So at 2 years and 10 months it is past time for my daughter to learn to handle knives. With so many sharp knives around the hous I think it is important that she learns to use them properly.

So this morning I was peeling potatoes, and I let her cut them in pieces afterwards with a small paring knife.
That knife has a serrated edge, the the teeth themselves are not sharp at all. It is only when you slice the knife that they cut. For now she will not be allowed to use the razor sharp solingen stainless potatoe peelers.

With each cut I corrected her grip, and made sure that her other hand was safe (i.e. no finger slicing).

She was really paying full attention, and she liked using the knife.
When my wife came in she was at first a bit unsure what to think of it, but since I was watching her every move and she was using the 'dull' knife, my wife didn't object.

it will be a long time before she will be allowed a 'real' knife, but I think it is important that she learns to do it well.

Have you ever noticed that very few people seem to know how to slice properly?
Most people just try to push the knife straight down, while a slice forward and / or backwards is so much better.
And most people's chef knives are as dull as a shovel.

When she is a bit older I will also teach her how to hone knives.
I may not have sons, but I will not let that minor detail get in my way of passing my fascination with hones and knives to at least one of my offspring. She is very interested.
She has already made me promis that I would make her a real straight when she is 12, and that I will teach her how to use it.

Truly my pride and joy.