The balance! The beauty!
You can make yourself feel like a Michelin star chef just by using the right knife for your culinary masterpiece. On top of feeling like a top chef, you’re also more likely to have all your fingers left at the end!
SERRATED
8-11 inches
Perfect for slicing through ingredients with tough exteriors but squishable interiors like bread and tomatoes.
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_201523046.png)
PAIRING
3.5-4 inches
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1442020724.png)
CHEF'S KNIFE
8-14 inches
If you only have room for one knife, this is it. There isn’t much the chef’s knife can’t slice, cut, chop, mince or dice.
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1281029980.png)
TOMATO KNIFE
6-12 inches
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_223969078.png)
SANTOKU
6 inches
Smaller and lighter than a chef’s knife but just as useful. Translating as “three virtues,” the Santoku is ideal for slicing, dicing and mincing. It also has a scalloped edge to help prevent ingredients from sticking.
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_2020562444.png)
SHEARS
6-12 inches
While not a knife, shears will make prep work easier. Use them to cut, snip and trim a range of ingredients and items.
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1938787099.png)
SLICING
8-14 inches
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_2024247107.png)
CARVING
8-12 inches
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_255081496.png)
BONING
5-6 inches
The thin, curved blade of the boning knife makes it easier to separate meat from bone with precision.
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1892985628.png)
CLEAVER
6-12 inches
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1460693669-1.png)
ANATOMY OF A KNIFE
![](https://www.essentiallivingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_1281029980.png)