\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Both Continental and American style are accepted in cutlery etiquette. See, when using both a fork and knife, Europeans (and everyone else, basically) will keep the fork in their left hand and the knife in the right as they cut and eat their food. If you want to improve your knife skills and stay safer in the kitchen, it all starts with holding your blade properly. Learning how to use a knife and fork together can be tricky business, and some kids need a little extra help with this. I have taught many children how to use cutlery with the following method. This means you hold the blade with the thumb on one side of the knife and the index finger wrapped up on the other. If you want to cut meat with a knife, more the fork to the left hand to hold it down. 4. Here’s how to use the Handle Grip: 1. 1. My way: (right handed) Right hand—knife Left hand—fork. Pinch the base of the blade with your thumb and index finger. Never extend your fingertips past your knuckles since you’re more likely to cut yourself. Hold your fork in your left hand, tines downward. The knife is used not only to cut your food, but it also helps you load or push food on the fork for easy eating. Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research References This is traditional European etiquette. With a bit of practice and care, you’ll stay safe while handling your knives. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Set your four fingers on the food and place your thumb behind them. Right hand—fork Left hand—nothing, because I don’t need a knife at all for whatever I’m eating. Raise your thumb up to the junction where the handle meets the blade, near the top of the blunt side of the knife. The knife is then set down on the plate, the fork transferred from the left hand to the right hand, and the food is brought to the mouth for consumption. But what if you’re like the rest of us who didn’t? But basically, to let the waiter know you are still eating, if you’re eating American style, you put your knife across the top of the plate, with the blade facing in towards you and your fork on the side of your plate at 4:20, if your plate were a … https://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/05/02/how-to-hold-a-knife/, https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-hold-a-knife-the-right-way-and-become-a-better-cook-because-of-it-article, https://www.seriouseats.com/2010/05/knife-skills-how-to-hold-a-knife.html, https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/recipes/2019/12/rachael-ray-teaches-knife-skills-for-cutting-vegetables, https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-learn-basic-knife-skills-the-video-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-108959, https://www.thekitchn.com/cooking-school-day-1-knife-skills-the-kitchns-cooking-school-208639, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=263, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If your fork and knife are plastic, chances are you will be clearing your own plate to the trash. To hold a thin knife, like a carving or boning knife, grip the handle near the top with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers. To hold a chef’s knife, grip the handle in your dominant hand. Watch Now: The Correct Way to Use a Chef's Knife. The wikiHow Culinary Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. 3. Eating independently can be challenging for some seniors. Let your fingers be close together so that they offer the best force and grip. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It also prevents the blade from slipping so you’re less likely to have an accident in the kitchen. When you hold the knife as if you were shaking hands with someone, that’s the Pinch Grip. Here are a few popular ways of holding a kitchen knife which could be a great help to you. sort of manner, leaving one utensil on the plate and switching hands to pick up the fork when putting the food in the mouth. The knife should fit comfortably in your palm while you’re holding it. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,060 times. University of Rochester Medical Center Hold your knife in your right hand, an inch or two above the plate. Your pinky finger, middle, and ring fingers should completely cover the handle and be aligned with the index finger. Avoid holding the knife by the end of the handle since you won’t be able to get a firm grip. This works great for breaking down herbs, onions, garlic, and other ingredients into small, fine pieces. Position the ingredient so the flattest side is on the bottom. Adjusting your grip on a knife will let you make more controlled and quicker cuts so you’re more efficient. ", "Clear pictures and clear diagrams/videos.". The reason why you hold the fish knife this way is so that you can remove skin and pick small bones from the fish with class and ease. If you have to twist or position your fingers awkwardly, then readjust your grip or try using a different knife. Then, raise your wrist 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) and extend your forefinger along the top of the blunt side of the blade. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Hold the knife at the handle using your thumb and index finger. 1 Guide on How to use a kitchen…, The Right 4 Ways, How to Hold a Kitchen Knife and…, Different Types of kitchen knives set | Mou’s Expert Ultimate Knife…, The Right 4 Ways, How to Hold a Kitchen Knife and Use it Safely, • How to Hold a Kitchen Knife Handle Grip, • How to Hold a Kitchen Knife Blade or Pinch Grip.