We can’t say enough about a well-made knife that is kept sharp, especially when you develop the basic skills to use it properly. It nestles in your hand, feeling balanced and natural. Thin, straight cuts are easier and you don’t feel like you are fighting the blade. When cutting, remember you usually want to slice, not chop through. Think of when you get a paper cut: The edge of a piece of paper bumping against your finger does little, but slicing, even without much pressure, it can easily cut. The same principle applies when cutting most things in the kitchen.