How to Hold a Knife

When to use this

Match the grip to the job before you start cutting.

• Carving
• Food prep
• Cutting cord

What you need

• Camp knife

Step by step

1. 1.Standard grip (most jobs): wrap all four fingers around the handle, thumb resting on top of the spine. Strong, controlled.
2. 2.Pinch grip (food prep, fine cuts): index finger and thumb pinch the blade just above the bolster, the other three fingers wrap the handle. Maximum control, minimum power.
3. 3.Reinforced grip (carving toward something stable, never toward you): standard grip with the thumb of your other hand pressing on the back of the blade for added force. Both hands stay behind the cutting edge.
4. 4.Test each grip on a piece of softwood before doing real work. Find which feels stable for your hand size.
5. 5.Never grip with the blade pointing toward your wrist or body — even for a "quick" task.

Pro tips

• Kids find the pinch grip uncomfortable at first — start them on the standard grip and add pinch grip when they’ve mastered control.
• A handle that’s slick from sunscreen or sweat is dangerous. Wipe both before cutting.

Common mistakes

• Holding too far back on the handle — reduces control.
• Wrapping the thumb across the blade for "extra grip." Slips lead to deep cuts.