A Guide to Every Knife You Need in the Kitchen

Chef's Knife

This is, hands down, the most important tool in your cutlery set. From slicing to fine mincing, this knife will be your go-to for all things prep. Try it out for comfort before purchasing, and make sure to always keep it sharp to avoid accidents.

Paring Knife

"Pare down any food item with this 3" to 4" multitasking knife. Small enough for peeling potatoes, and flexible enough to be able to slice radishes and apples, paring knives are essential for everyday use.

Utility Knife

Living up to its name, the utility knife can be used for a variety of cutting duties, specifically dicing vegetables, slicing meats and cheeses, and cutting sandwiches.

Slicing Knife

While not an everyday tool, special occasions often call for this knife that can slice a perfect piece of prime rib like it's butter.

Boning Knife

With its shart point and narrow blade, the boning knife is used for breaking down a whole chicken to removing the skin of a side of fresh salmon. Its flexible blade and length—typically 5" to 6"—make it ideal for precision boning.

Vegetable Cleaver

If your recipes often call for lots of prep (soups and stews often require the most), the vegetable cleaver is comfortable to use and its wide blade makes it a perfect vehicle for transporting cut veggies to your pot.

Serrated Knife

If your family feasts on crusty bread, a sharp knife is a must have. This knife, recognizable for its tiny teeth, is also essential for slicing into fragile food such as tomatoes and flaky pastries.

Keep It Sharp

Restore the edge of your knife to its original sharpness by honing the blade on a steel rod.