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The Best Single Knife

Last updated on March 13, 2024

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If you have a knife set in your kitchen, you may not realize the many different purposes your knives serve. That knife set can be useful, likely holding all the cutlery you’ll need if you’re a casual chef. However, there’s a reason those who are seriously pursuing the culinary arts curate a set of knives that includes exactly the blades they’ll need.

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The first knife you should buy for your kitchen is a chef’s knife, which is also known as a French knife. This versatile cutting tool features a curved, ridged blade that allows you to set the tip against the cutting board, then pivot to quickly mince items with the rest of the blade. The spine of the blade is used for scraping your ingredients from the board once they’re chopped, while the flat side is ideal for cutting garlic.

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You’ll also need a paring knife for peeling and coring fruits and vegetables and a serrated knife for cutting through items like bread and tomatoes. A utility knife is another all-purpose knife that you’ll find yourself reaching for on a regular basis. It’s also handy to have a knife sharpener on hand, which you can purchase and have available for whenever your knives need a little extra life breathed back into them.

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You don’t have to invest in a knife set to get storage for your knife set. Sure, you can keep them in a drawer, but that can be dangerous unless you have a shield for the blade. Instead, some prefer a magnetic knife bar, which mounts to the wall and holds your knives in place when you aren’t using them. If you prefer the knife block format, you can buy those that easily hold the knives in your collection, and you can even buy some that fit into your drawer.

Our Picks For The Top Single Knives

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Utility Knife, 5-Inch

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Mercer

Culinary Genesis Forged Utility Knife, 5-Inch

This knife comes with a bolster and tang that runs through the handle and is then fastened with a rivet, providing extra durability, as well as giving better balance while you're using it. The extra-sharp blade provides superior slicing even for the toughest items. You'll need to hand wash these knives to keep them in peak condition longer.

Overall Take

Premium FeaturesThe high-end features on this knife put it on par with some of the best knives on the market.

 We Also Like

ZYLISS Utility Paring Kitchen Knife, 5.5-Inch

ZYLISS

Utility Paring Kitchen Knife, 5.5-Inch

The thick, round, nonslip handle on this knife makes it easy to stay safe while you're prepping food. The high-carbon stainless steel blade is designed to stay sharp after many uses, but you can also easily sharpen it if it ever loses its edge. It comes with a shield to cover the blade for safe storage between uses.

Overall Take

Non-Slip, Comfortable HandleThe handle on this knife is not only ergonomically designed, but it also has a nonslip surface to keep you safe while you're cutting items.

 Strong Contender

TUO Cutlery Fiery Series German Steel Utility Knife, 5-Inch

TUO

Cutlery Fiery Series Utility Knife, 5-Inch

The handle on this knife is not only visually appealing, but it's comfortable, as well, featuring a gentle curve that keeps your hand comfortable. The blade is corrosion and stain resistant for easy maintenance. It features premium German high-carbon steel, with an edge that is angled at 12 to 15 degrees per side for precision cuts.

Overall Take

Pakkawood Full Tang HandleWhat sets this knife apart is its pakkawood handle, which has an eye-catching wood appearance.

 Honorable Mention

Home Hero Kitchen Utility Knife, 5-Inch

Home Hero

Kitchen Utility Knife, 5-Inch

The dark color of this knife sets it apart from others in its range. The five-inch blade has a nonstick surface for ease of use and the 1.2mm blade is built to slice easily. The polypropylene handle is coated in protective TPR for comfort and safety whether you're cutting meat or slicing through the toughest vegetables.

Overall Take

Finger GuardThis knife includes a finger guard that prevents dangerous slipping while you're using it.

What to Look For

  • The most important feature on a knife is, of course, its blade. Stainless steel is the preferred material since it resists rust and stains after many uses. But some manufacturers use high-carbon stainless steel for a little extra durability.
  • The piece connecting the blade to the handle is called a tang. If a knife is labeled “full tang,” that means the tang runs the length of the handle rather than stopping where the handle begins. A full tang knife will often provide more durability, as you won’t have to worry about the handle and blade breaking apart.
  • If you’re concerned about durability, look at how the handle fastens to the blade and make sure it has the strength to last even when pressure is placed on the blade through repeated chopping sessions.
  • Although you can sharpen a blade, some blades maintain their sharpness better than others. Even more are manufactured in a way that maximizes sharpness to ensure you get the most out of every cut.
  • In most cases, you’ll need to hand wash your knives. As convenient as it can be to toss it in the dishwasher, you’ll find that the blade and, in some cases, the handle can become damaged due to the excessive moisture and heat.
  • The build of the handle plays into how easily you’ll be able to control the knife while you’re using it. Look for one that either has a finger guard or a nonslip handle. An ergonomic handle can keep your hand comfortable while you chop.
  • The weight of the knife comes into play when it comes to both comfort and safety. You’ll want a knife that’s lightweight, but if it’s too lightweight, it may not pack the punch you need when you’re cutting through tougher items.

More to Explore

As long as humans have been around, we’ve had a need to cut into things. In prehistoric times, knives were made of flint, but eventually, daggers were being made from metal. The first single-edged knife came along about 4,000 years ago and was used for hunting, cooking and carpentry. Knives didn’t make their way to the dinner table until about 500 years ago. Prior to that time, people carried their own knives around on a belt-attached sheath. Early knives were so sharp, though, that King Louis XIV of France said they were dangerous, ordering that the points be ground down a little more. That led to the knife design we see today.

More to explore