How to Use a Knife in American Style Etiquette

American style dining is more formal than Continental, as its table etiquette requires that you put down your knife and transfer your fork to your right hand after you cut your food. Knowing how to use your silverware in the American style can put you at ease in formal dining situations.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick up your silverware correctly, with one index finger on the back of your fork and the other on the top of your knife. You should hold your knife in your right hand and your fork in your left.

2. Hold the food with your fork, keeping a light grip on it rather than clenching your hand around the fork.

3. Cut through the food with your knife, pulling the knife towards you rather than sawing the knife back and forth. If you need to make another cut, just go over the same cut that you just made.

4. Place your knife on the edge of your plate once you cut one or two pieces of food. The blade should point in towards you.

5. Move your fork to your right hand with its tines up. Place your left hand on your lap as you take bites of food with your fork.

6. Transfer your fork back to your left hand and turn the tines down when you're ready to cut more of your food. Pick up the knife and repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut only enough food that you can eat in one or two bites. Cutting too much of your food at once violates American style etiquette.
• Only use the knife to cut your food rather than to push it onto your fork.
• When you set your knife down, make sure there's no residue on its blade that can drip onto the table.
• If you're left-handed, American table etiquette allows you to keep your fork in your left hand instead of transferring it to your right hand.