Learning the right way to hold cutting tools will help you safely prepare your meals. It is important to be aware of where the blade is located and position your fingers to reduce the risk of cutting yourself.
Knives
There are many ways to safely hold a knife. The most important things to remember when using a knife are:
- Find a grip that keeps your fingers away from the blade and keeps the knife steady.
- Do not place your index finger along the top of the knife.
- Keep the tip of the knife down on the cutting board when chopping.
- Use a cutting board as your cutting surface, not a plate or the countertop.
- Place a damp kitchen towel under the cutting board to keep it from slipping around as you cut.
Tip: For all types of cutting, keep fingers curled under (like a claw) with the hand that is holding the food item. This will help guide the food to the knife without accidentally cutting the end of your finger.
Peelers
Hold the peeler in your writing hand and the food in the other hand. Be sure to hold the food so that your hand is not too close to the part that is being peeled. Using light pressure, drag the blade of the peeler down the food item. Be sure that the blade is away from your body and that you are using a downward motion.
Take your time while peeling so you have better control of the blade to avoid cutting yourself.
Box Grater
- Hold the box grater by the handle and make sure your fingers are not close to the blades along the sides.
- Using light pressure, guide the food down the side of the grater. Note that most graters have many sized grating holes. Choose the size that best meets the needs of the recipe you are making.
- Keep your hand on the end of the food items that is furthest away from the grater.
- When the piece of food gets too small to keep your hand safely away from the grater blades, stop grating.