When it comes to paring (peeling), slicing, and cutting vegetables and fruits, a Paring knife is the most ideal. These knives come in different sizes, blade designs, and materials. As much as the cost and material used to forge the knife are essential, the user should consider the comfort, ease of use, and cleaning.
A Paring knife should be sharp out of the box. Additionally, the blade and handle length should balance out to ensure the user has maximum control to maneuver to make precise cuts. Moreover, these knives should achieve excellent results whether on air-tasks or the chopping board surface.
Below are some of the best Paring knives
In-Depth Paring Knife Reviews
1. The Best Paring Knife: Wusthof Classic Paring Knife
Germany’s very own Wusthof Classic Paring knife from the Wusthof Classic series is famously known for its sharpness. It is small size and weight make it perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing fruits and vegetables.
It is a flat blade edge knife precisely forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel (chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium), making the knife strong therefore lasts longer.
A unique disc improves the surface finish of the blade. It is designed with a narrow and flat-cut edge, which is sharp because of the PEteC used.
Since the Wusthof Classic Paring Knife is very sharp, is it safe to use? First of all, it is a full-tang, and secondly, it is a full-bolster that achieves a perfect balance between the blade and the hand.
Lastly is the finger guard and the Polyoxymethylene (plastic) material used in making the handle. These two properties enhance safety for the user besides providing comfort and a steady grip while cutting or slicing produce.
Drawbacks
It’s always satisfying to acquire a perfect knife. This knife is versatile and safe to use as well, regardless of the cost implications. The knife mentioned above is the Best Paring Knife, and it comes at a relatively steep price.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Very Sharp
- Rust-free
- Has a finger guard
- Versatile
Cons
- On the expensive side
2. Best Paring Knife under 50: Kuhn Rikon Colori Paring knife
Kuhn Rikon straight Paring knife with safety sheath is very affordable. It is referred to as the best Paring knife under 50 bucks precisely because it is versatile and doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Additionally, it is safe to carry around. It is multi-purpose, hence useful in multiple tasks such as cutting herbs or slices of cheese, peeling lemon for garnishing, and many others.
A fascinating thing about this knife is that it brings color into the kitchen. There are nine color options for one to choose from. However, sellers can also sell it singly or in a set of either 3 or 4 knives.
The 4-inch Japanese Steel blade is ultra-sharp and has a straight edge. Furthermore, it is non-stick, allowing smooth gliding through the food. Noteworthy, the Japanese carbon steel blade is resistant to rust.
The plastic handle provides a perfect grip, consequently ensuring comfort and safety while performing various tasks. This perfect grip plastic handle is fitted with a finger guard for extra comfort and ease of use.
It weighs about 2.39 ounces, whereby the user doesn’t get exhausted while peeling or slicing vegetables.
Drawbacks
The price balances the quality of the knife.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Versatile
- Ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher safe
- It comes with a plastic sheath.
Cons
- Not durable
3. Best Ceramic Paring Knife: Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Revolution Paring Knife
This fine detailed Japanese knife is unbelievably sharper than any stainless steeled knife. It is a 3-inch razor blade. It is the best ceramic Paring knife since its small with extreme sharpness can be retained up to 10X longer than most carbon steel blades.
The Kyocera Ceramic is mostly ideal for peeling, trimming, mincing, and garnishing. It makes perfectly straight cuts of fruits, vegetables, boneless fish, and meats. When using, ensure that it is on a soft cutting board surface such as plastic or wood.
The white ceramic blade consists of very sub-micron particles of Zirconia Z206. Moreover, it is rust-resistant such that juices and acids cannot penetrate it, making it last for a more extended period.
The knife’s ergonomic plastic handle is easy to use. Weighing 1.41ounces, the Kyocera is lightweight and reduces fatigue when continuously using it over time.
Although the cutter can retain its sharpness for an extended period, when blunt, it can either be shipped back to the company for sharpening or anyone may attempt to perform the task on their own by employing the Kyocera, one of the best electric knife sharpeners on the market. The knife can conduct cleaning either by hand-washing or dishwasher.
A beginners’ guide is available for new users.
Drawbacks
Ceramic blades require special care and attention. One must get a full understanding of how to maintain them before attempting to purchase one.
