Knife skills — cuts, sharpening, safety

What you'll learn

1. 1

   Imagine you're holding a chef's knife — the most important tool in the kitchen. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it cuts cleanly without slipping.

2. 2

   Why is a sharp knife safer than a dull one?

3. 3

   Practice the claw grip: curl your fingertips under so your knuckles guide the blade. Drag the knife up and down to feel the motion.

4. 4

   Let's cut a carrot into rounds safely.

5. 5

   Now try the julienne cut — slice the carrot into thin matchsticks. Use the same claw grip and rocking motion.

6. 6

   What should you do with your claw hand as you slice?

7. 7

   Which grip uses thumb and forefinger on the blade just above the handle?