The Different Types Of Knives Every Home Chef Should Know

Dalstrong Chef's Knife 12" Shogun Series

Shogun Series 12" Chefs Knife

If you grew up not really knowing your way around the kitchen, or making only the most basic of meals, you might have internalized the notion that all you really need is a chef’s knife. And yeah, this is actually true to some extent, however, there are several types of knives you can utilize to make your kitchen tasks more efficient. Read on to learn more about the different types of knives and their uses to make your meal prep a breeze.

Chef knife with black handle next to sliced oranges on white marble counter

Frost Fire Series Dark Ice 8" Chefs Knife

1. Do You Really Need More Than One Knife?

If you can only have a single knife in the kitchen, the multi-purpose chef’s knife is the way to go. However, like growing up, sometimes you need to set yourself up for success and realize that life isn’t about doing the bare minimum. Though you could get by with only a solid chef’s knife, there’s a good argument to be made to build your kitchen arsenal in order to be prepared for more specific, more specialized tasks. You need specialty knives just like you need specialized tools such as kitchen shears.

You may not need to buy every single knife available for every single kitchen task, but there’s something to be said about having the right tools for the job. Optimizing your time as a cook and making things easier on yourself will also have a positive effect on the end result. For this reason, it’s a good idea to build yourself a kitchen arsenal.

But buying high quality knives takes a lot of money, and you may not want to spend your entire life’s savings on a bunch of knives. No matter. Here’s a list of the kitchen knives you could buy, so you can take stock of what you actually need and what you can do without.

And remember: you don’t need to buy everything at once. Building your knife collection is a process that can take years. Don’t rush it!

2. Must-Have Knives For Your Kitchen

These are the must-have knives that a home cook should have at hand.

Chef’s knife

We start things off with the venerable chef’s knife, your go-to for all manner of kitchen tasks. The chef’s knife (sometimes also known as chef knife) is a great all-rounder, one of the most versatile knives you can have in the kitchen. It works great for everyday dicing and mincing tasks, as well as chopping meat.

Because of its curved blade, the chef’s knife can be used in a back-and-forth rocking motion which makes it perfect for chopping and dicing lots of vegetables at once.

Santoku knife

The santoku knife is relative to the chef’s knife and can be used in similar ways. They were originally called santoku bocho knives, meaning “three uses”. Santoku knives feature long blades with a drop point for more intricate cutting work, as well as divots along the blade to reduce stuck. They’re great for precise cutting, dicing, and mincing.

This Japanese knife features sharp, straight edges and drop-point tips, which makes them great for cutting fish. But because it also features a large, broad blade, it can be used in many of the same ways that a chef’s knife can.

Learn more about the difference between a santoku knife and a chef's knife here.

Paring knife

Paring knives are short, slim, evenly sized blades with a pointed tip. There are several types of paring knives – spear point, bird’s beak, sheep’s foot, and serrated – but what they have in common is that they’re all designed for small, precise cuts.

That’s really what paring knives come in handy for: cutting, chopping, and slicing fruit and vegetables. They’re also good for use on meat or potatoes. The emphasis is on maneuverability and maintaining the ability to make tiny, precise incisions on the food.

Carving knife

Carving knives are long, slim knives, sometimes tapering to a sharp point. They are also known as slicing knife or even sometimes “brisket knife,” because they are very commonly used to slice BBQ briskets down to small portions.

Slicing knives are great for serving meats like poultry, pork, beef, or lamb; they will produce thin, neat, evenly sized slices. They can also be used to cut larger fruits and vegetables, such as melons.

In addition to these knives, consider getting a knife sharpener, a honing rod, and kitchen shears.

3. Nice-to-Have Knives For Your Kitchen

Okay, so those are the knives that you absolutely should have if you want to do more than the bare minimum. What if you want to expand your collection to have even more specialty knives? What are some nice-to-haves that you should consider?

Boning knife

The boning knife features a slim blade with a sharp edge, usually tapering upwards to a pointed tip. They tend to be short, hovering around the six-inch range, and also tend to be sort of rigid.

