Always be careful when using knives! Knives need to be sharp! Consequently, some basic safety rules apply. By following these simple rules, you will significantly reduce the risk of injuring yourself!
Regularly sharpen knives. A sharp knife is much safer than a blunt one as you need less force for cutting. The knife easily cuts into the foodstuffs and the hand does not tire that quickly.
Leave knives fully visible. Always place the knife with the handle pointing towards you on the worktop and make sure it cannot accidentally fall. Never cover the knife with a dishcloth or similar to avoid accidental injuries. Always be conscious that you reach for the knife handle and pass a knife on with the handle first.
Always use the correct knife. Vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, cold cuts, bread are all of differing texture and size. That is why there is a different knife for each of these foods.
Always cut away from your body. Should the knife accidentally slip you avoid injuries.
Never try to catch a falling knife! This could inflict extremely serious injuries.
Wash sharp knives separately. Be aware that you are handling sharp knives when you wash them.
Do not place your knives in a sink or bowl of water. The best way is to wash them immediately after use under running water, and to then dry them thoroughly. Wipe knives from the handle to the tip and from the back of the blade to the cutting edge: never wipe the cutting side.
Knives need a safe storage place to prevent injuries and damage to the blade. A knife block answers these two demands perfectly. The Smeg knife block with a wooden inside is designed to meet all safety requirements.
Keep sharp knives away from children. Sharp kitchen knives must be stored out of reach from children.
Never run your fingers across the cutting edge, not even to test the sharpness! Avoid direct contact with heat sources. To avoid damage or burns, never leave your knife near the hotplate or in direct contact to any other source of heat.
