How to Hold a Chef Knife and Position Your Guide Hand?

Video script:

“Watch your fingers! Hold the knife in your writing hand. Move your hand all the way up the handle so that your thumb is on one side of the blade and your index finger is on the other side. This may feel a bit strange at first, but gives you much more control than simply wrapping all your fingers around the handle.

Use your free hand to hold the food in place, curling your fingertips under. Use the flat side of the blade alongside the first knuckles of your free hand and as you slice or chop, slide your free hand along to guide the blade and keep it vertical.

To avoid cutting yourself, never uncurl the fingers of your free hand and never raise the blade higher than the first knuckle. I always say, “The idea is to move your fingers, not remove them!” Try not to wiggle the blade while cutting. Use a firm downward and slightly forward motion.”