What is the proper way to pass a knife to another person?

• A. Grip the blade and hand it blade-first
• B. Pass the handle first with the blade hidden
• C. Place the knife on a sanitized surface, and let the person pick the knife up by the handle
• D. Toss the knife across the table

Answer: (C)

The important idea is to control the blade and keep everyone safe during the transfer. Placing the knife on a clean, sanitized surface and letting the other person pick it up by the handle minimizes the risk of touching or grabbing the sharp edge. This method keeps the edge away from both people, makes the transfer clear and predictable, and allows the recipient to grasp the handle without contacting the blade. It also reinforces proper sanitation since only the knife touches the sanitized surface.

Other methods either put the edge toward the other person, require grabbing near the blade, or rely on a risky gesture that could lead to a mishap, so they’re not as safe as this approach.