| Most people do not know the proper way to | | | | What if someone was to bump into the person |
| handle a knife, whether it be in the kitchen or | | | | receiving or passing the knife, this is an accident |
| some other everyday use. | | | | waiting to happen. The only proper way to pass a |
| I have worked in a kitchen as a chef for 25 | | | | knife to someone else, is to lie it flat on a table |
| years now and it never ceases to amaze me | | | | with the edge of the blade facing away from the |
| how carelessly people handle a knife; one of the | | | | other person so they can pick it up themselves. |
| most used and dangerous tools in the kitchen. A | | | | When walking through the kitchen, you never |
| knife is not a toy and it should not be used as | | | | carry a knife loosely in front of you. The only |
| one. Always respect a knife. It is also not a can, | | | | way to carry a knife in the kitchen if you must, is |
| bottle or jar opener. It is also not a screwdriver, | | | | by the handle, at the side of your leg with the |
| as this can cause damage to the tip of the blade | | | | sharp edge facing the back. |
| and possibly slip and injure the user. | | | | You should always hand wash your knives |
| Always hold a knife in your dominant hand. If you | | | | yourself after each use. Never put a knife in the |
| are right-handed, hold the knife in your right hand. | | | | dishwasher or sink with sudsy water as someone |
| Likewise, if you are left-handed you would hold | | | | may reach in and cut themselves not knowing a |
| the knife in your left hand. You should always | | | | knife was there. |
| have the angle of the blade away from you. | | | | Make sure you always use the proper knife for |
| Never slice anything in the direction of your body, | | | | whatever job you are doing. Paring knives for |
| as you have a better chance of cutting yourself. | | | | coring or cleaning products, a chef knife for |
| Never cut anything while holding it in your hand. | | | | chopping or dicing and a slicing knife for slicing. |
| Always use a cutting board with a damp cloth | | | | Serrated knives are only to be used for slicing |
| underneath it whenever you are slicing, chopping, | | | | bread or sandwiches. |
| or dicing. This will stop the board from slipping or | | | | Always store your knives properly when not in |
| moving on the counter top. | | | | use. A knife block or magnetic rack is best. If you |
| Also remember to keep your knives sharp at all | | | | must store your knives in a drawer, be sure to |
| times, as a dull knife is more dangerous than a | | | | keep them in a separate compartment away |
| sharp knife. A dull knife will jump or slip off the | | | | from other utensils. |
| item your are cutting and possibly cause serious | | | | On a final note, if you ever drop a knife, do not |
| injury to the user. That is why it is a important to | | | | try and catch it. I cannot tell you how many |
| own a honing stone or a knife sharpener. | | | | accidents I have seen as a result of this. Let it fall |
| Most people do not know the proper way to pass | | | | and come to a complete rest before you pick it |
| a knife to someone else. Some people will hold | | | | up. Always stay focused on your task without |
| the knife by the blade while others will hold it by | | | | any distractions when using a knife. |
| the handle. Each of these methods is incorrect. | | | | |