Part of Lesson Plan: Basic Knife Handling Skills With a Chef's Knife

Activity Overview / Details

Say -Today you will be required to show me the following 3 rules of use before being allowed to learn a basic cutting technique called, rocking the blade. You will be required to tell me and show me the rule before cutting.

Teacher point, rules should be writtten on board so students may copy. (I  really pound it in verbally and show them with my knife). There is an accompanying power point for a visual if preferred.

Teacher says the rule number and demonstrates the rule and any variations.

1. Pinch the blade- pick up knife and demonstrate both methods. Explain lateral control.

2. Tip to the table- demonstrate and explain leverage and using back of knife vs forward part and the safety issue with having to raise it too high when using front.

3. Hiding the fingertips- show both ways. Discuss the obvious safety issue with cutting fingers. The thumb should be discussed as well.

You can use some of the power point slides during this time as well. 

This is how it looks while I am cutting product - move onto demonstration section and demonstrate  all 3 rules and rocking the blade. Repeat each rule over and over as you can.