As the name would imply, boning knives are used for cutting meat bones and trimming cartilage. They are mostly for raw meat prep, getting your meat ready prior to cooking. Since they feature a pointed tip and a slim blade, they’re great for cutting around the bone without tearing the surrounding flesh.

Boning knives can also be used to cut through cartilage, and since they’re designed to be small and light, they should be comfortable and easy to use.

Learn the difference between a boning knife and fillet knife here .

Bread knife

Can you guess what the bread knife is used for? I’ll give you a hint: it’s in the name!
Bread knives are long, evenly sized knives with sharp, serrated, saw-like blades. They’re specifically designed to saw through all sorts of different breads, such as baguettes, bagels, rolls, and sourdough. The serrations are good for “biting” into the crust and then cutting downward without tearing or ruining the bread.

Cleaver knife

The good old cleaver knife. This iconic knife features a flat, rectangular-shaped blade. They’re some of the broadest and heaviest knives available, and their heft comes in handy when chopping up raw meat to divide into smaller portions prior to cooking. Because of their heft, they can also be used to cut through bone.

Most of the time, the cleaver knife is used on raw meat rather than on cooked food, due to the bulky size and shape. But this broad design also makes it handy for crushing garlic cloves or ginger against a cutting board.

Find the best cleaver today.

Steak knife

Unlike most of the other knives in this article, steak knives aren’t really used for cooking. They’re referred to as dinner knives or table knives. Steak knives are designed specifically for use with cooked meat at the table. They’re sharp, lightweight, and versatile, and a must-have for any steak aficionado.

Find the best steak knife set for your kitchen here.

Nakiri knife

Nakiris are also commonly known as Japanese vegetable knives. They look like smaller, slimmer versions of a cleaver, with a broad rectangular shape.

Nakiris excel at chopping vegetables. They can be used to chop right through to the cutting board without needing to rock the blade back and forth; instead, it can be brought down in a single chopping motion. They’re fantastic for prepping larger vegetables that are difficult to cut, as well as for shredding larger vegetables such as lettuce or cabbages.

Find the best nakiri knife here.

Utility knife

A utility knife is similar to a chef’s knife, but smaller. When it comes to size, design, and usage, they are sort of the midpoint between a chef’s knife and a paring knife.

Utility knives can be used for just about anything, but they excel at chopping smaller foods and vegetables. They come in especially handy when working with smaller food items that the chef’s knife is a little too big to use on (or, at least, to do so elegantly).

Fillet knife

A filleting knife (also sometimes known as a filet knife or fillet knife, depending on whether you favor the British or American spelling) is a long, slim knife with a flexible blade. It has a finely pointed tip to allow it to pierce through skin and do bone-removal work on a piece of fish. It’s sort of similar to a boning knife in that way, but thinner and less rigid.

Because of its flexibility, the fillet knife is perfect for removing bones without damaging the meat of the fish. As opposed to other knives in this list, the filet knife is used to cut food horizontally rather than vertically, allowing chefs to cut through the backbone for perfectly filleting fish.

There are additional types of knives such as tomato knife, cheese knife, butterfly knife, oyster knives, etc. But let’s not get deep into the weeds or ultra-specialized knives. Of course, there’s an entire world beyond just kitchen knives (we haven’t talked about the folding knife, pocket knife, etc – but that escapes the scope of this list.

4. Knife Recommendations

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of knives you need in your kitchen, it’s time to actually go out into the world to find them. And if that sounds like a daunting ordeal, we’ve assembled a list of the very best knife recommendations for every single type of knife described above. Check out our pros and cons for each one and get the ones that

Best chef’s knives for your kitchen

1. Chef's Knife 10" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

We start our list off with one of the most dependable kitchen workhorses you can find in the market, the 10 inch chef’s knife from Dalstrong’s Gladiator series. Timeless looks, cutting-edge performance, and tremendously enjoyable to handle thanks to its ergonomic design and high-quality craftsmanship.

PROS:

Designed for maximum comfort and maneuverability, with a perfectly engineered weight and balance feel.
Made of precision forged, ultra-sharp high carbon German ThyssenKrupp steel, at 56+ Rockwell hardness.
Its long blade length makes it suited for large cuts of meat that you’d otherwise need a slicer for.
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified.

