Knife Block Safety

Nix the nicks

Inevitably, those that cook also use sharp knives–there's no way around it. To ensure safety in your kitchen, here are some tips that can help.

When Using a Knife...

Sharp knives are the best knives! Knives have a tendency to become dull over time, and this is when the most kitchen accidents occur. It is difficult to move a dull blade through food, which means that you're hand can become unsteady while cutting. A sharp blade, on the other hand, makes cutting quick and easy.

Use a high-quality knife. A good knife is relatively heavy, is made out of carbon, and is properly balanced. Lower quality knives tend to be flimsy, which means they can bend, snap, or warp over time. Also make sure that the handle is made of a high-quality substance such as molded polythene or steel.

Use a cutting board. Using a knife on a kitchen counter can cause slippage. Boards made out of plastic work well, but a wooden board is ideal because they are able to stop the knife blade effectively.

Keep your fingers safe. The easiest way to do this is by holding the knife properly. Firmly grasp the knife handle, and then position your other hand on top of the item you are cutting, with your fingers curled under. Place the knife next to your knuckles, and move downwards swiftly.

After you've finished...

Clean your knife. To prevent rusting, clean the knife immediately after use. Wash by hand with dishwashing soap, rather than harsh chemicals. A knife placed in a dishwasher can cause corrosion.

Sharpen your knife. Knives can be sharpened with a stone or steel rod. Many knife sets come with a honing rod and instructions for use. If you are sharpening on a stone by hand, make sure that the stone is secure on a counter top before you begin.

Store knives in a knife block. Knife blocks are one of the most effective ways to keep you and your knives safe. Not only do they ensure the blades will stay sharp, but they also eliminate the possibility that you may accidentally come onto contact with a blade.

If your knife set didn't come with a storage block, consider purchasing a universal knife block, which can hold any number of knives. Never keep loose knives in a drawer!

More information on Knife Blocks