Use a proper claw grip to guide the knife when chopping
Curl your fingers and use your knuckle as a guide so the knife tracks safely and consistently.
Place three fingers on the ingredient with one finger slightly forward and two behind, keeping fingertips tucked. Let the side of your knuckle guide the blade as you slice. This keeps fingertips out of the blade path while improving control.
The short version
- Knuckle guides the blade
- Fingertips stay tucked under
What you need
- chef's knife
- cutting board
How to do it
- 1
Curl your fingertips under and place three fingers on the ingredient (one slightly in front, two behind).
Keep fingertips tucked so the blade contacts your knuckle, not your fingers.
Watch this step - 2
Rest the side of the knife against your knuckle and slide the knife down to cut, moving your guiding hand back as you go.
Maintain contact between blade and knuckle for control.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Holding the ingredient with fingertips exposed
Curl fingertips under and present the knuckle to the blade
Why it works
The knuckle creates a physical guide for the blade, reducing slips and helping maintain even cuts.
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