CONS:

This is a 10” chef knife, which ensures that no task is too large, but also might be a little bigger than most home cooks will need from a chef’s knife.
It’s also a bit on the heavy side, which adds to its balanced feel but might take a bit of getting used to (especially if you’re accustomed to cheaper knives).

2. Chef's Knife 8" Dark Ice Edition | Frost Fire Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

If you’re the kind of person who is drawn to beautiful objects, just one look at this absolute stunner of a knife should be enough to make you interested. And then looking closer, past its stylish looks, you realize this 8” chef’s knife from Dalstrong’s Frost Fire series is also a fantastic performing knife made of premium, long-lasting materials.

PROS:

Gorgeous and comfortable ergonomic “Black Ice” resin handle enclosed in an aluminum mesh for a tension-free grip.
Razor-sharp edge, hand-sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side for the perfect balance between sharpness and durability.
Engineered with a seven-layer high-carbon 10CR15MOV steel, with added cobalt.
Beautifully hand-polished blade with a satin finish.

CONS:

The honeycomb design on the handle is stunning but may be a bit much for some, especially if it stands out from the rest of your kitchen tools and decor.
This is an 8” chef’s knife, which is a “sweet spot” in terms of size, but if you’re looking for something larger try the previous knife in this list.

Best santoku knives for your kitchen

1. Santoku 7" Phantom Series | Dalstrong ©

As we’ve established, the santoku is an even more versatile relative to the chef’s knife. It combines elements of the chef’s knives with those of a cleaver, resulting in an extremely useful kitchen tool. And this 7” santoku from the Phantom series is an astounding example of this type of knife, featuring rock hollow divots to minimize stuck on food and reduce friction.

PROS:

Painstakingly hand-sharpened using the traditional honbazuke method, bringing the knife edge to an extremely sharp 13-15 degrees.
Made of premium Japanese AUS-8 steel at 58 Rockwell.
The metal features high levels of chromium for additional stain resistance.
Its curved blade allows for it to easily glide along the bone.

CONS:

This 7” santoku knife features a slightly thicker blade than usual for knives of this kind.
Handle is made of premium quality laminated pakkawood from Spain, instead of the G10 garolite of some of the other models in this list.

2. Santoku Knife 7" Delta Wolf Series | Dalstrong ©

It’s one thing to have a knife that works great, but having one that on top of being a top kitchen performer also looks like a beautiful collectible? That’s what you get with this gorgeous 7” santoku knife from the Delta Wolf series, a knife modeled after elite military operations featuring a camouflage handle and midnight-black titanium nitride coating.

PROS:

Somehow manages to look both menacing and elegant at the same time, combining the aesthetic of elite military equipment and premium cooking tools.
7 inches of precision forged, ultra-sharp, high-carbon 9CR18MOV steel at an incredible 60 Rockwell Hardness.
Features black, non-reflective titanium nitride coating for extra corrosion resistance and non-stick properties.
Durable and ergonomic G10 camouflage blade.

CONS:

Like the previous knife, the blade is a little heavier than usual for a santoku, but this adds to its well-balanced feel.
The military themed design might be a little flashy for folks who prefer a more subdued, understated look for their kitchen tools.

Best paring knives for your kitchen

1. Bird's Beak Paring Knife 2.75" Shadow Black Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

Speaking of absolute lookers. This 2.75” bird’s beak paring knife probably looks like nothing else in your kitchen right now. This excellent piece of culinary engineering looks as sharp as it is, with a geometric design inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter and a black titanium nitride coating. A powerful kitchen tool that looks the part.

PROS:

The titanium nitride coating toughens the blade and adds corrosion resistance.
Made of wear-resistant, single-piece high carbon 7CR17MOV-X vacuum treated steel.
Its tall blade knife helps assist with food preparation by providing knuckle clearance.
Military grade G10 handle, nearly impervious to heat, cold, and moisture.

