How To Improve Your Knife Skills

A few years back, if you had asked anyone in my family about my knife skills, they would have rolled their eyes and probably laughed. Whenever I was assigned to cut anything, it took forever and I pretty much destroyed whatever I was cutting. Having worked at Cutco for nearly 24 years, I have honed my knife skills and am now the one people look to for quickly prepping ingredients. So, take it from me, learning how to improve your knife skills will transform the way you cook.

The Equipment

First and foremost, make sure you’re using the right equipment. Quality sharp knives that are comfortable to hold are safer to use and easier to handle. They allow you to have more control so that the blade glides through food without ripping, tearing or squishing.

Investing in good kitchen knives will go a long way in improving your skills.

Maintenance

Working hand-in-hand with having the right equipment is maintaining your knives. As mentioned, a sharp knife is important for easy food prep. Preserve the cutting power of your knives by sharpening them regularly, storing them properly and washing them by hand.

For tips on knife maintenance, check out our How to Care for Kitchen Knives guide.

Maintaining your knives will keep them performing at their peak and make them safer to use. As soon as your straight-edge knives feel like they’re dragging a bit while cutting realign the edge with a knife sharpener.

For help on how to sharpen your straight-edge Cutco Knives at home with our Knife Sharpener, check out our handy tutorial.

Cutco Knives with Double-D® edges will stay sharp for years. When sharpening is required, you can send them in for free factory sharpening under The Forever Guarantee.

Proper Technique

I’m the first to say you don’t have to be a master chef, but understanding a few cutting techniques makes food prep easier and more enjoyable. For example, many of us at Cutco will tell you that when we learned how to easily dice an onion, it was transformative.

Knowing how to cut food for whatever you’re making takes some of the frustration out of cooking. It’s important to note that your guide hand is almost as important as your cutting hand, so keep fingers tucked under for safety.

Visit Cutco’s library of knife skills tutorials to help you perfect your technique.

Practice, Practice, Practice

I can’t emphasize this tip enough. Your knife skills will improve the more you practice. Don’t think you have to speed-chop like chefs you see on television. Start by going slow. Over time, as you practice knife techniques, you’ll be able to move faster.

There you have it. Four easy tips on how to improve your knife skills. Don’t expect a transformation overnight, but in time, you’ll feel comfortable using your knives and discover how fun food prep can be.