This is, by far, the best resource I’ve seen for gaining, maintaining or improving knife skills. As one who entered culinary school without any working experience with an actual chef knife, I wish I’d had this before I started out in the industry! If you have any interest in working in the profession, or if you’re preparing for formal culinary training - this is the book to buy. The instruction is simple, straight-forward and beautifully photographed.

At Le Cordon Bleu, you wouldn’t get far without knowing with your knife kit… every test had a demonstration of knife cuts, all the skills assessments require perfect execution and anyone and everyone in French cooking can spot a sloppy cutter. There is a DVD included, and complete instructions on how to hone & sharpen your knifes, their names, and their individual uses; even how to hold your knife! Brilliant!

Mastering Knife Skills: The Essential Guide to the Most Important Tools in Your Kitchen (with DVD) (Hardcover) by Norman Weinstein (Author), Mark Thomas (Photographer) $23.00 on Amazon.com