In many cases, we are unaware of our poor kitchen habits, especially when it comes to cutlery. Nevertheless, it is imperative to break all the bad habits involving sharp kitchen knives, as they can cause injury.
Knives can also last longer with proper usage and maintenance, and if they are high-quality kitchen knives, you can pass them on to subsequent generations.
So, what are the safety tips for your best kitchen knives? Read more to know the details.
9 Safety Tips for Kitchen Knives
1. Use a Sharp Knife
You must be wondering, aren’t sharp knives dangerous? Well, they certainly are, but the danger of dull knives is greater, especially in how they are used.
You have to exert a lot of force while using dull knives. Hence the knife is more likely to slip, which may injure you.
Other than that, dull knives mash their way through vegetables and fruits, which just makes your dish look unattractive. Hence, use a steel sharpening tool to sharpen your knives.
If you are unsure of how to do it, there are many helpful videos on the internet that demonstrate the proper ways to use the steel sharpening tool.
2. Secure the Chopping Board
Often, knife injuries occur when the cutting board is placed on a slippery surface. To avoid this, place a damp cloth beneath the cutting board’s surface, so it does not slip.
Once the cutting board is secured firmly, you can start cutting without major worries of harming yourself.
3. Use the Guide Hand Properly
Have you ever watched MasterChef? Did you notice professional chefs using the “the claw” technique?
It is a technique that every chef must master and entails using your knuckles as a guide while slicing through vegetables with the blade.
This way, you can protect your fingers from any cuts or injuries. Initially, this technique can be hard to master. However, once you get the hang of it, your chopping experience will be infinitely better.
4. Store Your Knives Properly
Every kitchen has a general drawer that can store various utensils of random sizes. You should avoid storing knives in such spaces.
By doing so, you are at risk of cutting yourself or even other members of your family whenever you reach into the drawer to grab a knife.
Additionally, by having your blades knock about other utensils, you run the danger of damaging them and shortening their lifespan.
So, the best way to store your knives correctly is by keeping them in a knife storage stand. This will guarantee a safe kitchen routine.
Some storage options are magnetic blocks, chef’s knife rolls, and wooden knife blocks.
5. Do Not Leave Knives on the Edge of the Counter
When you are cooking in the kitchen, there is a lot of hustle and bustle. As a result, you might forget and accidentally place a knife on the counter’s edge.
Keep an eye out for these unsafe behaviors and try to avoid them as much as you can. You might get hurt if the knives fall off the counter, and the razor-sharp blades might be damaged.
6. Understand Cutting Techniques
For the proper cutting technique, it is crucial to utilize the appropriate knife. Knowing how to use kitchen tools properly is an essential component of using them.
Therefore, you should use a cutting board every time you are working with a knife. Additionally, maintain a tight grip on the knife to prevent slippage.
Aside from that, always keep the non-cutting hand away from the blade to avoid any injuries. You should also be able to cut through the food items in one swift motion to ensure neat cutting.
7. Remember to Wash Knives After Using Them
Metal may be a rigid element; however, if you leave food traces on it for extended periods, it may start to erode.
Hence, you should wash away the residue on your knives as soon as you finish cutting. Keeping your knives clean is very important since it also lowers the risk of contamination. With a clean knife, your cutting will likewise remain neat.
Keep in mind, however, that some knives may not be dishwasher friendly, so you will have to wash them carefully by hand.
8. Choose the Right Knife
Every knife has a specific function. Consequently, one of the essential knife safety tips is to know which knife to use for a particular task.
The process can, however, be somewhat confusing due to the huge range of sizes, shapes, and designs at your disposal. So, here are a few factors to think about while selecting the best knife for the job.
To begin with, you should select the blade size based on what you are cutting. For example, you cannot use a large butcher knife to peel small fruits. Other than that, the blade’s edge can also transform your cutting techniques.
Cutting through crusty bread and bagels is a breeze with serrated knives. Additionally, several blade kinds are needed for various sorts of food.
For instance, boning a lamb leg requires a strong, sharp blade, which is typically found in boning knives. Whereas, for peeling tomatoes, a flexible blade is the better option.
9. Avoid Touching the Knife Blade
Be careful not to pick up the knife by its blade, but by its handle. Most people have a terrible habit of picking up the knife from the blade side.
However, doing this may not only injure your hand but can also affect the longevity of the knife’s blade. Therefore, take great care to avoid contacting the blades.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we’ve covered the most important safety tips for the top kitchen knives. Break all of your bad cooking habits, and be sure to use kitchen knives safely.
By using these guidelines, you can avoid dangerous injuries and make your blades last longer. Good luck with your culinary endeavors!
