How to Safely Use Kitchen Knives

Learn the proper techniques for handling kitchen knives with confidence, control, and safety. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Stabilize your cutting board. Place a damp paper towel flat underneath your cutting board. This prevents the board from sliding around while you are working.
2. Learn the 'claw' grip. Place your non-cutting hand on the vegetable. Curl your fingers inward like a claw, tucking your fingertips away from the blade. Rest your knuckles against the side of the knife to guide it.
3. Hold the knife correctly. Grip the handle firmly with your dominant hand. If you feel comfortable, pinch the base of the blade between your thumb and index finger for extra control.
4. Master the rocking motion. Keep the tip of the knife touching the board at all times. Move the knife in a rocking motion, pushing down and forward, rather than lifting the whole blade up and down.