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Cooking food is an art that requires extreme patience and focus. This is even truer when you have to cut or peel fruits or vegetables gently. A paring knife is different from a utility knife, with the latter being fairly large.
Professional as well as home chefs, make use of paring knives to achieve delicacy and precision. Equipped with a small blade, the knife can be used to remove seeds, peel fruits, and slice them into smaller shapes. There are also other uses of this product but more on that later.
The article will provide you with all the necessary information you need to make a good choice. Not just that, there is also a section that highlights the top products in the market. They are reviewed based on their features to help you make a better decision.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Paring Knife
- OUR TOP PICK: Mercer Culinary Genesis
- RUNNER-UP: Mac Knife Chef Series
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wusthof Pro Paring Knife
Comparison of the Best Paring Knives
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What is a Paring Knife?
Paring knives are relatively small and are used specifically for peeling fruits and vegetables. They also come with a plain edge and usually weigh less than a normal knife. They are mostly designed to indulge in intricate work. This includes deveining a shrimp, skinning, or cutting garnishes or removing the seeds of a jalapeno.
The product also comes with a small blade that ensures better dexterity and precision than the usual large chef's knife. There is a range of shapes and sizes available in the market, but more on that later.
What is a Paring Knife Used For?
As mentioned earlier, a paring knife is different from a chef’s knife. It comes with a small blade and a compact design, making it useful for performing certain tasks. It is also widely recommended by chefs to achieve delicacy while cooking. Here is all you can do with such a unit.
Peeling
This process often requires you to pay a lot of attention. It can also be daunting if you are using a large knife. A paring knife can come in handy when you have to remove skins of various fruits and vegetables. This includes grapes, tomatoes, and even cucumbers.
Removal of Seeds
This is useful in the case of jalapenos and pomegranates. Without a paring knife, this process can be difficult and exhausting.
Slicing
You should not cut large vegetables like carrots or potatoes with a paring knife. However, when you have to cut or slice fruit or vegetables in very sleek shapes, it can be a useful tool. The best results would be achieved with garlic.
How to Choose a Paring Knife
The market is filled with products that are marketed well but are actually of poor quality. We don't want you to fall into the trap and hence are here to help you out. Before you buy a new paring knife, here are a couple of features that you need to look out for.
Sharpness
You can only achieve perfection and delicacy if your knife's blade is sharp and has a smooth edge. This feature also comes in handy when you have to separate skins from the flesh of certain fruits. You should look for a sharp pointing tip that can haul and devein shrimps easily. Moreover, the top should be able enough to dig under the peels of the object.
Weight
For a professional chef, this is an important feature. Such a person will have to work with the knife for a very long time, and hence it shouldn’t be too heavy. A heavier model is not only difficult to lift, but it also prevents you from achieving delicacy and precision. An easy blade will also provide better maneuverability. Expensive models tend to be lightweight, so you might have to spend some extra bucks to buy an appropriate model.
Sturdy Design
You certainly don’t want to end up with a model that is flimsy and difficult to control. Sturdy design can help you achieve stability during the process. You need to also ensure that the handle is comfortable and provides you with a better grip during usage. Moreover, the handle's durability should be high because you wouldn't want to get a replacement every few months.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Paring Knives
Here are the best paring knives:
Review of the Best Paring Knives
This is the section our readers are most interested in. Keeping that in mind, we went the extra mile to ensure that we only included the best products. All these have been thoroughly evaluated based on their features, pros, and cons. All you have to do is compare them against each other to find the best unit for you.
Best Overall:
Mercer Culinary Genesis
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There aren’t many products that chefs swear by. The Mercer Genesis is a user favorite because of its German cut technology. The use of high carbon steel provides greater resistance against rust and corrosion, but that is not the only reason buyers love it so.
Professional chefs also love its precision-forged construction that comes in handy when you want to cut through small fruits with greater accuracy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model is the dream of many. It is made to be durable and strong and can be used to cut through any fruit with precision and accuracy. The model is made with high carbon that is forged from steel in Germany. It is no-stain cutlery steel that can resist corrosion, rust, and the effects of discoloration. Precision-forged construction also provides better strength and rigidity.
