Any cook worth their salt will tell you that the key to excellent dishes is to have quality knives. They're arguably the most helpful tool and one that we use every time we cook. You can use a knife as a fork, but you can't use a fork as a knife after all.
Although it's nice to have a choice between knives, it can also be overwhelming. We like to keep it simple, especially for at-home cooking. So, here are the only three knives you need to have on hand (if you get others, that's on you).
1. Petty Knife
If you've ever used a real paring knife in your kitchen, you might agree that it's a game-changer. It's almost as if you don't realize how much you struggle to chop fruits and vegetables until you aren't anymore.
A petty knife is usually between 2.5 to 4 inches long. It has a sharp, short blade that's perfect for fruits and vegetables. They excel at jobs that require precision or are in hard-to-reach places. Peeling, slicing, mincing, segmenting, you name it, and the petty knife can do it.
2. Chef's Knife
The second kind of knife you'll need is a chef's knife. The blade is usually between 8 to 10 inches long and about 1.5 inches thick. While its original purpose was to slice beef cuts, it has since become a more general-utility tool.
If you have the budget, this is the knife you want to splurge on. You will use this knife the most, so it's worth it to pay more for a nice one that will last longer. You'll see a lot of variety in chef's knives as well. As with everything, what works for one cook may not work for another.
The best approach is to find a sharp, balanced knife that feels natural in your hand. Also, consider the kinds of food you want to make if you're looking for inspiration for the perfect chef's knife.
3. Serrated Knife
Last but certainly not least is the serrated knife. You may also hear some refer to this knife as a bread knife. These knives vary in length but are generally at least seven inches long. Their sharp blades are serrated, which means they look like a saw.
Its design is efficient. It'll easily cut through food that has a thick or resistant outer surface. Most often, these foods are bread, hence the alternative name. This knife is the best choice for cutting tomatoes and other fruits or vegetables that might be tricky to peel with a petty knife.
Final Thoughts
An essential tool to have in your kitchen is a knife. There are many knives you can buy, but only three that you need to buy. If you purchase a paring knife, chef's knife, and a serrated knife, you'll be ready to do any job in the kitchen.
Don't let us hold you back if you're interested in having more than these three knives. The more, the merrier. If you're not ready to buy several knives, you can rest easy knowing these three knives will do.
