As far as kitchen knives are concerned, the paring knife is an essential option and one of the most used. This is because the paring knife has various uses in the kitchen, and it is often difficult to prepare a meal without ultimately making use of this knife.
The paring knife is uniquely crafted to enable precise and excellent cuts, which is why it is often favored over other types of Kitchen knives. However, a paring knife can only function well if it is well crafted and has the right qualities.
While paring knives are generally small, they can come in different sizes ranging from 2½ - 5 inches. The blade of this knife is quite powerful, and they come in different shapes, which further complicates your choice of which paring knife to buy. This article highlights shopping tips and what to look out for in a paring knife before buying.
Parts Of A Paring Knife
A paring knife consists of two main parts, the handle, and the blade. The handle is often made of wooden or plastic materials or other composite materials that are user-friendly. On the other hand, the blade is made of either high carbon steel, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. The blade is often wider towards the handle and curves up to a pointed tip like a chef's knife. The sharp side of the blade is called the edge, while the opposite blunt end is the spine.
How To Use A Paring Knife
Like other standard kitchen knives, the technique required in using a paring knife is pretty straightforward, depending on the assignment you use it for. And since it almost feels like an extension of the arm, it becomes much easier to maneuver your way through tasks. Here's an outline of how to use a paring knife for peeling fruits and vegetables.
- Pick up your paring knife by the handle
- Wrap your hand around you in a way that four of your fingers point towards you while your thumb is pressed down against the top side of the handle.
- Hold up your fruit or vegetable in your other hand and use the knife to slowly cut off the skin around it..
Tips For Buying In A Paring knife
When shopping for paring knives, there are certain qualities to look for to ensure that you are buying a good paring knife. They include;
- Since paring knives are small, they depend on their sharpness to deliver premium cuts in the kitchen. Hence, make sure the knife you are buying is well sharpened.
- The knife's handle provides comfort and control while using. Therefore, hold the knife in your hand and make sure it is comfortable enough for you before buying.
- Go for paring knives with steel blades rather than ceramic blades, as a steel blade will last longer than a ceramic blade.
Bottom Line
A paring knife has all it takes to be a top knife in the kitchen, and its unique properties make it almost irreplaceable. However, buying a good paring knife is key to enjoying all the benefits that it has to offer.
