Top Product: Victorinox Paring Knife (3 1/4") | Amazon
A paring knife can be a true game-changer in the kitchen. We’re talking about chopping onions without crying and peeling potatoes without a peeler. It’s the perfect tool for all of those little tasks that require high precision.
But don’t worry if you’re not rolling in dough! You can get a great paring knife while still cutting corners, excuse the pun, financially.
Here are the best paring knives based on insights from experts and everyday average users alike. Let’s get to it.
Best Paring Knife America’s Test Kitchen: Victorinox Paring Knife (3 1/4")
At an affordable price of $8, this Victorinox knife is the originator of the Swiss Army knife. Designed for intricate tasks, this blade is thin as hell, so you’ll be able to slice the skin off of apples easily. The plastic handle is ergonomic and textured with a non-slip grip for optimum safety. You can even switch between having a larger plastic handle or go for a serrated blade instead for heavy-duty chopping. It has even been recommended by America’s Test Kitchen.
Best Wusthof: Wusthof W-4060/10 garden, 4-Inch
Founded in 1814, Wusthof is revered for its knife quality and craftsmanship. At 4-inches in length, this paring knife is fitted with a tempered high carbon steel blade made with Precision Edge Technology to ensure sharpness and 30 percent longer retention. Over 77% of Amazon’s customer reviewers rate it at 5-stars. One says, “I have no more fatigue from cutting, and I didn’t even know that was a thing until I got this... If you are on the fence with the Gourmet line of Wusthof knives, I say go for it!”
Best Paring Knife for the Money: Kyoku Daimyo Paring Knife (3 1/2")
A favorite among our readers, Kyoku’s 3 1/2" Daimyo Japanese paring knife is made from stainless, 67-layered Damascus steel for high performance. With strong edge retention, this blade was cryogenically treated for incredible hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Its durable handle makes it easy to really get a grip on whatever you’ve got your hands on. Sure, it’s $47, but it’ll last for years and even comes with a lifetime warranty. Let the sales numbers speak for themselves.
Best Paring Knife For the Money: Cutluxe Paring Knife – 3.5 Inch
Manufactured with premium German steel, this Cutluxe paring knife has a Rockwell hardness of 56+. The blade was hand sharpened at 14 to 16-degrees per side for the ultimate sharpness. The pakkawood handle has a triple-riveted grip for comfort and maneuverability, which is perfect for kitchen aficionados.
Best High-End Paring Knife: Mac Proessional Paring Knife (3 1/4")
On the high end of the paring knife spectrum, Mac’s paring knife is $60. Composed of alloy steel with a long-ass handle, this thing can chop up whatever the hell you wanna cut. It has weight behind the blade, which adds an extra level of sturdiness to all your kitchen endeavors. Mac kitchenware lasts a lifetime, too. All you need is the right sharpener.
Best Global Paring Knife: Global 3.5” Paring Knife
Global’s 3.5” paring knife has a glowing 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 240 reviews as of this writing. This ergonomically-designed knife has a molded handle with a slip-resistant dimple texture, and reviewers suggest that it’s well worth the expense. Here’s one five-star appraisal:
“I love these knives. I have been buying the whole line little by little because they are not cheap. All worth it. The grip is perfect. Even with wet hands, the little indentations make it stay put. They won’t slip. They are super sharp and keep their edge.”
Best Paring Knife for Peeling Potatoes: Birds Beak Paring Knife
Looking for the best paring knife to prepare your potatoes? The Birds Beak paring knife was crafted with a super sharp blade at a 12-degree angle for the most precise potato peeling experience. With high-level rust and wear-resistance, this knife was built to last you for years to come. And if you’re not satisfied for some reason, this product comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can collect a full refund or replacement.
This story was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher on 09/28/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 01/04/2021.