How to Use a Knife Correctly

Using kitchen knives requires following a few rules and becoming comfortable using your hands in a different way. Seeing pictures about correctly using a knife for different kitchen tasks is the best way to learn, but as there is no absolute correct way to do it, as long as you do it safely and comfortably for yourself, that's all that matters. The food isn't going to taste any better because you cut it immaculately.

The most important tip I can give you is to chop slowly and carefully. Always cut away from your body. Make sure your hands are dry and the surface you're working on it non-slip. Also try to curl your fingers under on the hand holding the food. If your fingers are curled under, the chances are good you will never cut yourself.

Also make sure your knife is the sharpest it can be. If you sharpen just before food preparation and directly after your finished, you've got a better chance of keeping your knives in the best condition to get the most out of them when you're using them. Chopping ingredients is also a lot easier when the knife is sharp.

Mastering the rocking chopping motion isn't a piece of cake and takes a while to get used to, but, if you persevere, it will become second nature with practice. Watch what you're doing at all times. And keep kids and pets out of the kitchen when you're working with knives! If you accidentally cut yourself, ascertain the severity quickly and if you need stitches, don't delay. Knife cuts take a while to heal and are very painful, even more so initially if you were cutting onions or chillies at the time. And you'll be surprised how much you need your hands and fingers in day to day life, so be careful.

So, the basic rocking motion in a nutshell, using your dominant hand, hold the knife firmly and start with the tip of the knife just in front of the food you're cutting. Then, using a rocking motion, bring the knife down towards you and cut through the food underneath it. The knife should not leave the surface you're working on. Move your hand (with the curled under fingers) along as the knife cuts the food.

Sounds easy here but it's a little more complicated in practice. Keep at it though, you'll get the hang of it.