Pros
- Extremely sharp
- Affordable
- Dishwasher friendly
- Lightweight
- Appropriate for soft products
- Long-lasting sharpness
Cons
- Maintenance is quite expensive
- Very fragile
- Dangerously sharp
4. Best Inexpensive Paring Knife: Victorinox Swiss Army Cuttlery, 3.25″ Straight Paring Knife
As you might already know, Victorinox is a famous brand with a proven track record of producing cutting edge knives (pun intended). We all know about their Swiss Army knives, but that’s not what we’re here for today. Have you ever heard of their Straight Paring Knife?
The blade is popular with culinary professionals and ranks among their top choice. The Victorinox 3.25″ straight paring knife is perfect for cutting performance; this cutter is sharp enough to slice its way through any task on its path.
Perhaps there’s a raging debate in your mind over which paring knife you should purchase; well, here’s why you’ll never go wrong with the Victorinox 3.25″ straight paring knife.
First, the ergonomics are top of the range. If you hold it firmly in your hand, it should feel like a natural extension of your body, ready to be put into good use. It comes with a textured non-slip handle. The best thing about these types of handles is the confidence they inspire.
Rest assured that you won’t slip and puncture your finger while slicing that lemon to garnish your favorite cocktail.
Courtesy of its stainless steel blade, you can now lay your worries about durability to rest. Intricately connected to this aspect is the quality of the cut. The knife has a fierce edge. Moreover, anyone can easily sharpen the already thin blade.
For any person who knows their way around grinders; nothing stops them from turning this paring knife into your mini Honjo Masamune!
This blade measures around 3.25 inches, which means it can have its way around reasonably large objects, say fruits like oranges, without strain. Its lightweight nature bolsters its appeal; thus, you can easily carry it anywhere.
Compared to other paring knives, this is the type of knife you won’t be pissed about losing, all thanks to its very pocket-friendly price on Amazon (well, unless it was passed down from your great grandfather’s grandfather, and you call it Alfred Slice). It’s easy to replace.
Additionally, it is dishwasher safe, although the manufacturer recommends handwashing it.
Drawbacks
It won’t be the first time in history a strength becomes an undoing. So, the Victorinox straight paring knife also falls victim to its lightweight nature. Users have complained that its thinness verged on flimsy. However, this remains one of the most celebrated paring knives.
Pros
- Outstanding aesthetics.
- Reliable quality.
- Secure grip courtesy of the textured handle.
- Double ground for sustained sharpness.
Cons
- Thinness verges on flimsy.
5. Best Shun Paring Knife: Shun Premier Paring Knife
There’s something beautiful about hand-made products. Even more, when the product in question is a hand-made knife from Japan, one thing rings in mind- State-of-the-art craftsmanship.
The Shun Premier 4 inch paring knife is the norm rather than the exception, and it’s no surprise that this Japanese paring knife ranks benchmarks with the industry’s favorite paring knives.
Steel is critical in kitchen knives and all other cutting paraphernalia. This cutter is crafted from layered steel with a stunning hand-hammered finish (Tsuchime). The beauty of it is that the drag is highly reduced; as such, you won’t get food clinging onto the blade while cutting.
Furthermore, the 68 micro-layers of Damascus steel-clad have more to offer than sheer beauty; they effectively protect the blade’s core from corrosion.
Designed to be ergonomics compliant, the full tang blade is supported by a walnut colored Pakkawood handle, providing for a firm grip. Additionally, it keeps the blade bacteria-free!
The handle’s palm swell nestles into the hand, providing the much-needed comfortable leverage while slicing your beef or peeling onions. Besides adding to the knife’s visual appeal, the brass endcaps provide for balance.
Besides, this premium quality knife is dishwasher safe, although the manufacturer recommends hand washing and drying.
Drawbacks
Getting this premium type of kitchen hardware will mean digging deeper into your pocket than you ordinarily would for other options. However, it’s nothing since this excellent knife is a worthwhile investment.
Pros
- Durable Knife.
- Agile handling.
- Ergonomics compliant blade design.
- A hand-hammered finish reduces drag
Cons
- Priced on the higher side
- No standard size.
- Feels slightly long for everyday needs.
6. Best Serrated Paring Knife: Victorinox Rosewood 3.25″ Paring Knife with Serrated Margin
“Wonderful knife! I’ve used this brand for fifty years now, “…reads a review from a satisfied customer. However, we don’t offer recommendations based on a single review; we try and test these products.
The good news is, this Switzerland brand has been tried and tested not just by mere mortals but by time itself. After all, doesn’t time always tell?
