A knife rest is used to keep your knife blade off the table during a meal. Here's how to properly use one:
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Placement: If a knife rest is provided, it will typically be placed above the knife and spoon on the table setting.
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After Use: Once you've used your knife for a course and are taking a break or moving on to the next course, carefully place the blade of the knife onto the knife rest. The handle should rest on the table, while the blade rests securely on the knife rest.
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Purpose: The primary purpose of a knife rest is to prevent the blade of the used knife from touching the tablecloth, keeping it clean and preventing any food residue from transferring. This also prevents the knife from potentially rolling off the table.
Essentially, the knife rest is a small but significant detail in formal dining, designed for both hygiene and presentation.
