How to hold a knife

The Staff Canteen

Chef Skills

Michelin star Chef Russel Brown takes us through How to hold a knife. A simple process that requires practice, this is used as a basic preparation for young Chefs and industry professionals as part of their basic training.

The first thing I want to do is show you how to hold a knife. I've got a couple of cooks knives here, the principals the same whichever side you're using.

You pick the knife up between your finger and thumb with your finger and thumb on the blade like so and then you curl three fingers around the handle and that just gives you a nice balance point and then when were working,

when we're chopping were going to hold the knife like so like so and we're going to make a cradle with our hand so that our knife is running up and down the knuckle with your fingers tucked underneath out of harms way, so it's running the knife up and down the knuckle with the fingertips well out the way.

Find a Chef Job

Whether you're an aspiring Chef soon to be leaving education, or you are an established Chef looking for a new culinary challenge, we have a variety of Chef roles to suit you;
- Head Chef Jobs
- Executive Chef Jobs
- Sous Chef Jobs
- Commis Chef Jobs
- Chef de Parties Jobs
- Pastry Chef Jobs

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

 

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 11th May 2017

How to hold a knife