What makes this knife the perfect kitchen workhorse anyway? For one, it cuts through fruits and vegetables with tough skins such as tomatoes and plums just like a hot knife would butter. All this ability is courtesy of its 3.25″ serrated European steel blade.
Its Rosewood handle, which is curved at the rear, has two rivets, thus providing for a firm hold when using. The handle is also longer than the blade, therefore, providing for accurate cuts. The sturdy build enhances leverage, especially where the slicing requires firm control.
Further, the knife’s attractive handle is durable. The knife is dishwasher safe. However, the manufacturer recommends handwashing to enhance the blade’s life.
Drawbacks
Depending on the type of Rosewood used on the knife’s light handle, you may experience an unpleasant smell. Indian Rosewood produces some pungent smell. However, South American Rosewood is best. All the same, this doesn’t compromise the quality of the knife in any way. Further, it doesn’t cost much on Amazon.
Pros
- Cost friendly.
- Supreme quality.
- Lightweight
- Multi-purpose.
- Ergonomics compliant.
Cons
- The Rosewood handle might smell.
Read Next: Best Ceramic Knives
Best Paring Knife: Buyer’s guide
So, you’re in the market for the best paring knife, but do you know what you should be looking out for? This is especially important for newbies, but if you already have some working knowledge of paring knives, you might also pick up a point or two, so maintain that focus.
Be on the lookout for an ergonomic piece!
Well, what a great place to start, and it’s not limited to knives only. The point is; anything that feels comfortable to handle in your hand will most definitely be easy to use.
You won’t struggle to make precision cuts, kind of making you feel like a seasoned fruit and vegetable surgeon.
The handle should be made in such a way allowing for a relaxed and comfortable grip. Non-slip handles are ideal. They protect you from the “Tomato surgeon slits own wrist in a deadly kitchen accident” kind of headlines!
The blade should be nothing short of durable.
The kind of material making the blade matters a lot. Some, like stainless steel, are durable and easily sharpened. Others like ceramic are very sharp but require specialized sharpening equipment when blunt. They’re not as durable as their steel peers.
However, since everything has two sides, and I’m talking of pros and cons here, not polygons, our advice is -stick with what works for you, although you’d never go wrong with a stainless steel blade any day!
Is the blade full tang? Full tang blades provide for more safety. Running through the handle’s length means that the blade can hardly break at any connecting point. As such, full tang blades are ideal.
The budget question.
Budget is not such a big deal when it comes to selecting your ideal paring knife. Most of these knives are available at very cost-effective prices. Sometimes, the cheap outperform the expensive ones.
For instance, the Victorinox 3.25″ Straight paring knife can give the most expensive paring knife a run for its money. However, before you settle for anything, do your research.
If you’re into high-end Japanese knives, well, you’ll need a reasonable budget for those; otherwise, if you’re wondering whether you’ll find anything with your lean tens of dollars budget, Tranquilo!
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FAQs
Q1. How do I choose a pairing knife?
Its wise that one focuses on the price, material used, shape and size of the blade, comfort and grip of the handle. Additionally, the safety of the user is also fundamental. Ensure that all these factors balance out so as to get ones perfect fit.
Q2. What is the difference between a pairing knife and a peeling knife?
Some people refer to them as the same. Both are used in getting rid of the skin on vegetables and fruits, plus cutting the produce as well. Though, the peeling knives can make cuts on root vegetables the pairing knives are not ideal for such tasks.
Q3. What is the most common way to hold a pairing knife?
The most common way which may also be considered as the most comfortable way to hold the knife is by ensuring that the handle is correctly gripped with four fingers while the thumb is carefully placed on the front of the handle.
Q4. Is a pairing knife necessary?
Oh yes. Their small, sharp and lightweight properties enable them fit perfectly in the users’ hand at the same time reducing fatigue.
Q5. What can I cut with a pairing knife?
- Fruits- Apples, oranges, lemon, bananas
- Vegetables- Tomatoes, capsicum.
- Sushi and other raw fishes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a world-class celebrity chef or a food-loving introvert, here’s the deal; you’ve got to have a paring knife somewhere in your kitchen. Applying the right tool for the right job is the hallmark of all great artists, and culinary art is no exception.
With the highly accurate information placed at your disposal right now, you can follow the links, head straight to amazon.com, and get your favorite Paring knife today!
