You don’t need a Michelin star to master this chef-worthy skill.
Learning how to hold a knife properly might not sound sexy, but it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. Whether you’re chopping onions, slicing steak, or prepping herbs, the way you hold your knife can affect everything from your speed and precision to your safety.
Let’s break it down so you can hold your knife like a pro—even if your idea of fine dining is grilled cheese and tomato soup.
The Pinch Grip: Your New Best Friend
The pinch grip is the gold standard for chef-level knife control. It might feel weird at first, but once you get used to it, you'll never go back.
Here’s how to do it:
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Grip the blade (not the handle!) between your thumb and the side of your index finger, right in front of the bolster.
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Curl your remaining three fingers around the handle.
This grip gives you much better control, especially for rocking motions, quick chops, and angled cuts. It’s also easier on your wrist over time.
Why the Handle Grip Falls Short
Most home cooks instinctively hold their knife like a hammer. But the handle grip (aka the "fist grip") limits your control and increases your chances of slipping. It might feel secure, but you’re actually doing more work than necessary.
Safety First: Position Your Guide Hand
Knife safety isn’t just about the blade—your non-dominant hand plays a big role, too. Curl your fingers in like a claw and guide the blade with your knuckles. This helps prevent accidental nicks and gives you better slicing accuracy.
Knife Balance and Comfort Matter
Not all knives are created equal. A well-balanced, full-tang knife with a comfortable handle can make holding the pinch grip easier and more natural.
Shop our top picks:
Dynasty Series Chef Knife
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Experience balance and sharpness in one beautiful design. This chef knife features a San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel, a full-tang carbonized rosewood handle, and a total length of 13.2 inches. It’s your all-purpose kitchen workhorse.
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Blade: 8.1 inch / 20.5 cm
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Width: 2 inch / 5 cm
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Thickness: 0.1 inch / 0.2 mm
ONYX II 8" Chef Knife
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Crafted from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel with a Hitachi SLD mold tooling steel core, this chef's knife combines sharpness and elegance. A fortified black G10 handle and a full-art cotton sheath complete this professional-grade blade.
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Blade Length: 8 inch / 20 cm
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Width: 1.8 inch / 4.5 cm
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Thickness: 0.8 inch / 2 mm
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Hardness: HRC62-63
Nomad Series Chef Knife
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This standout knife blends mountain burl wood with deep sea epoxy for a striking grip and balance. Forged from X70Cr17MoV stainless steel and engraved with a mountain range motif, it’s both beautiful and functional.
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Blade Length: 8 inch / 20.3 cm
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Width: 2 inch / 5 cm
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Thickness: 0.2 inch / 0.25 cm
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Total Length: 13 inch / 33 cm
Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect
Don’t worry if it feels awkward at first. Like anything, the pinch grip takes some getting used to. Start with slower cuts, focus on your technique, and build muscle memory. Before you know it, you’ll be slicing onions like a pro.
