Which of the following is a basic knife safety practice?

• A. Keep blades sharp
• B. Cut away from the body
• C. Use a proper grip and stable cutting surface
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Safe knife handling hinges on three basic habits: keep blades sharp, cut away from the body, and use a proper grip with a stable cutting surface. A sharp blade actually improves safety because it slices cleanly with less force, reducing the chance of the knife slipping. A dull knife requires more pressure and can slip unpredictably, increasing the risk of a cut. Cutting away from your body is a fundamental precaution that protects you if the knife slips or you misjudge the cut. A proper grip and a stable cutting surface give you better control, helping the knife stay on track and preventing it from wandering off the board. When you combine these practices, you dramatically lower the risk of injury, which is why all of these are basic knife safety practices.