How To Chop: The Rolling Technique

The rolling technique is perfect for dicing chives, carrots or celery, using a rolling motion to get a fine chop. For this technique you will also need to use the claw grip technique to ensure your fingers are protected from the sharp blade, whilst helping you to get a precise and professional cut. Whilst you may have mastered the rolling technique, sharing these tips with your team or apprentices can help speed up food prep times.

Equipment You'll Need

You'll need the following equipment to complete this how to guide.

STEP
1

Line your food up so you can chop multiple items at a time (this may not be appropriate for larger items such as carrots)

Use the claw grip to get a secure and safe grasp of the food, and then place the point of the knife in front of the food, resting on the chopping board.

STEP
2

Push the knife downwards and forwards in small strokes

Perform with a fluid motion as your knife falls to get a clean chop. Ensure the tip of the knife never leaves the chopping board, this adds to the stability and speed of the technique.

TIP: The hand holding the knife determines the cut, the claw hand should only secure the food in place - don’t push the food into the knife with your claw grip.

STEP
3

As you chop, pull your claw grip back along the food you’re chopping

This ensures the food is always stable whilst you cut, and keeps your finger tips safe from the sharp blade.

How To: Video

The rolling technique is a forward moving chop where the front end of the knife, the point, always stays in contact with the board. When using this technique it’s best to use the entire knife so you clean a cut, rather than squashing the food you’re trying to prepare. This method is ideal for foods such as chives. Sebastian Frank, a Michelin Star chef, demonstrates how the cut works in the video below.

How To Chop: The Rolling Chop Technique

Cut!

All this information, and more, is available from the new Cut! book from F. Dick knives. The Cut! book is a chef's ultimate guide to preparing food, with information on how to cut and prepare foods, which knife to use, how to use it and other information such as how to sharpen knives and an insight into how Dick knives are made. The book also comes with a free App that allows you to get the information you need on-the-move.