Wash the dates if needed and pat them dry
Hold a date firmly with one hand
Make a lengthwise slit with a small knife if the date is firm
Open the date gently with your fingers
Remove the pit with your fingers or the tip of the knife
For soft dates, press one end and push the pit out
For large quantities, split each date open and remove the pits one by one
Discard the pits and use the pitted dates as needed