I use the classic straight up and down cut also, but the radial onion dice has a more natural feel for my hands. The radial cut is the first cut to start the dice. For the first slice, the knife is at about a 20 degree angle to the board and forms a slice that looks like a wedge.

Some grocery stores will sharpen knives for free or for a nominal charge. Some knife sharpeners may set up a stand at Farmers Markets. Local hardware stores and kitchen supply stores sometimes offer a knife sharpening service. The cost is usually based on the knife length. It is well worth it to invest in a quality knife and keep your knives sharp. It makes food prep so much easier and more fun.

Radial onion dice cut is one of the more common chopping techniques for onions. There is more than one way to dice an onion. The technique that works best is the one the feels most natural to your hands. For me, as for many, that technique is the radial onion dice cut.

A very sharp knife is key here for getting good results and a sharp knife is less likely to slip and cause an accidental hand cut. It also gives a nice clean cut. A clean cut reduces the amount of gas and liquid released from cutting so your eyes may not tear up as much if you are sensitive to that sulfuric acid that is produced.