Proper usage and care of your kitchen knife will not only prevent you from accidentally cutting yourself but also keep it in excellent condition.

Here’s how:

1. Keep your knife sharp.

Rule number one – Keep your blade nice and sharp requires and you’ll exert less effort and pounds per square inch exerted, consequently the blade will slice nicely into the food you are preparing. Get in the habit of honing your knife after every other use. Waiting longer only makes it more difficult to bring back that splendid edge it had when you first purchased it.

2. Use a cutting board.

Using a Wood, bamboo, or plastic cutting board when preparing food will not only protect your knife blade’s edge, but your counter top, and your fingers as well.

3. Use a proper cutting technique.

When cutting any food always tuck your free hand’s knuckles under so they rest against the broad portion of the knife’s blade when cutting. And don’t forget to tuck you thumb back too!

4. Choose a knife that fits your hand size.

Before you purchase any kitchen knife make sure that it feels right in your hand. A good fit means comfort. Find a cutlery store or kitchen section that provides a cutting board and vegetables so that you can get an idea of how well it performs in your hand when cutting.

5. Only use a kitchen knife to cut things you eat.

As a general rule if you there is something that you wouldn’t bite into, don’t cut it with your kitchen knife.

6. Never use a steak knife or bread knife when cutting raw food.

Instead always use a chef’s knife or an all-purpose Petty knife as you want to slice, not tear.

7. A serrated knife blade is not a saw.

Don’t use your bread knife for anything other than bread or tomatoes, like a piece of wood or cardboard.

8. Keep your cutting area clear.

Don’t place any items on your cutting board that you don’t intend to cut.

9. Don’t toss your kitchen knives into your sink.

Always hand wash and dry your kitchen knives after using them and remember to store them in a place that will protect the blades.

10. A falling kitchen knife is a dangerous kitchen.

If you drop your kitchen knife don’t grab for it because you just might grab the blade. Let it fall, especially if you are cooking barefooted.

11. Avoid purchasing huge kitchen knife gift sets.

If you can spring for the extra cash, you are better off buying one or two basic high-end quality knives rather than giving a huge block set of knives most of which will never be used.

12. Safety should be your top priority.

When using a cutting board it’s always a good idea to place a kitchen towel under it so that it won’t move around while you are preparing food.

13. Your kitchen knife blade is for cutting only.

Never use the edge of your kitchen knife to sweep things off a cutting board, instead use the spine.

Tagged with:

Filed under: Kitchen knife blade rules

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!