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Hands chopping vegetables on a wooden cutting board

12 min read

Knife Skills 101

Hold the knife properly, keep it sharp, and prep faster with these fundamental cuts every home cook should know.

Key steps

  1. 1

    Choose a knife that fits your hand and keep it sharp — a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.

  2. 2

    Grip the handle with your thumb and forefinger pinching the blade for control.

  3. 3

    Master the claw: curl your fingertips under and guide the blade with your knuckles.

  4. 4

    Practice the basic cuts: dice, julienne, chiffonade, and mince.