Knives and children, when?

Question

My 6 year old daughter loves to help prep. Up to now, I've let her use a steak knife to work on soft foods like zucchini. I found a nice little Victorinox 5" french knife and I'm uncertain when to give it to her. Any thoughts?

Answer

I think it really, really depends on the child. I don't have kids myself, and my brother and his wife were, imnsho, much too overly cautious with their kids, so all I can really fall back on is dim memories of myself at that age. I think 6 is a little too young for a sharp, non-serrated knife, even for a child who's usually careful and pays attention to what she's doing. But I think by 7, or closer to it, anyway, she'd probably be ready to use it, with supervision obviously, if nothing else to deal with the results of accidents, should they happen.

Answer

Curious enough - I saw this recently on an episode of America's Test Kitchen where they tested kid's kitchen knives. These are designed for kids who like to help out in the kitchen; they're not 'play' knives.

I can't be more helpful unfortunately, as I don't know which season this was from or any of the brands that were discussed but apparently they range from sharp plastic knives to "real" knives but with safety features. There's a whole market for this that I didn't know existed! I recall the review panned the plastic knives as being useless. May be a search on this might get you something you're comfortable with.

Answer

The rule in my family was always that 6 years old was old enough for knives. It worked for us, but we were also definitely taught knife safety.

Answer

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone has tried the Brisa Bonita child knife. I was considering it for my 7 yo, who I am closely supervising in cutting, and the knives are just too big for her.

Answer

It's difficult to say because there is so much variation in maturity and dexterity. But I will note that a steak knife is probably MORE dangerous than a smallish sized chef's knife. The very short blade height does not give much control. When cutting through a larger item (like an onion), it will twist and could slip.

Answer

i think this really depends on the child. does she cut her own diner foods with dexterity yet?

Answer

Maybe you could start by having your daughter work on small items that take time? I found as a kid I was always rushing to do bulk jobs and didn't want to be seen as a burden. By placing slower expectations for garnishes or chopping herbs rather than base ingredients I think you'll improve her confidence with the 5 inch knife.

Answer

As long as you are actively watching her knife cuts, and you think she is ready, I don't see an age limit. I have been using knives as long as I can remember seeing over the counter. I also have some scars to show for it, but that comes with the territory. Important thing is to keep calm when it happens, because it will happen eventually. Better that she learn proper use and care of knives if she is in the kitchen, it will actually make her safer in the long run.

Answer

Opinel makes what are considered very good quality knives. One is a scout knife. It locks open, locks closed, and has a round end where a point would usually be. Good folding knife for kids to learn with but I'd reserve it for kitchen use instead of letting her carry it.

http://www.opinel-usa.com/products/no7-opinel-junior-my-first-opinel

Answer

I googled and google but couldn't find the episode with alton brown cooking with kids. However, the basic premise was the knife and the cutting board were one. Use the knife only on the cuttng board - he also would square off (cut the bottom off carrots and other round vegs to make a flat base). 

I am sure it's on-line some where but I could find it..... anyhow, look for it, I think the knife and board as one is a good tip. Also, the nylon knifes will still cut but are sharp enough for basic cuts and skills

Answer

ATK reviewed a few different knives marketed for kids, and the winner was a stainless steel blade with a rounded tip and a ring for finger placement, "le petit chef" by opinel. http://www.opinel-usa.com/products/opinel-le-petit-chef-set

Answer

When you are sitting at the table with them under supervision I think it is okay, I bought my granddaughter a small kids size knife & fork set, so I let her use that for cutting tomatoes and lettuce when I make salad. I cut a tomato into four pieces for example then she will cut it smaller. Smaller chunks makes it easier for them. Plus, they alway enjoy, making their salad, she will put croûtons, she can mix the dressing easily, put salt etc, and stir. They feel so proud when they have finished. I bought the kids knife set at a local home store.

Answer

Cut resistant gloves and the better knife

A couple of manufactures make them in kids sizes so she has some protection while she learns. I'm planning on getting some when my now 4 year old is ready for knives.

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Knives and children, when?

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