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Step 1
Hold your knife in your right hand with the handle running along your palm. This is called the "hidden handle" hold.
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Step 2
Point your index finger and position it along the top side of the blade. This will guide and stabilize the knife when cutting.
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Step 3
Hold your fork in the left hand with the tines facing down. Your index finger should be on the neck of the handle for stability.
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Step 4
Pierce the food with the fork to hold it down to the plate securely.
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Step 5
Cut the food with the knife.
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Step 6
Put the knife down and switch fork hands for American-style etiquette. Depending on local custom, you may rest only the tip of the knife on the side of the plate, or you can balance the entire knife across the top of the plate with the blade facing the inside of the plate. Follow the leads of others to determine which is appropriate, as this rule can vary.
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Step 7
Keep the knife in your right hand when eating with the fork for Continental-style etiquette.
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Step 8
Indicate you are finished with your plate by placing the knife with blades in across the plate with the tip at 10 o'clock. The fork goes along side it with the tines down.








