For today's program , we go into the kitchen ! There is a good chance you do not go one day without using a knife . It is an important tool when cooking , and without it , you could not make many dishes . This brings to mind a story – a true story . Years ago , a friend and I were making dinner together at my place . She had the job of cutting up vegetables for soup . Halfway through cutting the onions , she said that my knife was not sharp and would not cut . I was surprised . I had given her my best knife . But when I looked over at her , I had to smile . Actually , I did more than smile . I laughed out loud . “It might be better if you use the cutting edge of the knife ,” I joked . Let's just say , my friend did not spend a lot of time in the kitchen . She ate out a lot ! In this example , the cutting edge is the sharp edge of a knife . But we also use it to mean something much more . The cutting edge is the newest and most modern part of any industry . Ideas , tools , technology -- whatever you use in your job -- can all be cutting-edge . Whatever business or industry you work in , it feels good to be a leader in it . For example , teachers on the cutting edge of education use the latest technology and ideas in the classroom . Cutting-edge architects know the latest materials , tools and designs to use in the structures they build . Some of the best doctors use cutting-edge technology to treat diseases . All industries have their own cutting edge . We have other words to help describe this idea of “cutting edge .” For example , people who on the cutting edge of their industry are on the forefront or front line . They are the vanguard . The vanguard is the group of people who are the leaders of a movement in society , politics or in a given industry . We usually use “vanguard ” in the singular form and in a prepositional phrase . So , you can be at the vanguard of a social or political movement . You can also be in the vanguard of a movement . This expression comes from a military term . In battle , the vanguard are the soldiers , other personnel or equipment that are at the front of a fighting force . People on the cutting edge , or in the vanguard , are blazing a trail . When you blaze a trail in the woods , you make a trail for others to follow . You do this by cutting down plants that may be in your way . You can also mark trees with a cut , also called a blaze . Blazing a trail is a difficult job . But it makes it much easier for people walking behind you . The same can be said for life . Trail-blazers , people on the cutting edge or in the vanguard are not satisfied with the status quo -- the way things have always been done . They are always looking for a new , better or faster way to do something . So people on the cutting edge use the latest tools and ideas to be on the forefront of their field . They are the vanguard and blaze trails for others to follow . Now , that would be very cutting edge .