O
18
c/chefsalice336alice3362mo ago

I stopped using chef knives after a busy Saturday at The Golden Owl in Portland

Last month I worked a double at that place and my hand cramped up so bad I dropped a whole tray of chateaubriand. I switched to a mezzaluna for chopping herbs and a cleaver for most veg work, and honestly my wrist feels way better after service. Anyone else ditch traditional knives for something else on the line?
3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
3 Comments
gavinw45
gavinw451mo ago
That mezzaluna knuckle comment hit home for me. I tried using one for a big batch of salsa verde a few weeks ago and caught my index finger pretty good on the second rock. Do you find that certain grips or hand positions make it safer, or are you just resigned to the occasional battle scar with that thing? Because I really want to love mine but the fear of losing a fingertip keeps me reaching for a chef knife even though my wrist hates it.
5
the_fiona
the_fiona2mo ago
Wait, you're telling me there's a world where dropping a whole tray of chateaubriand isn't the perfect excuse to switch to a tool that looks like an alien weapon? I've been using a cleaver for everything except deboning and it's like my wrist finally learned how to take a vacation. The mezzaluna is basically a rocking chair for your hand, it's genius. Honestly, I think the only thing keeping the mezzaluna from complete kitchen domination is that it's impossible to look cool while using it without accidentally slicing your knuckles off.
1
simonp47
simonp472mo ago
Funny how the best tools in life always look ridiculous while saving your hands.
3