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Original poster

Is 8 too young to use a sharp knife for cooking?

60 replies

secondleft · 07/01/2026 09:35

DDs who’s 8 loves helping me in the kitchen but I’ve never let her have a sharp knife yet so she uses a peeler for carrots and potatoes and has a pull string chopper but I still do anything that needs a sharp knife.

What age did you let your child use a sharp kitchen knife?

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 07/01/2026 09:52

Brownies and cubs both have cooking badges that involve using knives. Obviously under supervision.

i got mine using them from about 5.

givemushypeasachance · 07/01/2026 09:52

If you search for something like onion holder, vegetable prong holder, you'll find something with a handle and prongs you can use to hold the thing you're cutting still and away from your fingers, as a halfway house for when you start using a sharp knife.

Is 8 too young to use a sharp knife for cooking?
123ZYX · 07/01/2026 09:52

That’s fine at 8.

Teach her how to tuck her fingers under while cutting (holding with her knuckle) or make an arch with her fingers and thumb and cut in between

Maddy70 · 07/01/2026 09:51

Sharp knifes are easier to use one always used sharp knives and scissors but were shown how to use them carefully

AnneLovesGilbert · 07/01/2026 09:48

DD was 5 I think. They both started cutting mushrooms and things like that with a butter knife as toddlers and have been helping with cooking since they could stand. 8 is plenty old enough!

RedToothBrush · 07/01/2026 09:47

Norwegians start kids with knives from age 3. Under supervision of course.

Cubs definitely use knives (age 8).

We started DS under supervision from 6. He wasn't very good, but it's a process.

Eight is really when you should start imo. That gives three years before high school to learn basics. They will be doing cooking at most high schools.

I always say look at where you need to be and work backwards from that. Eight is reasonable especially if you don't have much time to do it frequently.

Justlostmybagel · 07/01/2026 09:41

8 is definitely okay to be using a knife, under supervision.

Garroty · 07/01/2026 09:41

I let my five year old use a sharp knife under supervision so I think 8 would be fine if she's sensible

WrylyAmused · 07/01/2026 09:40

Started at 4 with partner's daughter. Completely fine, just supervise.

DeftTurtle · 07/01/2026 09:40

Toddler age. They quickly learn.