Knives are very useful in the kitchen, however it is a double edged tool since it can also be the root of accidents if mishandled. And so knife safety seems like the logical place to start, since everyone in the household should be familiar with a few basic safety procedures. Whether you want to learn the essentials or simply want to brush up your approach, you can achieve either by reading on these basic safety procedures:

1.  Store Your Knives Correctly

Never leave a knife on the counter unattended, if you have to leave the counter then put the knife away. Its better to be safe than sorry. Do not also leave knives in the sink after using them, clean them immediately and store them out of the way of your work space. There should be a storage space earmarked for knives. You’ll want to start by never keeping kitchen knives in a disorganized and regular drawer where the cutting edge of the blades are exposed. But if you do store them loose in a drawer then invest on some knife guards to prevent the blades from cutting someone who is rummaging into the drawers. Storage solutions like knife blocks or magnetic strips are also recommended to prevent mishaps.

2. Curl your fingers under when chopping

This is one major knife skill you should learn. Its more popularly known as “the claw” because that is the shape of your hand while you do it. You should tuck your fingers in, so they are not sticking out when the blade comes down. Rest the tips of your fingers on top of whatever you’re about to cut. Your fingertips should be perpendicular to the surface of the food, with your fingernails acting like a shield. With your fingers in this position, you run much less risk of a serious injury than if you were holding the food with the pads of your fingers. If the knife slips, it will only hit your knuckle than slice a fingertip! The claw can feel a little cramped and unnatural at first. But actively practice this technique and it will eventually become second nature.

3. Always use a cutting board

It goes without saying that you should never slice with your palms as the base, but take this precaution a step further and consider the cutting board an indispensable accessory in slicing. It is much safer for your precious hands and saves your countertops from being scratched up. You also have to secure your cutting board, if it doesn’t have rubber feet to help grip the counter, put a damp towel under the board when cutting to prevent it from slipping.

4. Know the proper cutting techniques

Don’t compromise your safety by using a knife incorrectly. Do yourself a favor and learn these basic knife cutting tips. One is to carry the knives with the cutting edge angled slightly away from your body, with the tip pointed down towards the floor. Secondly, your fingers must firmly stay within its rightful place while your wrist must be the one exerting the effort when you are holding the knife. And lastly, you must move your knife, from one edge to another. Knives are for cutting and it means of moving and not pushing or else, you will end up cutting your fingers!

Proper knife training can help minimize the risk of personal injury and keep your kitchen running smoothly. Failing to practice these knife safety basics could turn one of your most-used tools into a hazard. The above-mentioned tips are fundamental and it will not only help prevent any potential injuries but will assist you to be a better cook as