CONS:

Not everyone is a fan of the Shadow Black series design. There’s no accounting for taste!
Being a bird’s beak paring knife, this is a small kitchen tool intended for the smallest, most precise cuts; if you’re looking for something a little bit bigger, try this next knife…

2. Paring Knife 3.5" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

An absolute classic, timeless knife. This 3.5” paring knife from the Gladiator series is designed for comfort and maneuverability. Not only does it work great, it feels like a natural extension of your hands as you put it to use on a number of coring, mincing, peeling, and slicing tasks.

PROS:

The blade features a beautiful hand polished satin finish.
The blade is made of high carbon German ThyssenKrupp steel.
Full tang, allowing for great robustness and quality.
Premium quality G10 garolite handles; they look great and feel great.

CONS:

This paring knife from the Gladiator series is designed for timeless beauty. If you’d like something a bit more “flashy” looking, try some of the other knives featured here.
This paring knife is a little larger than some folks might be looking for, especially if you’re looking to make really small cuts on fruits and vegetables. If that’s the case, maybe look into getting a “bird’s beak” paring knife, such as the previous one in this list.

Best carving knives for your kitchen

1. Slicing & Carving Knife 10" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

Everyone needs a good carving knife, especially with the BBQ season coming up; nothing like using a slicing & carving knife on a large cut of brisket to seamlessly and easily slice it out into portions. This 10” slicer from the Gladiator series has everything you need from a slicing & carving knife; not just for meats, but also prepping large fruits and vegetables, bread loaves, or even layer cakes.

PROS:

Precision forged knife, made of wear resistant, single piece and high carbon German ThyssenKrupp steel.
Each side of the edge is painstakingly hand sharpened to 16-18 degrees, which is the perfect balance between sharpness and resilience.
Very low maintenance knife; easy to clean and look after.
Premium ABS polymer handle.

CONS:

At 10”, this is a very good size for a slicing and carving knife. However, if you’re going to be slicing into even larger pieces of meat, maybe check out the 14” extra-long slicer listed below.
This knife features an ABS polymer handle; if you’re more of a fan of Spanish pakkawood or G10, try out other knives in this list.

2. Extra-Long Slicing & Carving Knife 14" Shogun Series | Dalstrong ©

This extra-large slicer checks all the boxes when it comes to your slicing needs. Are you carving roasts? BBQ? Shawarma? Salmon? Or even prepping large fruits and vegetables? This 14 incher will make quick work of everything you throw at it.

PROS:

As part of the Shogun series, it features a magnificent hand-polished blade pattern, the Dalstrong “Tsunami Rose,” which makes this an absolutely gorgeous knife.
The blade is precision forged from a single piece of ultra premium high carbon AUS-10V Japanese steel, with 67 alternating layers of SUS410 Damascus cladding.
Hand-finished in the honbazuke 3-step method, resulting in an incredible polished edge.
The handle is constructed of military-grade G10 garolite, an inert and non-porous material.

CONS:

14” is pretty big for a slicer, making this perfect for tackling the largest cuts of meat. Home cooks should ask themselves if they really need a knife that big before purchasing.
This premium-quality knife is also towards the upper end of the price range represented in this list.

Best boning knives for your kitchen

1. Boning Knife 6" Valhalla Series | Dalstrong ©

Some knives are more than just kitchen tools; they’re statement pieces. They say something about who you are. About your personal aesthetic and your overall vibe. This ferocious piece of kitchen machinery, modelled after the weapons of Viking warriors of old, is the perfect tool to glide easily through fat, sinew, and muscle.

PROS:

Just look at it! One of the more unique and awesome-looking knives you’re likely to come across.
The knife features 5 layer stainless steel at 60+ Rockwell hardness.
The edge is painstakingly hand-sharpened to 8-12 degrees per side; screamingly sharp!
Very well built and structurally sturdy, as well as extremely pleasing to hold.

CONS:

This is a fantastic boning knife, but if you’re looking for something that’ll be more of an all-purpose tool, check out the utility of chef’s knives listed here.
The knife’s overall design – in particular the pattern on the handle – is towards the showier side of things.

