While it is undeniable that the Chef's knife is the primary cutting tool in most households, a paring knife might be the go-to item for dealing with smaller ingredients. Also, it is the appropriate choice for slicing and carving delicate items with precision.
Our buying guide, fact-checked by Chef Philjim Sebastian, aims to give you the rundown on what to look for when getting the best paring knife. We also have listed down our recommended paring knives, so consider your search over! Ready to know more about it? Scroll down below!
Quick List - Top Paring Knives
Eurochef
The Budget-Friendly Choice for Home Cooks
Dalstrong
A Premium High-Carbon Paring Knife That Will Last for Years
Chef Philjim Gerald Sebastian is a professional chef with almost 11 years of experience in South East Asian, Western, Mexican, French, and Mediterranean Cuisines. His journey to becoming a chef started in the Philippines, and through his years of experience in different countries like the UAE, Seychelles Island, and parts of Asia like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, he honed his craft and gained different ranks in the kitchen. Chef Philjim is a graduate of De la Salle College of Saint Benilde (BS-HRIM). To add to all of his experiences, he is also a sole chef in a private sailing yacht traveling from the USA to the Caribbean islands where he is in charge of provisioning, stocking, budgeting, and cooking international cuisine for high-rank and well-known guests.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
As a general use knife, a paring knife is versatile enough to trim the fat on meats, cut smaller ingredients, or just simply open packages.
For any tasks that might be awkward for bigger knives, a paring knife can definitely accomplish it. A standard paring knife can have from 2.5 to 5 inches of blade, while the handle can range from wood, plastic, or various materials.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
We all know that different knife manufacturers have a different approach when it comes to designing their signature knives, but all of them can be distinguished by the blade of the paring knife. Let's take a look at their differing characteristics and identify which is which.
Also called the classic paring knife, this design resembles a spearhead with a blade that curves outward that forms a pointed tip.
It is used on detailed and precise work but will especially excel at coring or peeling fruits and vegetables. It is versatile and is a multi-purpose cutting tool that can be used on various tasks in the kitchen. Unfortunately, this has a smaller cutting surface for slicing.
As the name denotes, the blade is curved-in like a bird's beak which is sometimes also called a tourne knife. The razor-sharp blade and its shape make it easier to peel fruits. The perfect angle provides better control to do finer and detailed work on delicate ingredients for food decoration that requires finesse. It may be difficult to sharpen this knife but you can have it re-sharpened by a professional.
The blade of this paring knife has a smooth, flat edge with a rounded tip that is perfect for chopping smaller ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, or herbs. It could also take on cheeses, fruits, and vegetables that should be cut in long strips or julienned. Many chefs refer to this knife as a mini santoku knife but with a shorter and smaller blade.
Any type of serrated blade is suitable for slicing harder food items by applying a sawing action, and this is what this paring knife offers. It has the same shape as a classic paring knife but has a longer blade that falls along the 5-inch length on average. The long blade makes it easier when cutting larger fruits and vegetables by sawing through.
It is difficult to identify all the materials when it comes to knife-making so we will concentrate on the most common ones that most manufacturers use. This will also dictate the feature and quality of the blade in the long run.
Carbon steel, as the most common type of material, is used by most manufacturers and has high wear resistance. However, it is prone to rust, so many knife-makers put a coating to deal with rust. Alloy steel is a good alternative as it has chromium in the mixture to add strength. Tool steel is also used with varying degrees of carbon content for strength and wear resistance.
Stainless steel has a high chromium content that is incredibly resistant to rust. Many modern manufacturers combine stainless steel and high carbon to come up with a strong, rust-resistant blade that could hold its edge longer than normal. Therefore, doubling its blade life and longer periods between resharpening time.
Because this material doesn't rust, many modern cooks opt to use this. It can hold its edge longer and is very lightweight. Users need to be extra careful when using this paring knife as its tip and edge can easily break when dropped. If ever the knife gets dulled over time, you will need a professional to resharpen it and make it as good as new.
A firm knife handle ensures that accidents can be avoided whenever it is used, so knife-makers utilize several materials to secure the blade in place. Know more about the different handle materials below.
