Cutting it fine

Using knives safely when cooking is crucial to prevent injuries, especially if you're making rushed meals, sharing small spaces and even sharing equipment. 

Here are some key knife safety tips to ensure you stay safe in the kitchen:

1. Essential Prep & Setup 

• Your chopping board: Sometimes, chopping boards can be a bit slippery on kitchen surfaces. Placing a damp paper towel, cloth or a tea towel under it can stop it from sliding while you chop away.
• Use sharp knives: Using a dull knife to cut your food can be dangerous because it requires more pressure, increasing the chances of it slipping and causing an injury.
• A stable surface: When cutting food like carrots or onions, chop them in half first to create a flat side, stopping them from rolling under the knife.

2. Safe Techniques

• No distractions: Avoid talking to flatmates or looking at your phone while actively chopping. Make sure your full attention is on using the knife correctly and safely.

• Falling knives: If you drop a knife, never attempt to catch it. Step back immediately and let it fall on the floor. (Make sure you wash the knife afterwards).

• The "claw" method: For the hand that's holding the food, curl your fingertips inward, pressing the food with your knuckles. This protects you from accidental cuts.

3. Knife Handling & Storage (essential for shared spaces)

• Carry safely:  When walking around the kitchen, hold the knife directly down by your side with the tip pointing to the floor.
• Never leave it in the sink: Do not leave knives in a sink/washing up bowl full of soapy water, as others might not see them. Place them beside the sink to be washed after you've finished cooking.
• Storage: Knife storage is crucial - use a knife block, magnetic strip or a protective guard if you're keeping them in a drawer. If you're buying a set of knives, you can find ones that come in a knife block or that have protective guards on them.
• Passing safely: When handing a knife to someone, the safest way to do this is to lay it on the counter for them to pick up, rather than passing it directly hand to hand.

4. Cleaning & Maintenance

• Wash promptly: Clean knives shortly after use to prevent food residue from drying on them and to keep them ready for the next person to use.
• Wash safely: Wipe the knife with a sponge/cloth, keeping the sharp edge facing away from your hand.

Whilst it's important to have fun when cooking, it's important to remember that maintaining knives, using proper techniques, and respecting shared spaces are the most important measures to keep safe in the kitchen.