2. Curved Boning & Fillet Knife 6" Omega Series | Dalstrong ©

Here’s another example of an absolutely gorgeous curved boning knife, probably the very last one you’ll ever need. This narrow blade knife will help you with your deboning, fileting, skinning, and trimming. And as part of the Omega series, it features an awesome “LiquidMetal” blade pattern that looks fantastic.

PROS:

Features ultra-premium American forged BD1N-VX hyper steel.
The added nitrogen increases its hardness, flexibility, and overall toughness.
The “LiquidMetal” pattern not only looks amazing, it also minimizes drag and stuck on your food while also maximizing your slicing efficiency.
Military-grade G10 handle.

CONS:

Because of the unique shape of this curved boning and filet knife, you should exercise a bit of extra caution when handling it.
This knife definitely carries some heft, which might take a little getting used to at first.

Best bread knives for your kitchen

1. Bread Knife 10.25" Shogun Series | Dalstrong ©

Over the last couple of years, folks have rediscovered their passion for home baking. So you know that when it comes to a bread knife, you want to look for one that helps you slice through the crustiest of crusts without damaging the structural integrity of that loaf of bread you’ve so dutifully looked after. This 10.25” bread knife from the Shogun series is exactly what you’re looking for.

PROS:

67 layers of high-carbon stainless steel cladding, with an ultra-premium Japanese AUS-10V “super steel” cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness.
An astoundingly gorgeous looking blade, featuring the hand-polished “Tsunami Rose” blade pattern as well as the Dalstrong lionhead logo engraved into the blade.
The blade’s spine is hand polished to a smooth finish.
Ergonomic G10 Garolite handle, highly impervious to heat, cold, and moisture.

CONS:

At 10.25”, this is pretty big for a bread knife; some home cooks might be looking for something a bit smaller.
This absolute stunner of a kitchen knife is at the upper end of the price range in this list. You get what you pay for: a luxury product that will last for a lifetime.

2. Bread Knife 8" Frost Fire Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

The Frost Fire series is a collection of razor-sharp but lightweight knives that feature and icy cold look and incredible performance; this 8” bread knife is a fantastic tool from the series that won’t only have you effortlessly slicing up loaves of bread, but will also elicit comments from anyone around you.

PROS:

Made of 7-layer high-carbon high-chromium 10CR15MOV steel with added cobalt and heat treatment.
Precision based sandblast finish, enhancing the “frosted” look and non-stick properties.
Amazing edge retention at 60-61 Rockwell.
Premium quality white resin handle with a lovely honeycomb finish.

CONS:

Some folks may not be a fan of the honeycomb look.
This is a lightweight knife, not particularly hefty if that’s what you’re looking for.

Best cleaver knives for your kitchen

1. Cleaver Knife 7" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

The shape and the heft of the mighty cleaver, a knife that can aid in both breaking down larger cuts of meat and poultry as well as chopping vegetables and fruit. This 7” medium-duty cleaver from the Gladiator series is a perfect example of how form and function can come together to create an astounding piece of kitchen gadgetry.

PROS:

The blade is made of precision forged high carbon German ThyssenKrupp Steel, at 56+ Rockwell Hardness.
It’s precisely tempered for extra durability, and features added chromium for enhanced stain resistance.
Its handle is made of military grade G10; comfortable and durable.
Extremely easy to clean.

CONS:

This cleaver features a longer handle than most.
Design-wise, this knife is kind of muted and subdued; if you’d like something a little more dynamic, try this next knife in our list.

2. Cleaver Knife 7" Phantom Series | Dalstrong ©

Here’s another cleaver knife, this time from Dalstrong’s Phantom series. Its elegant and razor sharp, a statement in refinement and power. This 7” cleaver is perfect for serious chefs, pitmasters, home cooks, and knife enthusiasts.

PROS:

Painstakingly honed by expert craftsmen to 13-15 degrees per side.
Precision forged from a single piece of ice-tempered, high-carbon Japanese AUS-8 steel.
Features a gorgeous black Spanish pakkawood handle.
Beautifully engraved blade with a hand polished spine and ergonomic bolster shape.

