Knife Skills & Kitchen Safety: Simple Cuts That Save Time

Set up for success: stability first

Knife skills start before you pick up a knife. A stable cutting board and a clear workspace make cutting faster and safer.

Place a damp towel or non-slip mat under your cutting board to prevent sliding. Keep your “cut zone” clear of clutter so you’re not reaching over bowls and tools.

Good lighting matters more than you’d think. If you’re chopping in a dim corner, move.

Grip: control the knife instead of squeezing the handle

A comfortable, controlled grip reduces fatigue and improves accuracy. Many cooks use a pinch grip: thumb and index finger pinch the blade near the handle, with the rest of the fingers around the handle.

Your other hand is the “guide hand.” Curl your fingertips under (often called the claw grip) so the flat of the blade rides against your knuckles, not your fingertips.

Go slow at first. Speed comes from repetition, not rushing.

Three basic cuts you can use everywhere

You don’t need fancy knife tricks. A few reliable cuts cover most recipes and make cooking more consistent.

Try to keep pieces roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Uniformity matters more than perfection.

• Slice: thin pieces for quick cooking (onions, cucumbers).
• Dice: small cubes for even cooking (potatoes, peppers).
• Mince: tiny pieces for aromatics (garlic, ginger).

A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife

Dull knives slip. Sharp knives cut predictably. If your knife crushes tomatoes or needs extra force, it’s time for maintenance.

Honing realigns the edge and can be done frequently. Sharpening removes metal to create a new edge and is needed less often.

If you’re new to sharpening, consider professional sharpening a few times a year and hone in between.

Kitchen safety habits that prevent accidents

Most kitchen injuries come from a few predictable moments: rushing, reaching into sinks, and trying to catch a falling knife.

Build habits that make safety automatic — especially on busy weeknights.

• Never try to catch a falling knife. Step back.
• Don’t leave knives in a sink where you can’t see them.
• Use a stable board (towel underneath) every time.
• Store knives safely (block, magnetic strip, or blade guards).
• Clean as you go to keep space clear and reduce slips.