Techniques
Equipment
Guide
Beginner
1 min

Use a paring knife for small, manageable cutting tasks

Keep a paring knife for small jobs like shallots, small fruits/vegetables, or when you want a more manageable blade than a chef’s knife.

The video frames the paring knife as the second most important knife after a chef’s knife. It’s useful when a smaller blade is easier to control for small ingredients or quick trimming.

The short version

  • Paring knives shine for small ingredients and detail work
  • You can get by with chef + paring knife for many kitchens

What you need

  • paring knife
    optional
    Recommended as a second knife

What goes wrong

Using a large chef knife for tiny tasks that feel awkward

Switch to a paring knife for small, precise cuts

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