How to Use a Chef’s Knife

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how to use a chef's knife

In this how-to video, Dr. Carolyn Dunn shows how to properly use a chef’s knife. Following these simple rules will keep you safe in the kitchen so you can feel confident practicing your own knife skills. The chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen, as it can accomplish many tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing food. Learning to use this knife may eliminate the need for other kitchen gadgets that can take up space in the kitchen.

Important safety rules to remember:

  • Don’t try to catch the knife if it falls off the counter. Simply step back as quickly as you can and let the knife fall to the floor before picking it up.
  • Use a sturdy cutting board. It’s important to work off of an even surface when using a chef’s knife. Try using a cutting board with a nonslip grip on the back.
  • When setting the knife down, always face the blade inward. When you pick the knife back up again, it will be in the right position.

See the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to start using a chef’s knife. And visit NC State’s Homegrown website for more knife skill videos.

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