Using Knives

What is the cutting surface of a knife called?

• The blade

• The handle

• The spine

• The bolster

A forged blade is made from a single piece of heated metal that is dropped into a mold and then ______ and cut into shape.

• pounded

• painted

• measured

• cooled

Which of the following is NOT a key concept listed for using knives?

• Identifying parts of a knife

• Selecting the appropriate knife

• Cooking with knives

• Maintaining knives

Match the following parts of a chef's knife with their correct descriptions:

• The noncutting edge of the blade is called the spine of the knife.

• Cutting Edge

• Used for cutting tasks that require some force, such as chopping through the joints of a chicken. The heel of the blade is the widest and thickest point of the blade.

• Heel

• Located at the heel of the blade, at the point where the blade and handle come together. The bolster gives the blade greater strength and durability.

• Tip

• Used for fine work, paring, trimming, and peeling. The tip can also be used to core fruits and vegetables or to score items so they will marinate or cook more evenly.

• Bolster

• Used for slicing, carving, and making precision cuts. The most common type of cutting edge for general use is a taper-ground edge, in which both sides of the blade taper smoothly to a narrow W shape.

• Spine

What is the purpose of tempering a steel knife blade?

• To make the blade more flexible

• To ensure the blade is properly hardened and will not become brittle

• To make the blade rust-resistant

• To sharpen the blade

Fill in the blank: The noncutting edge of the blade is called the ______ of the knife.

• spine

• edge

• tip

• handle

Stainless-steel blades are very hard and durable, but they rust easily.

• True

• False

Which material is NOT commonly used for modern knife blades?

• Stainless steel

• High-carbon stainless steel

• Ceramic

• Wood

What is the function of the bolster on a chef's knife?

• To cut through bones

• To give the blade greater strength and durability

• To sharpen the blade

• To crush spices

Fill in the blank: The ______ of the blade is the widest and thickest point of the blade, used for cutting tasks that require some force.

• heel

• tip

• spine

• edge