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How to Use A Chef's Knife

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Proper Chef's Knife Grip

Proper Chef's Knife Grip

Proper Chef's Knife Grip

Photo © Danilo Alfaro

Proper Chef's Knife Grip

This tutorial will cover the correct way to hold a chef's knife, and how to grip the food with your other hand to avoid cutting yourself. You may want to review The Anatomy of a Chef's Knife before getting started.

This photo illustrates the proper chef's knife grip as seen from the inside or thumb-side of the cutting hand. The thumb grips the knife around the top of the blade, with the hand wrapped around the bolster of the knife.

While beginners find that this takes some getting used to, it definitely provides extra control over the blade.

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