Knife Skills
Everyday Knife Work
the steady, confident chop that makes prep feel calm.
Haley’s walkthrough is coming soon
She’s filming a short video for this one. Until then, her notes below have you covered.
Most of cooking is just prep, so a calm, confident chop changes everything. It is more about grip and rhythm than speed.
Do this
- Curl your fingertips under on the hand holding the food, so your knuckles guide the blade.
- Keep the tip of the knife on the board and rock through the cut. Let the blade do the work.
- Take two minutes to hone your knife before you start. A sharp knife is a safe knife.
Watch out for
- Do not chase speed yet. Smooth and steady gets fast on its own.
- Do not use a tiny knife for a big job. A chef's knife you trust beats a small one you do not.
- Do not cut on a sliding board. Put a damp towel underneath to lock it down.
Remember
A sharp knife slips less than a dull one. Keep it sharp and keep your knuckles tucked.
Recipes that build this skill
Ready to practice?
The fastest way to learn everyday knife work is to cook it. Make something, tap “I Made It,” and watch this skill grow on your journey.