Axis: the central line of the onion, which runs from the root end to the top.

Free hand: the hand that's not holding the knife and is free to hold the onion.

Bear claw: a method of holding any vegetable to keep it steady and to keep your fingers on your hand. It's explained in Step 2.

2torial #0867: Learn2 Slice and Dice Onions (Continued) Cut without crying   One of the biggest complaints about onion prep is the fumes from freshly cut onions. These noxious vapors irritate the mucus membranes in your nose and eyes, and the result is discomfort and tearing. Like hiccup remedies, strategies to prevent onion tears are numerous and staunchly defended by their proponents. Here are some to try: Cover the onions: As soon as you slice a quantity of onion (say, half of an onion), place the sliced onion in a bowl and cover it with a plate. This prevents an accumulation of onion fumes, and, according to Swiss culinary folklore, prevents the onions from absorbing toxins in the air. Wash that dirty onion: Another bit of kitchen wisdom maintains that washing an onion as soon as it's peeled will reduce the onion fumes. As long as you're peeling and washing, peel all the onions at once. Some folks say this helps a lot. Chew on a piece of raw onion: If that's too much, chew a wooden matchstick (but don't chew too hard!) Experience: Probably the best remedy is to cook with onions frequently. Your eyes and nose will develop a resistance to the fumes, and will cease to bother you at all.     Step 2