Knife Skills Illustrated: A User’s Manual, by Peter Hertzmann

A perfect primer on the most fundamental tool in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide by Peter Hertzmann, a knife skills instructor who has taught in both France and the US, teaches everything you need to do with a knife in the kitchen, whether you’re a four-star chef or an at-home beginner. He covers different types of knives and their uses, basic and advanced techniques for both right- and left-handed cooks, safe handling, proper knife maintenance, and how to choose the best cutting board, all illustrated from the point of view of the person using the knife. Don’t be surprised if this practical reference guide changes the way you cook.