February 05, 2004

By: Chris Bredekamp
Website: http://www.1st-in-kitchens.com

Professional Cutlery Direct Launches Safe Knife Handling Campaign - Be Aware And Handle With Care

Professional Cutlery Direct, www.cutlery.com, a company on the cutting edge of top quality kitchen utensils recognizes the risk involved when state of the art equipment is not handled with respect and constant awareness. This is why PCD is launching a Public Service Campaign - Safe Handling - to alert consumers to the basic safety rules when handling sharp blades.

Knife safety is the first in a series of safe handling campaigns sponsored by PCD.

A good knife is a chef's most cherished tool, said Terri Alpert, founder & CEO of Professional Cutlery Direct. Knives may be used for many purposes but can only be handled in one way - with respect.

When working in a kitchen alone keep a sharp awareness of your surroundings and be in command of your tools. Habitually practicing knife safety rules will make your cooking experience safer and more enjoyable.

Knives are meant to be sharp - razor sharp. The sharper the blade, the cleaner the cut, the lesser the chance of the blade slipping, and the more cognizant the user must be.

The kitchen is no playground and cutlery is not a toy. However, once equipped with the essential knowledge of knives and some common sense, all who handle these masterful objects can do so with confidence and care. So be aware and handle with care, PCD urges.

When two or more people are cooking together, it is often easy to become distracted or lax. Sometimes the mind is not conscious of what the hands are doing, and if knives are involved this can become dangerous. In addition to handling safety, you must also be aware of how to pass a knife, walk with one, store knives and put them down on the counter. Cooks working together must focus on safety, awareness, and respect.

Young children and sharp blades do not mix. Your sharpest cutlery should be stored safely and securely and, most importantly, out of children's reach. However, out of sight does not mean out of mind. Children should also be aware of the safety rules and be comfortable handling sharp utensils that are age-appropriate. Even preschooler?s scissors should be held a certain way. Most children know the rule about not running with scissors. Start from there, and you can build a lifetime of safe blade-handling habits.

PCD's safety awareness campaign is an effort to sharpen consumers' knowledge of safe knife handling techniques. Listed below are some important tips:

* LET IT DROP - Never catch a falling knife. Jump back and don't grab for the handle.

* WATCH YOUR STEP - When walking with a knife, never walk with its blade stretched out before you. Hold the knife's handle at your side, with the blade pointing toward the floor.

* PASSING PROTOCOL - Passing a knife to another person: Extend the knife handle towards the other person while gripping the bolster (the piece of handle that meets the blade). The point should be facing you at your side. Do not release your grip until the receiver says thank you.

* SHEAR TRANSPORTATION - Walking with shears. Grasp the blades and leave the handle extending upward from your wrist. For larger shears, firmly grasp the area where the handle meets the blade, with tip pointing down and by your side.

* KNIFE NO-NO'S - Never use a knife as a screwdriver or can opener. Knives will not withstand lateral pressure. Apart from ruining the edge, you run the risk of breaking the tip and causing metal particles to become airborne.

* SHARP STORING TIPS - Never store a loose, uncovered knife in a drawer. Knives should be sheathed if stored in a drawer. PCD offers and recommends using BladeSavers, durable plastic sheaths that will protect both the blade and your fingers.

* COUNTER POINTS - When the knife is in use, its placement on the counter is of the utmost importance. Place the knife flat on the counter with the point facing away from the user. Never allow cloths or other objects to obstruct your view of the blade.

In any kitchen, either at home or in a restaurant, using a sharp blade is not just desirable, it is a necessity. Dull blades don't cut reliably, and might slip, causing potentially serious injury. When used properly, a razor-sharp blade is your safest option.

About The Author:

Chris Bredekamp is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kitchens.com.  Everything for your kitchen to make it look great and make cooking a whole lot easier.