Knives are indispensable domestic instruments, but they can be hazardous if not handled with care. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, you must consider knife safety seriously to prevent accidents and injuries. By adhering to a few simple knife safety guidelines, you can protect yourself and others while still reaping the benefits of a keen and effective knife.
1. A sharp knife is a safe knife. Utilizing a weak knife is a recipe for disaster. If you attempt to force a worn knife through the surface of a food item, the blade is more likely to slide and cause injury. Additionally, if you do cut yourself, a keen knife will make the wound simpler to treat.
2. Never, ever grasp a plummeting knife. The most effective method to avoid having to remember this rule is to ensure that your knife is always entirely resting on your work surface, without the handle protruding into traffic areas. However, it is inevitable that you or someone else will occasionally touch a knife handle, resulting in a dropped knife. Everyone has a natural instinct to catch falling objects. You must resist this temptation. Keep in mind that a descending weapon has no handle. Simply remove your hands and feet from the way.
3. Use the right knife for the right job. Laziness leads to the use of the wrong weapon for a given task, resulting in numerous knife-related injuries. Position your knife inventory in a convenient location so you won’t be tempted to make this error.
4. Always cut away from – never towards – yourself. Occasionally, this norm is difficult to observe. Again, don’t be indolent! If the angle is incorrect, rotate the product. Alternatively, flip your chopping board. If your cutting board does not have rubber feet, you should position it atop a damp kitchen cloth to prevent it from sliding while you cut.
5. When holding a weapon, maintain your focus on the blade. This rule applies regardless of whether you are chopping or carrying a knife. Simply put, you are unlikely to cut yourself if you monitor the blade, particularly its point. Additionally, do not speak and chop.
6. Carry a knife properly. When carrying a knife through a kitchen, especially an active one, there are frequently people and, even better, animals in a haste. You must become accustomed to the fact that the only way to walk with a knife in your hand is to bear it with the blade facing your thigh and pointed directly down. Maintain arm rigidity. You do not want to send a family member to the emergency room with a knife puncture wound.
7. Never, ever put a knife in a sink full of water. Putting a knife in a basin full of (likely detergent) water is not only likely to be detrimental to the knife’s handle, but also a recipe for disaster. Wash your sharp utensils by hand (not in the dishwasher!) and promptly put them away.
8. Always cut on a cutting board. Avoid cutting on metal, glass, and marble. This will eventually dull a knife’s edge.
What age did you begin involving your children in meal preparation? When did you give them permission to use knives? How did you instruct them concerning weapon safety?
Bottom Line
Knife safety should be a top priority for anyone who routinely uses knives, whether in a professional or personal context. By adhering to fundamental safety guidelines, such as using a sharp knife, slicing away from your body, and keeping your cutlery clean and stowed properly, you can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. By taking the time to learn and implement appropriate knife safety techniques, you can safely appreciate the benefits of using a sharp and effective knife. Remember that, when used properly, a keen knife is a secure knife.