It might surprise you to learn that dull knives are often much more dangerous than sharp ones. The reason for this has to do with a chef’s expectations, and the principle could be compared to driving on the Autobahn. In Germany, motorists on that superhighway are inclined to pay close attention to the road, other drivers and the weather conditions. They drive fast and handle their vehicles with care. It’s often the slow drivers who don’t know what they’re doing that cause a crash.

Likewise, dull knives create complacency and potentially hazardous situations. Chefs become less concerned about cutting themselves with a “dull” knife, but they are also forced to try harder to cut food. When frustration sets in, even more mishaps occur. To put it bluntly, you’ll want to keep your knives razor-sharp. A knife sharpener is easy to use and inexpensive to boot.