Material choice in paring knives is subjective to the user. Many cooks prefer wood because of its aesthetics and grip feel. However, it may require some maintenance as it could easily crack and expand when soaked in liquid for a long time.
Some paring knife designs have an integrated handle where both the blade and handle are made of a single piece of steel material. This is a very durable setup since the handle is already connected to the blade.
Some manufacturers favor Polypropylene or plastic because they are very tough, longer-lasting, and cheaper. Commonly, these handles are riveted or glued together and don't require much maintenance.
These materials are also lightweight that may benefit cooks in busy kitchens for longer slicing and dicing sessions. Also, carving fruits and vegetables for food decoration and presentation requires total control over the knife, so it pays to be lighter.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wusthof Classic Paring Knife | ![]() | A Perfectly Balanced Knife for Everyone | |
2 | Eurochef 3" High Carbon Stainless Steel Paring Knife|D300 | ![]() | The Budget-Friendly Choice for Home Cooks | |
3 | Dalstrong High-Carbon Steel Gladiator Series Paring Knife | ![]() | A Premium High-Carbon Paring Knife That Will Last for Years | |
4 | Wusthof Silverpoint Paring Knife w/ Serrated Edge | ![]() | Slice Through Any Ingredient With This Knife | |
5 | Ceramic Paring Knife With Cover | ![]() | An Inexpensive Ceramic Knife for Those on a Budget | |
6 | Tojiro Petty Knife 120mm | ![]() | Boasts a Striking Balance Between a Utility Knife and a Paring Knife | |
7 | Masflex 3.5″Paring Knife|WE-3PK | ![]() | The Practical Choice for "Wais" Home Cooks | |
8 | Wusthof Silverpoint Peeling Knife | ![]() | A Handy Knife for Budget-Conscious Newbies | |
9 | KtichenPro 3.5” Paring Knife|KP-PK-PO | ![]() | A Local Brand Designed for Filipinos | |
10 | Itamae Paring Knife | ![]() | A Uniquely Designed Japanese Paring Knife |
With Wusthof's 200 years of craftsmanship, there is no doubt that their products are world-class and globally accepted by chefs of any nation. Their classic series embodies years of design experience that provides cutting perfection. Its full-tang handle is a great stabilizer that acts as a counterweight for better control every time.
This paring knife has a small and slim blade with a plain edge that is perfect for cutting onions and herbs, while it could also be used for chopping, decorating, and cleaning fruits or vegetables. To protect the fingers and have a nice balance, it has a full bolster. The curvature of the handle's end serves as a guard, so no slippage happens even if the hand is wet, as the metal rivets keep it secure.
If you're on the lookout for a reliable paring knife that works as expected, the Eurochef paring knife will not disappoint you. The blade is made out of a mixture of high carbon and stainless steel materials that guarantees durability and rust resistance. The classic design makes it a reliable, all-around cutting tool in your kitchen.
The blade's thickness of 1.2mm can slice and peel through any fruit or vegetable for all of your ingredient preparations. Its 3-inch blade and non-slip handle can take on smaller tasks providing precise control in performing careful cuts or incisions for a more finesse food presentation. The handle's pastel color will surely bring life and style to your plain kitchen.
Get an exceptional knife forged from a single piece of high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel with an ultra-sharp edge and excellent stain and wear resistance. This ensures an uber-thin slicing with precision dicing at minimal effort and strain. It is also exceptional when it comes to peeling and cutting average-sized fruits or vegetables.
The meticulously constructed ambidextrous handle features a G-10 Garolite material, a military-grade and non-porous type of fiberglass-like property. The short, curved blade is a workhorse in the kitchen when it comes to prepping small ingredients or garnishes. It is a very comfortable handle that could withstand both heat and moisture in the kitchen.
Chefs oftentimes find themselves struggling while cutting ingredients with tough skins such as tomatoes or dry sausages, so they prefer knives with serrated edges. The Wusthof Silverpoint is a 4-inch paring knife with a serrated edge that is perfect for hard-to-cut components. It makes cutting easier without destroying the shape or integrity of the ingredient, even when pressure is applied.
This knife is cut from a single piece of stainless steel using the latest laser-cutting technology. Its synthetic handle is ergonomically designed to fit any hand type with a promise of ease and comfort. Although it has partial tang, the handle provides the right balance when slicing and "sawing" through tough food. Whether you're a professional or a home cook, you will definitely love the versatility of this paring knife.
