Useful as it is, a knife can be a deadly weapon when misused. From the chef’s knife right through to the Santoku, we all aim to have the right knives for the proper purpose. But while knives can do a lot of things for us, the one thing they cannot do is guarantee our safety.
As a result, it behooves us to take care of ourselves and make sure to use our knives correctly so that they don’t cause us grave injuries. Here are some of the things you should know and some of the ways you can handle knife responsibly.
The Sharper Your Knife is the Safer it is
One of the first rules of ensuring your safety when using knives is to keep them razor-sharp. Sharp knives are safer than dull blades when cutting. For instance, when cutting food, a sharp knife requires less pressure to cut into the item than a dull blade.
Also, sharper knives have lesser tendency to slip. This helps to decrease the chances of cutting yourself and gives you more control over the cutting process.
Remember that Each Knife Has a Purpose
For all its multitasking abilities, there’s a limit to what the chef knife can do. If you are looking to de-seed peppers or core a tomato, the chef’s knife won’t be much help. And if you insist on using it, chances are that you may end up injuring yourself. Instead, you should use a paring knife for tasks like these.
On the other hand, if you want to work big cuts of meat, then your best bet is to use a boning knife. If you're going to slice vegetables, then a utility knife will suffice. The chef’s knife has the most uses in the kitchen, but sometimes, it is crucial to know when to use what knife.
Keep Your Knives Clean at All Times
Keep your knife blade and handle clean to avoid contamination and ensure safety. Always make sure to wash your knife and return it to its storage immediately after use.
Keep Your Knives in the Right Place
Keeping your knife tucked away safely helps to reduce chances of accidents in the kitchen. There are several ways you can store your knives safely. You can use any of magnetic knife racks, kitchen knife blocks, in-drawer knife blocks, or an under cabinet knife storage. These storage spaces help you to keep your knives away from your workplace.
Be Attentive When Cutting
Always avoid distraction when cutting. If you feel that you are distracted, stop the cutting and deal with the distraction before you return. It’s easy to cut yourself when your attention is divided.
Learn to Hold Knife Properly
Another way to ensure safety when using knives is to commit some time to learn how to handle a knife properly. If you do not dedicate time to learn how to cut correctly, the chances of injuring yourself are increased.
Which kind of knives do you have? How is your experience with the knives?