Complete Book of Knife Skills: The Essential Guide to Use, Techniques & Care (Zwilling J. A. Henckels)

Jeffrey Elliot and James P. DeWan
Robert Rose Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780778802563
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (2/11)


Having a set of good knives is one thing but knowing how to use them takes you to another level of home cooking.  The “Complete Book of Knife Skills” is very user friendly with simple instructions and detailed photographs.  I specifically benefited from the section “Everything You Need to Know About Knives.”  It covers the history, how knives are made, parts, blade styles, types, and care.  I believe that once this section is mastered the actual use makes it much easier.

It always amazes me to watch professional chefs on TV slicing, dicing, and chopping.  They are quick and precise.  This book shows us amateurs how to master this skill, from which knife to use, how to hold the knife and the object, to the actual performance.  However, we can know all that but the most important thing is to be sure the knife is sharp.  And, if you don't know how to sharpen a knife there are instructions and accompanying photographs on how to do so.

For me, this book is a godsend.  I have the whole gamut of professional knives but have never learned how to properly use them.  The step-by-step methods in “Complete Book of Knife Skills” are showing me how to hone in on my skills and use the knives to my advantage.  This book would be a wonderful gift for any aspiring chef or as a wedding present.  Of course, having the right knives is a plus as well, so a Henckels knife would certainly be a great addition.  Highly recommended.

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