Knife Skills —

a kitchen guide to using the right knife the right way

This site will give you the confidence to choose and use the knives and other nonelectric sharp tools in your kitchen. It’s also a reference site that you can use as you improve your skills and acquire the tools that will make you a better cook!

Steak knives

Many years ago, it wasn’t unusual for people to get their steak knives from either gas stations or S&H Green Stamps. Gas stations were a popular place to receive the knives as a reward for buying your gas for 25 cents per gallon. For many decades, S&H Green Stamps were the equivalent of credit card rewards points. Both of these knife sources highlight how unimportant steak knives were for many years. They were an afterthought in most homes.

However, steak knives have long been available everywhere knives are sold. From big-box stores to specialty shops, you can spend between $15 and $250 for four knives. If a lower-cost sharp steak knife can’t easily cut your steak, you have two choices: more-expensive knives, or better-quality steak. My recommendation would be to upgrade your steak selection.

How to Choose and Use Your Knives

How to Choose and Use Your Knives

How to Buy a Knife

How to Buy a Knife

Caring for Your Knives

Caring for Your Knives

Nonknife, Nonmotorized Sharp Kitchen Tools

Nonknife, Nonmotorized Sharp Kitchen Tools


A false friend’s tongue is sharper than a knife. Argentinean proverb

A false friend’s tongue is sharper than a knife.

Argentinean proverb


Occasionally a man with a right smart education can’t find his knife when it gets in the wrong pocket. African proverb

Occasionally a man with a right smart education can’t find his knife when it gets in the wrong pocket.

African proverb


Wounds from the knife are healed, but not those from the tongue. Vietnamese proverb

Wounds from the knife are healed, but not those from the tongue.

Vietnamese proverb

John Cheever

Fear tastes like a rusty knife and do not let her into your house.

Stanislaw Lem

Is it progress if a cannibal uses a knife and fork?

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The information in this site is true and complete to the best of our knowledge.
The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information.
All recommendations are made without guarantee.