If you’re thinking about becoming a chef, you should know this first off: knife skills are the foundation for your culinary courses. And who better to learn them from than James Beard award winner and chef/owner of the 3 Michelin star restaurant Grace, Curtis Duffy. As he demonstrates, a chef can not be successful unless he or she knows how to properly hold, use and sharpen a knife. Not only does it maximize safety and minimize the chance of injury (a major plus!), it also helps with time and food waste management. Think of it this way: if you cut a carrot into a number of same sized pieces—they will cook evenly. If the sizes and shapes vary widely, the final product will result in either overcooked or under-cooked carrots. The same goes for everything you prepare: vegetables, fruits and meats. Watch as Curtis Duffy displays foundational culinary skills and knife techniques in this instructional video.