The best paring knives for fruit and veg prep
We pick our top small knives that are useful for fruit and vegetable preparation and more delicate kitchen jobs.
A paring knife is a knife you'll reach for often, as it's invaluable in the kitchen, and is helpful for a huge variety of food prep.
It’s the perfect size for trimming, peeling and slicing fruit and veg, as well as tackling delicate jobs, like deveining prawns, where a cook’s knife would be too large.
Read on to discover our pick of the best paring knives for all budgets. For more like this, visit our reviews section and find buyer's guides to everything from the best knife sharpeners and best food processors to the best chopping boards.
The best paring knife to buy
Victorinox 10cm paring knife
Best budget paring knife
USP: Great price and extra-sharp laser tested blade
You don't need to spend a fortune to get great results as this practical knife, from the makers of the first Swiss Army Knife proves. With its razor sharp, laser tested cutting edge blade (which you won’t ever need to sharpen) this will be such a great friend to you in the kitchen. The fact that it is low priced also means that you will use it to tackle most jobs, then you’ll sling it in the dishwasher afterwards. It is made from stainless steel with a non-slip polypropylene handle and comes in black as well as fun colours like orange, yellow, pink and green. If you prefer a slightly longer blade, go for the 11cm tomato knife for the same price.
Signature 10cm vegetable knife
Best handle design
USP: A brilliant all-rounder with a full tang (blade that runs right down the handle)
It’s not surprising that this knife is award-winning because when you use it, it just feels so right. A huge amount of research and fine-tuning has gone into making this, in consultation with professional chefs, especially into the type of steel, which combines the benefits of both Japanese and German steel to guarantee an excellent hand-honed edge to the perfect 15 degrees. The handle made from DuPont™ material is moulded on the full tang (the metal section that runs right through the handle) which adds weight, balance and durability, but what this basically comes down to is it just feels incredibly tactile. Some of the other knives we tried felt quite uncomfortable, with sharp edges that dug into the hand. Although dishwasher safe, it is best washed by hand.
I.O Shen Mai Peng paring knife
Best luxury paring knife
USP: Reliable Japanese design and sturdy feel
For something a little different this professional knife certainly looks the business. Made from triple steel technology it boasts a reliable, hard blade that will keep its edge. Even slicing into a butternut squash, which is notoriously difficult was no challenge for this knife. The rectangular handle feels sturdy and comes with the distinctive scrolling on the black handle. However this is not just decorative it is an integral part of the handle to achieve balance and stability. This style of knife carries a little more weight than classic parers, but is still easy to use and feels well balanced. Not dishwasher safe.
Available from I.O.Shen (£87.95)
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This review was last updated in September 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
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