Moreover, the taper-ground edges allow much higher stability, and the easy honing technique allows for lasting sharpness. You also get increased efficiency while you are chopping and cutting. So if you want the best model, here is a great one for you.
Bottom Line
Professional cooks demand a certain level of finesse and accuracy, and that is exactly what you get with this amazing model. It comes with the latest taper-ground edge technology that provides greater stability. This, along with easy honing tendency, ensures everlasting sharpness. So if you are willing to spend a couple of extra bucks for extra durability, this is the knife for you.
Runner-up:
Mac Knife Chef Series
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers didn’t have to think twice before investing in this superior model. They like its smooth construction and its ergonomic design that provides greater stability. But what they absolutely love about it is that it offers greater diversity. You can peel as well as par using this design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
MAC knives are as good as they come, and this one is no different. It is made in Japan and comes with a 2 mm blade. The material provides full resistance against rust. This means that even if you use it for a very long time, you would still not feel the outer blade withering away.
But that’s not all; you will also be getting a unit made of high carbon steel with sharp edges. Original Molybdenum steel is also incorporated into the construction to further increase the appeal of the unit. Moreover, it comes with a fine pointed tip to dig deeper into the peel of some fruits like tomatoes.
Bottom Line
If you are an ordinary chef looking to upgrade your cooking skills, this paring knife is all you need. It comes with a small and intricate blade that provides precision and accuracy. Not just that, but it also has steel and molybdenum construction that together provides greater edge retention. You can use this edge to dig into the peel of hard fruits and remove their skin gently.
Best for the Money:
Wusthof Pro Paring Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There are many myths regarding affordable and cheap products in the market. Buyers chose not to believe them and still bought the Wusthof paring knife, and they have not regretted their decision for an instant. The unit is extremely small and provides easy maintenance. You can clean it within seconds, and its edge will be as good as before.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is always nice to find a durable and reliable brand, and Wusthof is certainly an example. It produces some of the best paring knives in the market, and this one is no different. It comes with a poly handle that makes it easy for you to lift and keep the knife in an angled position for a long time.
Moreover, the compact design of the model means that you won’t get tired after using it continuously. But perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the model is its ergonomic handle. Among other things, this ensures better comfort and a better grip for you to enjoy.
Bottom Line
Affordability and convenience come together in the making of this model. It is one of the lightest, yet most durable knives in the market right now. Its compact design comes with a long handle that comes in handy when you want to safely remove shrimps' skin. You will also get access to a sharp edge that is suitable for removing tomato peels easily.
Best Japanese Paring Knife:
Tojiro DP
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers only needed to look at the brand name before they resorted to buying this unit. Tojiro has made an irrefutable name for itself in the cooking industry that is hard to challenge. Buyers love the inclusion of a triple-riveted handle that provides a smoother grip. They have also praised the high intensity and extensive heat treatment that the knife underwent to achieve its required durability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a reason Japanese products are widely known - their strength and good warranties. This paring knife is specially designed for both commercial and residential use. It is suitable for use in restaurants as well as at home.
The best thing about Tojiro is that it comes with thorough heat treatment. This is vital in the construction process and ensures a sharp and durable blade that comes in handy when you want to peel the skin off of a shrimp.
The metal is also cooled after the treatment, which preserves its microstructure and ensures it retains the best of its features. Fine-grain is also added into the mix to make the blade harder than others.
Bottom Line
Japanese products are extremely reliable, and there is no denying that. But this particular model has exceeded all expectations and emerged as a game-changer in the industry. It comes with three-ply clad construction that has a strong and durable core. It is also encased between rust-resistant steel, thereby increasing the strength of the knife. So if you don’t want any compromises, make sure to invest in this unit.
Best Serrated Paring Knife:
Victorinox - 47509
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
For the longest time, professional chefs had a hard time finding a model that could be accurate and comfortable. They were hence really glad to get their hands on this unit. It not only offers greater edge-retention but its good warranty also makes it suitable for longer usage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is amazing to find a model that can provide greater diversity and multipurpose functions at the same time. Victorinox 47509 comes with a serrated edge that makes it uniquely suited to slicing and mincing vegetables like garlic. It can also cut or peel through soft skins of tomatoes and peaches.
