How to cut safely in the kitchen
by Karine Lemoine
Most cuts in the kitchen don't happen with a very sharp knife, but with a blunt knife that you force to cut, or with a bad grip. A few simple reflexes are enough to cut much more calmly.
Sommaire
We come back to the correct grip, the position of the hand that holds the food, and the most frequent mistakes to avoid.
The grip: the “pinched” grip
The most stable grip is to pinch the blade between your thumb and forefinger, just in front of the handle, rather than just holding the handle like you would hold a hammer.This grip gives much more control over the direction of the cut.
The hand that holds the food: the “claw” grip
The other hand, the one holding the food, must fold into a claw:The fingers curved inwards, the knuckles facing the blade, rather than with your fingers flat or outstretched. The blade thus slides against the knuckles, never against the fingertips.
The thumb is placed slightly behind the other fingers, never in front of the blade.
A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife
Contrary to intuition,A knife that doesn't cut well is riskierthan a sharp knife: you have to press harder, control decreases, and the blade can skid suddenly on the food. Check out oursharpening and maintenance guideto keep the edge sharp and secure.
A stable cutting board, always
A board that slides on the work surface is a common cause of accidents.Place a damp cloth or anti-slip set under the boardif it has a tendency to move.
Use the right knife for the right job
Using a boning or filleting knife for a task it's not intended for reduces control and increases the risk of skidding. See ourGuide to the different types of knivesto choose the right tool for each use.
Our tips for cutting safely
►Never catch a falling knife
Back up and let him fall to the ground: trying to catch him while flying is one of the most common causes of cuts.
►Always cut with the blade away from you
Orient the cutting gesture to the outside or downwards, never towards your body.
►Never put a knife with the blade facing up in the sink
A knife hidden under soapy water or other utensils in the sink is a common source of cuts when doing the dishes.
►Focus on cutting, without distraction
The majority of cutting accidents happen due to distracted cooking (telephone, conversation) rather than due to lack of experience.
In summary, safety in the kitchen is mainly about the grip, the maintenance of the knife, and the attention paid to the gesture, much more than to the experience or the equipment.
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