Ida Renathe

Knife Skills

Master the fundamental knife skills that form the foundation of all great cooking. From basic safety and maintenance to advanced precision cuts, develop the confidence and technique that will elevate your culinary abilities.

Safety First

Sharp Knife Safety

A sharp knife is safer than a dull one - learn proper maintenance and handling

  • Keep knives sharp
  • Cut away from body
  • Use stable cutting board
  • Store safely

Proper Grip

Master the pinch grip for maximum control and precision

  • Pinch the blade
  • Curved fingers
  • Stable wrist
  • Relaxed shoulders

Cutting Techniques

Learn the fundamental cuts that form the basis of all knife work

  • Rock the knife
  • Keep tip down
  • Smooth motion
  • Consistent size

FUNDAMENTAL CUTS

Julienne

Intermediate

Matchstick cuts, typically 2-3mm wide

Size: 2-3mm x 2-3mm x 5cm

Common Uses:

GarnishesStir-friesSalads

Technique:

Square off vegetable, slice into planks, stack and cut into strips

Brunoise

Advanced

Fine dice, perfect for garnishes and sauces

Size: 2-3mm cubes

Common Uses:

GarnishesSaucesFine cooking

Technique:

Start with julienne cuts, then dice crosswise into small cubes

Chiffonade

Beginner

Ribbon cuts for herbs and leafy vegetables

Size: Thin ribbons

Common Uses:

Herb garnishSaladsSoups

Technique:

Stack leaves, roll tightly, slice thinly across the roll

Dice (Small)

Intermediate

Small uniform cubes for even cooking

Size: 6mm cubes

Common Uses:

SoupsSaucesGarnishes

Technique:

Make parallel cuts, turn 90°, make perpendicular cuts

Dice (Medium)

Beginner

Medium cubes for general cooking

Size: 12mm cubes

Common Uses:

StewsRoastingGeneral cooking

Technique:

Larger version of small dice technique

Dice (Large)

Beginner

Large cubes for rustic dishes

Size: 20mm cubes

Common Uses:

Rustic dishesRoastingHearty soups

Technique:

Larger cuts with less precision required

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

JOIN A CLASS
Knife Skills
Beginner

Knife Safety & Maintenance

Learn essential safety practices and how to keep your knives sharp and well-maintained for optimal performance.

30 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

Safety protocolsSharpening techniquesProper storage+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Chef's knifeCutting board+2 more
Knife Skills
Beginner

Basic Knife Grips & Posture

Master the fundamental grips and body positioning that form the foundation of all professional knife work.

45 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

Pinch gripClaw techniqueBody position+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Chef's knifePractice vegetables+2 more
Knife Skills
Intermediate

Vegetable Preparation Techniques

Learn to prepare common vegetables efficiently, from onions and carrots to more challenging items like fennel.

60 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

Onion dicingCarrot preparationBell pepper cuts+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Chef's knifeParing knife+2 more
Knife Skills
Advanced

Precision Cuts & Garnishes

Develop the skills for fine precision cuts used in professional kitchens and elegant presentations.

90 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

JulienneBrunoiseChiffonade+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Chef's knifeParing knife+2 more
Knife Skills
Advanced

Meat & Fish Preparation

Master the specialized techniques for breaking down proteins, from trimming meat to filleting fish.

75 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

Meat trimmingFish filletingPoultry breakdown+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Boning knifeFilleting knife+2 more
Knife Skills
Advanced

Speed & Efficiency Training

Develop speed while maintaining precision through practice drills and professional techniques.

60 min
4 skills

Skills Covered:

Speed drillsRhythm developmentEfficiency techniques+1 more

Equipment Needed:

Chef's knifePractice vegetables+2 more

Professional Tips

Practice Daily

Even 10 minutes of daily practice will dramatically improve your knife skills

Start Slow

Focus on precision first, speed will come naturally with practice

Sharp Knives

A sharp knife is safer and more efficient than a dull one

Stable Surface

Always use a stable cutting board with a damp towel underneath

Master Your Knife Skills

Great knife skills are the foundation of all cooking. Join our hands-on classes to develop confidence, speed, and precision under expert guidance in a supportive environment.

BOOK A CLASS