CONS:

If you’re more of a fan of a timeless, understated sort of look to your knives, check out the previous example from the Gladiator series.
Unlike the previous cleaver knife, this one features a Spanish pakkawood handle.

Best steak knives for your kitchen

1. 4-Piece Steak Knife Set 5.5" Omega Series | Dalstrong ©

Steak knives occupy a special place in our culture, and pulling out a premium set of deluxe steak knives to share a meal with your nearest and dearest is a gesture that says “I care about you.” This is exactly what this stunning four-piece set of 5.5” steak knives from the Dalstrong Omega series is: total luxury in both style and performance.

PROS:

Made of ultra-premium American forged BD1N-VX hyper steel with added nitrogen.
Painstakingly finished to 8-12 degrees per side by expert bladesmiths using the traditional honbazuke method.
Its gorgeous handles are made of G10 woven fiberglass, nearly impervious to cold, heat, and moisture.
Stunning “LiquidMetal” pattern on the blade for looks and increased efficiency.

CONS:

These steak knives are definitely on the thick side, which a lot of people prefer but might take a bit of getting used to at first.
This set of premium steak knives is definitely an investment, but more than worth it in the end.

2. 8-Piece Steak Knife Set Red ABS Handles with Storage Block | Gladiator Series | Knives NSF Certified | Dalstrong ©

Here’s another set of steak knives, this time featuring red ABS handles and coming with their own wood block for storage. Stylish and functional, these awesome knives from the Gladiator series will dazzle your dinner guests with their quality and beauty.

PROS:

Features premium quality food-grade ABS polymer handles.
Mirror polished, with a finger protective bolster for perfect balance and heft.
The blade is made of high carbon German ThyssenKrupp steel.
Hand sharpened to 14-16 degrees per side.
Eight premium steak knives and an oak convertible storage block and stand, an incredible value for the price and a great gift for the steak lover in your life.

CONS:

This set comes with an elegant oak storage block, which some folks might not be looking for.
This is an 8-piece set! If you’re looking for fewer steak knives, maybe consider the 4-piece set we shared above.

Best vegetable knives for your kitchen

Here we have another beautiful knife from the lightweight and stylish Frost Fire series. This time, a nakiri, perfectly designed to work with vegetables.

PROS:

Premium quality white resin handle with an aluminum mesh and lovely honeycomb finish; one of the prettiest knives you will ever own.
Made of 7-layer high-carbon, high-chromium 10CR15MOV steel with added cobalt.
Sharpened under the ancient 3-step honbazuke method.
With its tapered bolster, you’ll have a perfect “zero-balance” feel, easy and light to handle.

CONS:

The honeycomb, sandblasted, icy-cold look may not be everyone’s cup of tea (especially if you’re a stickler about your knives matching your kitchen decor).
The knives in the Frost Fire series are lightweight by design, so try a different one if you’re looking for something with a bit more heft.

The Dalstrong Crusader series is a set of all-steel knives that feature minimalistic, unobtrusive design and top-of-the-line performance; this 7” nakiri is exactly the kind of knife for that design approach, being easy to handle and apply to all manner of produce-related tasks. A truly stunning knife for serious home cooks.

PROS:

A “less-is-more” approach to its design makes it perfect for any decor.
All stainless steel blade, made of German made ThyssenKrupp x50CRMOV15.
Since it transitions seamlessly into the high-chromium stainless steel handle, there’s nowhere for debris to go; hygienic and easy to clean.
Precisely tempered and stain resistant.

CONS:

Some folks are not enamored with the less-is-more design approach, but that’s up to the individual.
Due to its unique “hollow” handle design, it’s an overall lighter knife (although the blade itself is just as powerful as you’d expect).

Best utility knives for your kitchen

The little knife with a serrated edge that does a lot. Utility knives can be applied to a huge number of tasks and this is a “specialty” type of utility knife that is designed for deli use but can be applied to all sorts of kitchen uses. From slicing tomatoes to slicing through crusty artisan bread to applying your favorite spread, this is an awesome knife for the sandwich and hamburger connoisseur in your family.