The tapered blade also stands out because it is grounded in two directions and maintains a sharp razor throughout the usage. But more importantly, it is made for intricate tasks and offers greater maneuverability and dexterity hence making it essential for every kitchen. So if you want a blade that is easy to sharp and even easier to handle, this is the model for you.
Bottom Line
Serrated knives aren’t very common, but it is this aristocratic nature that makes them so desirable. This model comes with a unique edge that provides better alignment with food. Chefs can also achieve the required angle easily while peeling intricate fruits and vegetables. So if you are looking for unmatched accuracy, you should definitely consider this Victorinox model.
Best Paring Knife Under $50:
Victorinox Paring Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
It is amazing how a model so cheap could be so popular among professional chefs. This is because most chefs recommend extremely expensive models that are hard for home chefs to buy. But this product is different. Some of the best chefs in the world are ready to swear by its quality. They also love the solid construction that makes the model stand out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is probably one of the most high-quality models out there in the market. It ensures better quality and better performance. When fruit is shunned, thus achieving its ideal ripeness, you can use a paring knife to peel off the exterior and cut it in sleek pieces.
Home cooks that are more concerned with achieving perfection can opt for this very affordable knife. Moreover, it is easy to handle. A good handle is included that ensures a better grip. You can hold it for as long as you want without feeling agitated or tired. But more importantly, the unit can achieve perfection with seasonal fruits.
Bottom Line
Equipped with a high-quality blade and exclusive packaging, this unit is both safe and economical. It comes with a plastic sleeve hence providing better protection against injury. After usage, you can also clean it instantly and keep it secure and away from children in the durable cover. So if you are on a budget and want to make a good investment, here is a good product for you.
Best Victorinox Paring Knife:
Victorinox Swiss Army 47600
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are absolutely content with the making and working of this Victorinox model. Made in Switzerland, it has made a name for itself in the industry. It is a multi-purpose unit that can be used for cutting, peeling, and slicing food. Buyers also trust it more because it is one of the only knives in the market that offers a very good warranty.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trusted model comes with Swiss-quality and is made to achieve good results with intricate tasks. The blade is fully equipped to offer increased dexterity and maneuverability. This means that while peeling off tomatoes' skin, you will be able to move your hand easily around the top surface.
Moreover, the tip of the blade is extremely sharp, which allows you to dig gently into the skin of jalapenos and tomatoes and remove the skins from the flesh. Furthermore, it comes with an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip feature. This ensures that even when your hands are wet, your knife doesn’t lose its efficiency or slip off from your hands.
Bottom Line
An intricate design is really useful when you want to place beautifully decorated and perfectly sliced fruits on a tray. This paring knife does the job and ensures a much smoother shape. It is a bit challenging to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to achieve true perfection with its amazing blade and handle.
Best Wusthof Paring Knife:
Wusthof Classic Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The opinions of users need to be considered before potential buyers make any bold choices. This is because users are the only people who provide you with honest and unwavering opinions. In the case of this Wusthof knife, buyers couldn’t be happier with the model's durability. They have not only praised its good warranty but also loved its ergonomic design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Paring knives are better when you have to perform small and intricate tasks. This unit comes with a riveted high impact handle that provides a better grip.
Moreover, it incorporates the latest edge technology that provides a sharp cut at an angle of 14 degrees. This doubled sharpness comes in handy when you have to work with foods like shrimps and jalapenos.
One thing that worries users is the relatively low warranty that brands offer. Wusthof certainly takes the lead there as well. It offers a lifetime warranty on all its products, which means that you can rely on this knife to come through whenever you need it.
Bottom Line
A better grip is essential to the safe and effective usage of a paring knife. You can have the best model, but if its handle is unstable, you won’t be able to achieve half the benefits that you would otherwise. The Wusthof classic knife provides the latest cutting-edge technology. This, among other things, helps in better retention of the original sharpness of the blade.
Best Shun Paring Knife:
Shun Classic 3.5” Paring Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all buyers are ready to swear by this Shun paring knife, and that should be reason enough for you to consider buying this product. It not only comes with a strong and attractive exterior, but its interior is just as commendable. Buyers have particularly praised the better edge retention that can be achieved via the smooth and durable construction of the knife.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For a model to stand out, it should not only be strong, but it should also offer some level of versatility. Shun has exceeded all expectations and has introduced this one-of-a-kind model. It is not only pleasing to the eyes because of its beautiful exterior, but it also gets the work done.
