Knife skills refer to the techniques used to handle knives effectively and safely in the kitchen. Mastery of these skills involves proper grip, precision cutting, and an understanding of different cutting methods such as chopping, dicing, slicing, and mincing. Good knife skills not only improve the speed and efficiency of food preparation but also ensure consistent sizes for even cooking, enhancing both presentation and flavor. Key techniques include the "claw grip" to protect fingers and using the knife’s rocking motion to maintain control while cutting.