Chopping with a blunt knife requires more force, increasing the likelihood of the knife slipping and causing injury. A sharp knife, conversely, cuts cleanly with less effort and is therefore safer.
A sharp knife requires less pressure to cut through food. When a knife is blunt, you need to apply significantly more force to achieve the same result. This increased force makes it harder to control the knife. The blade is more likely to slip off the food you're cutting, especially if the food is round or has a smooth surface. This slippage can easily lead to the knife cutting your fingers or hand. Furthermore, the extra force needed can tire your hand and arm muscles, further reducing control and increasing the risk of an accident. A sharp knife, on the other hand, glides through food with minimal effort, giving you better control and reducing the chance of slippage and injury. The sharpness allows you to maintain a consistent cutting motion, making the entire process safer and more efficient.
Invest in a good quality knife sharpener and learn how to use it properly. Regularly sharpening your knives will keep them in optimal condition, making your kitchen tasks safer and more enjoyable. A honing steel, used before each use, helps maintain the edge between sharpenings.