The Surprising Uses of the Two Small Round Holes on Your Kitchen Knife

Every kitchen, no matter how large or small, relies heavily on a good kitchen knife. Interestingly, many knives come with at least one small round hole near the blade. Most people don’t know why it’s there - I used to be one of them too.

After digging into it, here’s what I’ve found out about these mysterious holes and why they’re more useful than you might think.

Why Are There Round Holes on Kitchen Knives?

From a practical standpoint, the main purpose of these holes is to absorb and distribute impact forces when cutting through tough materials like meat or bones. When you chop, a lot of pressure is applied to the blade, which can cause damage or make handling tricky. The holes help spread out this force evenly on either side of the blade, protecting it and extending the knife’s lifespan.

But that’s just the beginning! These holes also serve several clever functions that can make your kitchen work much easier.

1. Convenient Storage and Faster Drying

After washing, knives often retain moisture, which can cause rust or mold, especially if left on wooden cutting boards. The hole allows you to hang your knife easily, promoting faster drying and keeping your kitchen neat and organized.

2. Effortless Snail Tail Removal

Fresh snails are a tasty treat but prepping them can be tricky - especially removing their tails. Many people struggle using scissors, which can be slow and even risk injury.

Here’s a handy hack: slide the snail’s tail into the hole, then gently tap the exposed part with another knife. This breaks the tail cleanly and speeds up prep time.

3. Simple Seed Extraction from Dates and Fruits

Red dates are popular in autumn and winter for their health benefits, but their hard seeds can be a hassle to remove. Scissors often damage the fruit, making the process messy.

Instead, place the fruit on a board and push its tip through the knife’s hole. The seed can then be pulled out easily by hand, leaving the fruit intact and ready to cook.

4. Improve Meat Chopping Efficiency

Chopping meat without a grinder can be tough. Heavy meat cleavers cause wrist fatigue if used for long periods.

Try this: insert a chopstick through the knife’s hole. Hold the chopstick with one hand and the knife with the other. This gives you better grip and control, reducing wrist strain and allowing you to chop meat longer without tiring.

Next time you see those round holes on your kitchen knives, remember - they’re not just decorative. They’re practical features designed to make your cooking safer, easier, and more efficient.

Why not try these tips and discover how much more useful your kitchen knife can be?