TL;DR: A paring knife is a 3-inch to 4-inch multipurpose knife ideal for smaller or delicate tasks, like peeling and dicing shallots and coring tomatoes or strawberries. There are many different paring knives out there, and this article will cover some of the best ones on the market.

I’ve loved knives ever since I was a kid, and I went through a phase where I collected pocket knives. Now that I’ve become a dedicated home cook, my interests have shifted to kitchen knives. I love to bake as well, so my paring knives are indispensable for removing apple peels, hulling strawberries, and pitting cherries. I’ve acquired a wide variety of knives over the last ten years, including a ceramic paring knife, a carbon steel paring knife, and a stainless steel peeling knife.

In this article, I’m going to cover some of the best paring knives out there and what to look for to find the right one for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any of our Kitchen Experts.

How to Pick the Best Paring Knife for the Job

A paring knife is likely to be your second most used knife behind your chef’s knife. So, while the knives are diminutive and therefore not too expensive, it’s still a good idea to consider what you’re looking for before buying.

Blade Material

The blade of the knife is what determines its performance, and what it’s made out of makes a huge difference in terms of how well it’ll do the job. Here are the most common materials for paring knives and what each one’s best for.

• Carbon steel: This is a specialty material nowadays, but some high-end knives still use it. Carbon steel has a high carbon content, making it extremely hard and, therefore, able to hold a keen edge for a long time. Its issue is that it’s prone to rust, meaning that it needs to be dried immediately after washing.
• Stainless steel: The most popular choice, stainless steel resists corrosion. Blades made of this material are durable, hold an edge well, and can go in the dishwasher (though it’s better for your knife if it doesn’t).
• High-carbon stainless steel: More and more knives are being made out of this alloy. It has the benefit of being rust resistant and holding a very fine edge – though most varieties aren't as protected from corrosion as regular stainless.
• Damascus steel: Rather than being an alloy, Damascus steel is a process. It’s made by folding the steel over itself, usually of two different hardnesses, and hammering them together. The wavy patterns on the blade are the result of the layering, creating a gorgeous knife, but you pay extra for the aesthetics.
• Ceramic: While ceramic knives have their advantages, I don’t recommend them to most home cooks. This material is extremely hard, meaning it can get razor-sharp and hold that edge for a very long time. But it’s also brittle. Ceramic knives are easy to chip and can even break when dropped, so they require special care.

Types of Paring Knives

Paring knives don’t come in only one type. While the majority of people will be best off with a classic paring knife, having a variety of paring knives will mean you’ll always have the right tool for the job on hand.

• Classic: If asked to think of a paring knife, this is likely what you’d imagine. Classic paring knives have a pointed tip and a curved blade. These are the most versatile knives, which can be used for anything from peeling fruit to deveining shrimp to mining herbs.
• Sheep’s Foot: These knives are shaped like a mini santoku, with a curve in the spine rather than on the blade. That extra surface area makes them ideal for chopping and dicing. If you primarily use your paring knife for dicing garlic for mining herbs, then consider a sheep’s foot knife.
• Bird’s Beak: Sometimes also called a peeling knife, these get their name from the fact that their curved blade resembles a bird’s beak. These knives tend to be short, at around 2.75 inches, and are sickle-shaped. They’re excellent for peeling round fruit like apples, vegetables like potatoes, and for coring tomatoes.
• Serrated: A serrated paring knife is going to be a specialty item, as the serrations make the blade less precise and worse for delicate tasks. They do excel at cutting up citrus, though, so if you spend a lot of time cutting up lemons, limes, or oranges, investing in one of these will be worth your while. They’re also perfect for smaller tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, as the blade won’t slip and will slice them rather than crush them.

The Best Kitchen Paring Knives

A paring knife is an indispensable kitchen knife. Making sure you get one that fits well in your hand and maintains a sharp edge is paramount to make sure that the knife performs properly. Here are my top picks for paring knives:

1. Shun Classic Blonde Paring Knife

Shun is known for making high-end Japanese knives, and this paring knife fits that description. It has a blonde pakkawood handle, allowing for a sure and comfortable grip. The bolsters on the sides of the blade are excellent for a pinch grip, and it has a full tang for balance and durability. Japanese knives are known for their extremely sharp edge, meaning that this knife can slice, peel, and carve easily.

Note that the hardness and thinness of the blade does make it prone to chipping, particularly on the sharp edge or the tip, if improperly cared for.

2. Misen Paring Knife

Misen’s knives and cookware are known for their good quality and affordability, and this paring knife is no exception. The blade is made from AICHI AUS-10 steel, which has very high carbon content and is sharpened at a 15-degree angle, making it more akin to a Japanese-style paring knife. This leads to an extremely sharp blade with excellent precision.

The high carbon content does make it less stain resistant, though, meaning that leaving it wet, even just in the dish drainer, can result in rust spots.

3. STEELPORT Carbon Steel Paring Knife

For those looking for a stunning knife to add to their collection, STEELPORT makes gorgeous carbon steel knives. This knife is 4 inches, giving you more blade area to work with (I prefer a shorter knife for most tasks, but a longer blade is more versatile). The handle is made of caramelized maple, and it comes with a leather sheath for storage. The fact that it’s carbon steel means that it can be honed to a razor edge and is extremely unlikely to chip or break.

4. WÜSTHOF Classic Paring Knife

WÜSTHOF’s knives are made in Germany with German steel. Germany is known for both its steel and its smithing, making both of these assets. The blade length is a standard 3.5 inches, making it easy to maneuver. It’s extremely sharp and well-balanced, and the handle ensures a good grip, even when wet. There’s also a serrated version, if you want to add a serrated paring knife to your collection. Note that despite its synthetic handle, it can’t go in the dishwasher.

5. Zwilling Pro Bird's Beak Peeling Knife

Zwilling is another well-known German knife manufacturer. This knife is made in Germany with German steel, has a full tang, and fits well in your hand. It uses a highly stain-resistant high-carbon steel, making it dishwasher-safe (though hand washing is recommended for longevity.) The blade keeps an edge extremely well, and the shape makes peeling feel natural. It excels at peeling fruit, particularly apples, peaches, and kiwis. It’s also great for coring strawberries, removing eyes from potatoes, and peeling carrots. The curved blade also fits very nicely around large pits, making halving plums and peaches ergonomic.

It isn’t a very versatile knife, though, as it doesn't slice very well, and the curve doesn't work for chopping and mincing.

6. Cangshan TS Series Paring Knife and Wood Sheath Set

If you’re looking for an affordable, good paring knife, then Cangshan is a good manufacturer to look into. The blade is made with Swedish steel, has a full tang, and holds a fine edge. The wooden sheath is much more attractive than a plastic sheath and allows you to safely store the knife in a drawer. It also comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in the knife.

7. Global Paring Knife

For those looking for a shorter paring knife, Global’s is only 3-inch. The short length makes it easier to maneuver, lighter, as well as easier to get near the stem of an apple to peel it. This Japanese company makes well-made, affordable knives with distinctive designs. Their knives are made of all one piece, and the hollow handle is filled with sand to ensure a perfect balance. The knives are made from high carbon steel to ensure a sharp edge and have a shallow bevel for precision cutting. The handle is textured to prevent slipping.

We Can Help You Find the Best Paring Knife for You

As a paring knife is going to be one of your most used knives, finding just the right one can be time-consuming. If you want to cut down on some of the research time, or if you can’t decide between a couple of knives, start a chat with a Kitchen Expert! This free service is perfect for those looking for recommendations, advice, or answers to technical questions. Every one of our experts is enthusiastic about their area of expertise, meaning that they’d be more than happy to help you with whatever you need!