When using a blunt knife for cutting, you must apply more force. As a result, the knife is more likely to slip and this increases the risk of injury. Keeping knives sharp is one of the easiest ways to keep them safe. Simply use a whetstone or knife sharpener to maintain the original accuracy of the blade.
If the knife only needs a touch up between extensive sharpenings, try a steel sharpener. Sharp knives give you control. This means that your knife skills will be dramatically improved with a sharp knife and your skin will also be protected. Don't be fooled by the myth that blunt knives are safer.
Sharp knives will keep cuts and scarring to a minimum. While it may seem contradictory, it all boils down to predictability. A sharp knife will penetrate the food. A blunt knife can penetrate the food, but it can also move through the food (and even, for example, in the fingers).
A blunt knife is more likely to slip and cut you than a sharp one. A simple solution is to use a knife sharpener to keep a blade sharp. Also choose the best knife for the task at hand. In other words, using a butcher knife to cut strawberries isn't the best idea.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 172,000 residential kitchen fires occur each year in the United States. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of fires and injuries that occur in our homes. Make sure you always have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it so you can act quickly.
