DVD (second edition) produced and hosted by Jack Mankin. Running approximately one hour in length, the first half of the video covers theory of rotational mechanics (what it is and why all of the best pros use it), and the second half presents an A-Z drills program, so that you can learn and/or teach those mechanics. Whether you are hitting a baseball or softball, the same rotational mechanics are essential for consistent contact and power. The training program is for everyone from Little Leaguer to high school player to collegiate player to the professional. A player can never be too young or too old to learn rotational hitting mechanics! The batting principles and body mechanics presented in this training video are backed by scientific research and proven results from batters nationwide. Former professional baseball player and batting coach John Elliot is featured as trainer in the video, who demonstrates the mechanics behind bat speed and provides a professional hitter's perspective to the revolutionary approach. The $39.95 price for the FINAL ARC instructional hitting video will be the best investment you've ever made in hitting!

Great Coffee from Switzerland!

Our coffee Café Bel Etage is blended, roasted, and packed for us in Switzerland by IllyCafé AG, and we deliver it to your door in the USA with free shipping. Café Bel Etage is recognized and appreciated by coffee lovers for its smoothness and rich body that is naturally low in acidity. Thanks to its medium, dry roast character, Café Bel Etage is ideal for a superautomatic coffee machine, espresso, and drip coffee brewing. Café Bel Etage is available as whole-bean caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee and sold in cartons of six (6) 250g (8.8oz) bags. Packed in soft-vac bags that are nitrogen flushed, your coffee will stay fresh up to one year before opening. Price $49.95 (includes delivery in the continental USA).

Illycafé AG is our roaster for Café Bel Etage and is located in Thalwill, Switzerland. The company was founded in the year 1923 by Carlo Seitz and Dr. Ernesto Illy. The Illy brand is well known and has played an imporant role in the growth of espresso and pressure-brewed coffee in Switzerland thanks to a top-quality coffee product and its ongoing educational and promotional efforts to hotels and restaurants. Today, Illycafé AG roasts and packs over 600 tons of quality coffee per year.

F Dick Oyster Knife

I love eating fresh, raw oysters on the halfshell. For years, I used an inexpensive knife with large wood bulb handle for shucking oysters. But recently I used a professional-quality oyster knife from F Dick made in Germany, and wow, what a tool! Its 18/10 stainless steel blade and tang are substantial and will never bend during shucking. The long, riveted handle fits nicely into your hand, and its length, plus the sturdy blade and tang, produce plenty of leverage. The pointed, broad double-edged blade is very sharp and makes it easy to penetrate the shell and scrape away the muscle. The large finger guard provides lots of protection. You'll never want another oyster knife after trying this one from F Dick. Order today from 125West.com, price $38.95 with free shipping. Makes a terrific gift for the waterman in your life!

Recycled Wine Barrel Furniture

Our unique Wine2Night and World Vineyards collections from 2-Day Designs are constructed from recycled white oak wine barrels previously used to age wine before bottling. Over 800,000 barrels are produced each year and then discarded after a few years. Recycled into furniture and furnishings, wine barrel décor creates a warm, rustic look that is ideal for casual entertaining.All furniture from 2-Day Designs is unique and offers a little something different. Environmentally conscious, 2-Day Designs uses recycled, antique lumber whenever possible.

From stools and tables to large display storage and coolers, you will find a large selection of styles for consideration in Wine2Night and World Vineyards. Please also feel welcome to contact the 125West Concierge by email or calling the toll-free number 1-888-921-9378 for personal assistance.

Pewter by Boardman Silversmiths

Lead Free Pewter Handcrafted in USA

The family-owned company of Boardman Silversmiths has deep roots going back to 1798 when T.D. Boardman and his brother established a pewter and silver crafting concern. The name Boardman has been renowned over 200 years for incomparable quality and craftsmanship. Today each piece is an individual work of art crafted by an artisan, who is responsible for its flawless quality from start to finish. Thus every piece is distinctive and unique, yet perfectly matched with all others of its kind due to each craftman's unerring eye and touch.

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Finest Quality Materials

Boardman uses only the finest and the heaviest LEAD-FREE PEWTER in the industry. It is an alloy of 92% pure tin, 7% pure antimony, and 1% copper. Only costly LEAD-FREE SOLDER is used, eliminating any possibility of food or beverage contamination.

Boardman spinners leverage up to 900 pounds of pressure per square inch to create the precise curves and contours required.

All Boardman pewter is hand polished by craftsmen using imported pumice, and hand buffed to a flawless bright or satin finish.

Of key importance, Boardman pewter DOES NOT TARNISH so it DOES NOT NEED POLISHING. Its easy care is perfect for today's lifestyles, yet it looks so much like sterling silver.

Highly Skilled Craftsmen

From the experienced touch of superb master craftsmen, each piece of Boardman Silver and Pewter emerges as an individual work of art.

The process begins when blanking presses cut geometric shapes from sheets of the finest sterling. 925 parts of fine silver and the finest and heaviest lead free pewter used in the industry - Pewter being an alloy of 92% tin, 7% antimony and 1% copper.

The full potential of this exceptional sterling and pewter is realized once in the hands of Boardman craftsmen.

Using the tools they made years ago during long apprenticeships, Boardman spinners leverage up to 900 pounds per square inch into precise curves and contours. Specially designed "sectional chucks" enable them to create a wide range of shapes on their spinning lathes.

With a steady freehand touch, Boardman's Silversmiths and Pewtersmiths then solder on solid and hollow fittings. Artisans create the solid fittings by centrifugal casting; hollow fittings are hand-formed in bronze using slush casting techniques dating back to the 17th century.

Finally, craftsmen hand polish all pieces with imported pumice and hand buff them to a flawless bright or satin finish, whether it is Sterling or Pewter.

Every Boardman piece thus created is distinctive, unique - yet perfectly matched with all others of its kind due to each craftsman's unerring eye and touch

Unmatched Versatility

Because Boardman has retained and expanded its work force of craftsmen at a time when other companies have come to rely on automation, it is now an unmatched resource in the area of customization and special production. Using a variety of techniques, including hand or machine engraving, acid or photo etching, dies and molds, Boardman can customize any item to a client's particular needs. They can also craft a unique, one-of-a-kind item for a presentation or to commemorate a special event.

Cedon Wine Bottle Uncorking Machine

Designed for heavy-duty restaurant use, the Cedon wine bottle uncorking machine quickly and easily uncorks a bottle of wine in a jiffy. It mounts to a bench or countertop with a sturdy vice clamp and wing nut. The sturdy spiral worm penetrates and extracts a cork in one quick motion of the lever arm. Designed and produced in Germany, the Cedon professional uncorking machine is designed for many years of reliable service in your wine cellar or kitchen and is backed by a 5-year warranty. The wine bottle uncorker is available either in a brass plated ($319.95) or nickel plated ($269.95) finish. Free Shipping!

At 125West.com, you will find a large selection of professional uncorking machines and corkscrews. A top-quality wine accessory makes a terrific gift that will be appreciated for many years by the wine enthusiast!