Cutting should be basic, simple, and easy. If it isn’t easy, you’re overcomplicating it. With the proper approach and organization, you should be able to get more uniform cuts in less time. There are four things to consider when assessing your knife skills: speed, uniformity, intricacy, and minimizing waste. Typically, you can only achieve two or three of these feats at a time, so focus on your goal. Are you in a rush? Are you trying to dazzle with perfect presentation? Are you cooking for a large group of people? Figuring out your main intentions will help you streamline your prep and choose the right technique.