Several households are already switching to ceramic cutting tools for their food preparation. So if you want to try it out first before investing, in one check out this 4-inch ceramic knife that is way more affordable than popular manufacturers. Aside from its lightweight construction and ease of handling, it is virtually stain-proof and rustproof. Plus, you don't need to resharpen it for a very long time.
The simple and classic design will not disappoint any user as it works as intended. Its handle is made out of non-slip material that provides enough grip and control. Product reviewers are actually happy with the performance of the knife as it makes their food prep faster and easier.
Japanese knives are praised around the world because of their sharpness, durability, and precision. The Tojiro DP petty knife is one of the various knives made traditionally since 1953. Merging tradition with modern technology in metal processing, each knife is made the same way as a katana from Tamahagane.
The interesting thing about this knife is it was designed to be almost the same size as a paring knife but smaller than a utility knife. It is perfect for slicing tasks, and peeling works for larger vegetables or fruits while being versatile enough to be used as a chopping tool for ingredients small enough for a Gyuto, a Japanese chef's knife.
Masflex's FDA-approved paring knife is made out of stainless steel material that is both sturdy and razor-sharp. The contoured Propylene plastic handle provides better grip and non-slip property for great control. This knife may be one of the cheapest on the list, which is ideal for practical and economical reasons.
The full-tang handle keeps the balance as you slice or peel your way through the ingredients. You know you made the right choice once you add this functional paring knife into your kitchen.
For those starting their career in the culinary scene and needs a budget-friendly paring knife, this model should be on top of their list. As part of the Wusthof Silverpoint series for beginners or new cooks, this Bird's beak or tourne knife is dubbed as a peeling knife that is best used for round fruits or vegetables.
The curved edge is ideal for cleaning edges around a decorative ingredient or for peeling root veggies to preserve valuable vitamins underneath the skin. You can create precise cuts and also hollow or core out fruits in a single session.
The essential KitchenPro 3.5" paring knife is a staple when it comes to processing vegetables and fruits. It can be used for making small cuts, peeling, or deseeding. It is a great tool for probing fresh fish, poultry, or larger proteins. If you're a baker, you can use this knife for garnishing and decorating your pastry.
The "Power" handle of the knife has a triple rivet in an ergonomic shell. The heavy handle gives weight to the knife for easier cuts without exerting much effort. The faster and shorter periods of cutting save you enough time for other kitchen tasks at hand.
This Itamae paring knife is handcrafted from San Mai AUS 8 laminated steel, primarily used for intricate cutting, mincing, and dicing smaller ingredients. It is also ideal for peeling fruits and veggies, deveining prawns, or shredding herbs and garnishes. Score your pies or slice pastry to create decorative patterns along the surface.
The handle is made from buffalo horn and Rosewood with a copper spacer design. To protect the knife's edge, you have the option to order it with a leather sheath. Just note that careful washing is needed to maintain the knife, and it's not advisable to put it in a dishwasher.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
A paring knife is use to peel or cut fruits and veggies into small pieces and to make small precision cuts.
A paring knife is a small pointed blade measuring around 3 to 5 inches in length. On the other hand, a French knife is more elongated and larger, around 8 to 10 inches.
The best paring knife for people with arthritis is one that's sharp and lightweight and comes with a soft and longer handle. This makes for a more comfortable grip so that people with limited mobility in their wrists and fingers can hold it easily. Kitchen experts recommend the paring knives from Dexter Russel DuoGlide and Oxo Good Grips.
From wooden cutting boards to sharpeners, we've got the best lineup of products for all your kitchen knife needs. Also, if you're looking for the most reliable kitchen knife or need a set to complement your kitchen, you can find them on the links provided below.
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Author: C. Lacson
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Wusthof|Classic Paring Knife
No. 2: Eurochef|3" High Carbon Stainless Steel Paring Knife|D300
No. 3: Dalstrong|High-Carbon Steel Gladiator Series Paring Knife
No. 4: Wusthof|Silverpoint Paring Knife w/ Serrated Edge
No. 5: |Ceramic Paring Knife With Cover
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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