You planned dinner. You remembered the vegetables. You even know exactly how you want to season the chicken. There’s just one problem: the chicken is still frozen solid.

So what do you do?

Leave it on the counter for a few hours? Run it under warm water? Toss it in the microwave and hope for the best?

As a chef, I’d much rather work with a properly sharpened knife than struggle with a dull one. A sharp knife gives you control. A dull knife makes you work harder, and that’s when accidents are more likely to happen.