You can use it with both hands and for several purposes. Peeling and cutting are made easy with its sharp edge on top.
Moreover, the blade is relatively smaller, which decreases the overall weight, making it easy for home cooks to handle it. It also features a unique D-shaped ebony blade that is bead-blasted to offer a smooth layered steel cover.
Bottom Line
Shun is a brand that needs no introduction. It has existed in the market for quite some time, and hence it is no wonder that this unit is hugely popular among users. The use of stainless steel in the construction adds to the durability and strength of the model and ensures you get a stronger blade that gently pierces through the skin of all the fruits.
Best Cutco Paring Knife:
Cutco Model 1720
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers didn’t need any convincing to buy the Cutco 1720. They knew that if they wanted to up their cooking game, they would have to pay extra bucks. So they did, and they haven’t regretted their decision one bit. Buyers have also rated this model very highly, which only shows they found this unit to be a great investment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The use of a rivet was a smart choice by the brand. This not only upgrades the construction but also allows for more flexibility in usage. A rivet is also ideal for supporting any kind of tensile and shear loads, as well as watertight applications. It is also incorporated with durable and strong high carbon and stainless steel that provides greater strength.
Moreover, since the model is made in the USA, you can trust it to provide greater reliability. If you ever fail to sharpen the unit at home, you can take it to a nearby store and have it sharpened by a professional. This will ensure better retention of its original abilities.
Bottom Line
The Cutco 1720 is placed at the end of this list, but that's only because we wanted to end strong. The handle of the knife is its specialty as it provides better overall ergonomics. These come in handy when you are a professional chef who needs to spend many hours in the kitchen. You also get high-quality construction, thanks to the inclusion of nickel, a powerful and resilient alloy.
Comparison Overview
There are still people who believe that they can achieve the required precision and accuracy with a utility or a large knife. To end this myth once and for all, we have included this comparison overview between prominent knives. This section will compare the features of different knives and will suggest which option is more appropriate.
Paring Knife vs. Utility Knife
Utility knives are basically a mix between a paring knife and a slicing knife and are less precise. They come with a scalloped edge and a slightly rough blade that is less accurate. The blade is also significantly longer than that of a paring knife.
This also means a utility knife is likely to be heavier in weight. It is also very efficient for slicing slightly larger fruits and vegetables and is an ideal tool for food prep. The major difference between the two is the blade. A paring knife will have a sharp tip at the top to dig deeper into the fruit's peel.
Vegetable Knife vs. Paring Knife
As the name suggests, a vegetable knife is specially designed to cut or slice vegetables into smaller pieces. It is available in almost all the kitchens at home and restaurants. Since they are slightly longer and come with a large blade, they are likely to help you complete the cutting task in less time.
On the other hand, a paring knife is more durable and comes with a sharper blade. It also differs from a vegetable knife in terms of pricing. The latter tends to be more affordable than the former.
How to Use a Paring Knife
When it comes to paring knives, there is no rocket science that you have to follow for effective cutting. The knife is similar to other units designed for a similar purpose. But there are a couple of tips that will help you achieve better stability and hence better precision with a paring knife. Here is how you use it:
The small size of the knife provides better control, so you must practice cutting with one hand.
When peeling an apple, you don't want to remove too much of the actual fruit, so you must keep the thumbs away from the knife and move in an anti-clockwise direction while peeling.
For supreming an orange, you need to first remove the peel. Then insert the blade of your knife between the membrane and the flesh on both sides of the orange.
To core a jalapeno, you need to first remove the top of the vegetable. Then use the spine or the backside of the knife and run it around the inside of the jalapeno. Continue this process until the seed pod is released.
For dicing garlic, make three or four horizontal slices in the garlic first. Then rotate it and make parallel cuts. The heel of the knife should be placed at an angle of 45 degrees. Then chop the garlic into very small pieces.
When peeling tomatoes, insert the tip of the knife into the skin of the tomato. Then plunge it inside by one inch at a slight angle and run the blade through the tomato.
