Chef Style Paring and Peeling with Paring Knives Set

Posted by Kitchenwaresuperstore on September 4th, 2015

Paring knives are extremely helpful little tools in any kitchen. Their short, 2.5 to 4-inch, sharp-pointed blades help you create and do intricate cutting styles, ranging from hulling strawberries to de-veining shrimps, slicing and mincing onions, and even styling food. Because of the paring knife's versatility, it is without a doubt, an integral part of any culinary collection that you must invest in. The following facts are worth remembering when you are in the market for a nice paring knife set:

•    There are different kinds of paring knives. The most common type you will see in most kitchen stores is the classic straight-edged version, featuring a straight blade with a sharp, pointed tip. However, other types of paring knives exist for different peeling and paring tasks. The bird's beak knife, which features a curved blade is designed for peeling fruit and carving vegetables. It can also be used to create small garnishes. Lacking a straight-edge blade, this knife is only suitable for hand-held cutting. The sheep's foot knife has a perfectly straight blade, which makes it useful for different cutting board tasks, particularly julienning. It has a dull back spine and a semi-rounded tip, which eliminates the danger of puncturing small fruits with a sharp point. A serrated paring knife, on the other hand, is a straight-blade knife that is ideal for all-around tasks like peeling thick-skinned fruits and vegetables.

•    Paring knives differ in design. Because of the complex cuts that you often have to make with a paring knife, it is important to consider whether or not the knife you are getting is easy to maneuver. While blade styles are pretty generic, grips usually differ in style and design, such as texturized and dimpled handles and ergonomic grips, which allow for slip resistance and better handling. Paring knives are also generally lightweight to allow for smoother knife movements.

•    High-quality knives have excellent construction. Good paring knives have a full-tang. This means the blade runs from the knife's tip all the way through the handle. This style of construction makes the knife more durable and safer to use.

•    Paring knife quality also depends highly on its material. Handles can be constructed from all kinds of materials, ranging from plastic to wood, and metal. Blades, on the other hand, are best when they are made out of metal or ceramic. High-carbon stainless steel is a good choice as they resist rusting and won't dull for extended periods. Ceramics, on the other hand, are special because they don't interact with salts and acids like metal knives do.

About The Author:

This article is written by Carla Penn is who is the Managing Director at Kitchenware Superstore. Kitchenware Superstore is an Australian owned and trusted company offering the biggest ranges of cookware and kitchenware from the leading brands such as Scanpan, Riedel, Le Creuset, Global, KitchenAid, Wusthof, Breville, Cuisinart and more at unbeatable prices.