Lisa
Knife Skills
Who doesn’t love it when a chef has crazy good knife skills? Thank you, Food TV and Benihana! Chopping and slicing at lightning speed may be entertaining, but for you, as a home cook, it's not about showmanship.
Learning the basics, such as how to hold your knife, make consistent cuts, and work safely, can transform the way you cook at home. The more comfortable you are with a knife, the faster you will prep, the safer you will be, and the better your meals will turn out.
Benefits of Better Knife Skills
- Efficiency: Prep is faster, so you spend less time in the kitchen.
- Consistency: Even cuts mean food cooks evenly.
- Presentation: Uniform slices and dices make meals look more appealing.
- Confidence: The more skilled you are, the less intimidating cooking feels.
How to Learn Knife Skills
There are a lot of resources to help you hone your knife skills. Depending on how you like to learn, there’s something for everyone.
Practice at Home: Start small. Try chopping an onion, dicing a carrot, or mincing garlic, and repeat until it feels natural.
Watch Videos: There are countless free tutorials online. Search for “knife skills for beginners” and follow along step by step.
Take an Online Class: Find tutorials given by professionals on Masterclass (including Gordon Ramsey).
Take an In-Person Class: Many local cooking schools, community centers, and kitchen supply stores offer affordable knife skills classes.
Buy a Book: There are plenty of books, complete with illustrations and step-by-step instructions, that provide in-depth information that can help you improve.
The Zwilling J. A. Henckels Complete Book of Knife Skills: The Essential Guide to Use, Techniques
Original price was: $39.95.$27.80Current price is: $27.80. -30%
Follow Recipes with Intent: Instead of rushing, focus on cutting evenly and practicing safe techniques while you cook.
Safety Tips and Tools
Finger Position: Curl your fingertips into a “claw” to guide the knife while keeping them protected.
Sharp Knives: A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it requires less force and is less likely to slip.
Utopia Kitchen Knife Sharpener, 12-Inch Honing Rod
Original price was: $14.99.$11.49Current price is: $11.49. -23%
Non-Slip Cutting Boards: Place a damp towel under your board to prevent it from moving.
Finger Guards: These slip onto your finger or hand to act as a shield while you slice.
9-Piece Finger Guard Set
$9.99
Cut-Resistant Gloves: A lightweight mesh glove can provide extra peace of mind for beginners.
Stable Work Area: Always cut on a flat, stable surface at a comfortable height.
Knife skills are not about fancy tricks. They are about making your cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable. With a little practice, the right resources, and some simple safety gear, any home cook can handle a knife with confidence.
Read More
Part 1: The Basics
Part 2: The Essentials
Part 3: Spend Wisely
Part 4: Storage Matters
Part 5: Dull = Danger
Part 6: Sharpening 101
Part 7: Professional Sharpening
Part 8: Block or Not?