Shrimp vein is harmless and flavorless, but a lot of picky eaters prefer deveined shrimp. You can use a paring knife to make a shallow cut at the back of the shrimp and then use the knife's tip to lift the vein out.
These are just some of the many techniques you can use with a paring knife. If you need more ways to perfect your cooking, here is a video for you.
How to Sharpen a Paring Knife
Sharpening your knife every now and then can be a good way to achieve better precision and accuracy while cutting vegetables or peeling fruits. Unlike the old times, the process is now fairly simple, and you can sharpen your paring knife at home. Here are some easy steps that you need to follow.
Get a whetstone from a reliable brand. It is fairly cheap and is readily available for commercial uses. You can even find a good one at less than $15.
The first step is to dampen the surface of the whetstone. You can use a damp towel to do that, or you can pour some water on top of the surface.
Then wet the knife blade with some water too. Again, you can also use a damp tower to achieve the required wetness. This not only lowers friction between the two surfaces but ensures that none of them slip during the entire process.
Now, place your knife on top of the stone. Make sure the coarsest side faces downwards. This should be done at an angle of 20 degrees.
The tip of your paring knife should point away from you. This is to ensure better safety and protection.
Then rest your fingers on the flat part of the blade. Make sure your thumb faces an outward direction. It can also remain on the handle grip during the entire process.
Next, drag your knife across the stone using a circular motion. Make sure the angle remains constant, or you won’t be able to achieve the desired result.
Do this a couple of times to ensure better results
You can also flip the knife every now and then to achieve a more even sharpness.
If any step is difficult to understand, make sure you watch this video. It will provide you with better clarity.
Conclusion
Contrary to what you have been told, not all knives provide the same level of perfection. A paring knife is specially designed to cater to the needs of professional and home chefs who want to achieve perfection while preparing food.
We have mentioned quite a few products on our list, and all of them have been thoroughly reviewed for durability and strength. They are also relatively affordable, so you don't have to go out of your way to achieve your cooking dream.
Since there are no shortcuts to preparing delicious foods, we recommend buying a paring knife and adding some finesse to your cooking skills.
People Also Ask
Professionals, as well as home chefs, are really excited by the prospect of using a paring knife. If you are one, you might be excited too! However, you might still have a couple of questions in mind. Here are some common questions and their answers.
How to Hold a Paring Knife
Holding a paring knife the right way is the key to achieving amazing results. Since it comes with a smaller handle and blade, you will have to hold it with a slight angle. You can have all your fingers wrapped around the blade's hilt and your thumb facing in the inward direction. Your thumb should also be left relatively free to adjust to the cutting process.
What Size Paring Knife is Best?
This depends on the task you require it for. But on average, a good model can be used for a range of tasks and is hence preferred. Any knife that has a blade of four inches can be considered a good model. It should also be relatively light and offer a better grip.
How Long Are Paring Knives?
These are short chef knives that come with a small blade that is only four inches long. The total length may not exceed ten centimeters. The compact size is intended to achieve better accuracy when you are peeling delicate fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the smaller the knife, the easier would be the cutting process.
Is a Paring Knife Necessary?
It is only necessary if you want to get really thin slices of foods and vegetables. Moreover, a paring knife is the only kind of unit that can cut garlic or onion into really smaller pieces. If you are a professional chef, you might have to use a paring knife to achieve the required delicacy in your food. A home chef who doesn’t like to compromise on the presentation of his or her food may also find one necessary.
What is the Difference Between a Paring Knife and a Peeling Knife?
A paring knife comes with an angled blade and often performs diverse functions. A peeling knife, as the name suggests, is made especially for peeling purposes. The top of such a knife is not very sharp, and hence you cannot use it to empty jalapenos or remove the skin of shrimps. On the other hand, a paring knife will allow you to make special cuts called tourne.
How Sharp Should a Paring Knife Be?
Ideally, a paring knife should be as sharp as it can be. But in terms of safety, that is not recommended. A good model is one that comes with a straightedge and a spear-like tip needed to dig into the skin of some fruits. You can also sharpen your knife using a whetstone at home. You should sharpen it every few months to ensure consistent results.
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