How to Follow Knife Etiquette

How to hold and use utensils is an important part of dining etiquette. There are two types of etiquette used throughout the Western world: American and Continental. If you are outside of the United States, it's a good bet that you should follow the continental style. Much of the difference between these styles is found in how to use the fork properly. Knife etiquette is fairly consistent between styles and is easy to follow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hold your knife in your right hand with the handle running along your palm. This is called the "hidden handle" hold.

2. Point your index finger and position it along the top side of the blade. This will guide and stabilize the knife when cutting.

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.

4. Pierce the food with the fork to hold it down to the plate securely.

5. Cut the food with the knife.

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.

7. Keep the knife in your right hand when eating with the fork for Continental-style etiquette.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• The knife can be put down to eat foods like peas according to the Continental style.
• It's acceptable to use your knife in your left hand to guide food onto your fork according to the Continental style. American style generally holds that the fork should be the only utensil used to pick up food.
• The positioning of the knife and fork can be reversed for left-handed people.
• Avoid putting used knives or any other used silverware on the tablecloth.
• Never use your knife to cut a piece of bread. Bread should always be torn with your fingers. You can use your knife to butter the bread, but only butter the piece you are about to eat unless it's a hot roll. Hot rolls can be buttered all at one time to take advantage of the heat.