PROS:

Crafted from a single piece of high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel with a serrated blade.
Ultra-sharp, full-tang utility knife allows you to slice both delicate and firm foods with ease.
Features the Gladiator series triple-riveted black G10 garolite handle.
Carefully designed for comfort and maneuverability.

CONS:

By its nature, this knife is sort of the “in-between” of a chef’s knife and a paring knife.
This is a utility knife that has been optimized for use in sandwich-making; if you’d like a wider array of uses, try the next knife in our list instead.

Here’s another stunning example of the Crusader series and its elegantly unobtrusive, less-is-more approach to knife design. This gorgeous 5.5 inch serrated edge utility knife is a great go-to for any kitchen task you might need.

PROS:

Made of razor sharp German ThyssenKrupp stainless steel at 58+ Rockwell for exceptional performance.
The knife design transitions seamlessly from the blade to the handle, leaving no room for debris to hide.
Stain resistant and tempered for resilience.
Beautiful, clean knife design that goes well with any decor.

CONS:

The hollow handle shape is not everyone’s cup of tea.
The serrated edge might make sharpening a little tricky, but it can be done! Here’s a handy guide on how to sharpen a serrated knife.

Best filet knives for your kitchen

This amazing curved fillet knife from the Gladiator series is the perfect knife designed to fillet, debone, de-scale, trim, and butterfly all manner of fish and poultry. If you’re a person who cooks fish frequently, you absolutely need this knife; it will make your life so much easier (and greatly improve the end result!).

PROS:

Features a curved blade that ends in a pointed tip, allowing you to easily work around cartilage, bone, and joints.
Features a gorgeous and ergonomic black G10 handle (laminated for extra strength).
Blade is forged from a single piece of high carbon German steel.
Full tang for robustness and quality.

CONS:

This powerful knife is perhaps not as flexible as some home cooks would prefer.
This is a filleting knife, so it has a very specific use case; if you’re looking for something a little more versatile, check out some other knives in this list.

We wrap things up with another example from the Shadow Black series, one of my personal favorite knife series due to their futuristic design and incredible performance. This 6” fillet knife is a no-brainer if you’re a person who routinely handles fish and poultry. Not only will it help you debone, trim, and descale, it’ll also look awesome doing it.

PROS:

Features a unique geometry inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter.
Midnight-black titanium nitride coating for style, sophistication, and functionality.
Made of high-carbon steel at 58+ Rockwell.
Fiber-resin military grade G10 handle with an ergonomic design so it snugs into your palm.

CONS:

The Shadow Black series features a black titanium nitride coating, which might make you a bit hesitant to use it with a knife sharpener. However, don’t fret; it’s completely safe.
The blade is a bit more rigid than some folks are used to from a fillet knife.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 basic types of knives?

The four basic knife types are chef’s knives, paring knives, serrated knives, and utility knives. There are, of course, many variations and more specialty knife types, but these are the basics you’re likely to find in most home kitchens (in addition to kitchen shears, but those don’t count as knives).

What knives are best for vegetables?

When making small, precise cuts on vegetables, you definitely want to go with a paring knife. And when it comes to chopping, slicing, and dicing greens, a Nakiri knife is the way to go.

What knives are best for cutting meat?

When it comes to cutting meat, you can go with a chef’s knife, a breaking knife, or a slicing and carving knife (also known as a “brisket knife”). If you’re handling raw meat, a butcher knife and a boning knife will help you out tremendously.

What is the most important kitchen knife to have?

Ideally, you’d have a large roster of kitchen knives to choose from, deploying the perfect one for each specific kitchen task. But if you had to pick only one kitchen knife, the best way to go would be a versatile all-rounder like an 8” chef’s knife.

What is the best all around knife?

There is no real answer to this question, because there are hundreds of different applications that require different knives. However, when it comes to one single must-have knife that can serve for a multitude of kitchen tasks, the chef’s knife takes the cake.

What are the most useful kitchen tools to have?

In addition to a strong set of knives, consider getting a cutting board, kitchen shears, and a good knife sharpener.

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Written by Jorge Farah

Born on the coast of Colombia and based in Buenos Aires, Jorge is a cooking enthusiast and kitchenware obsessive with a tremendous amount of opinions.