A paring knife is the small knife you reach for to peel, trim and cut anything held in your hand. It is the one knife that does not need to be heavy, so the choices come down to blade length, blade shape and how the handle feels in a small grip.
The six knives below span stamped, forged and Japanese styles. Details come from the product listings, and we have not used these knives ourselves. Check blade length, steel and handle details on the product page.
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Blade Length in Inches and Millimeters
Paring knife sizes vary by about an inch. Millimeter values below are our own conversion from the listed inches (one inch is 25.4 millimeters).
| Knife | Listed blade | In millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Victorinox Swiss Classic | 3.25 in | About 83 mm |
| Wusthof Classic | 3.5 in | About 89 mm |
| Shun Classic | 3.5 in | About 89 mm |
| Mercer Culinary Genesis | 3.5 in | About 89 mm |
| Global | 3.5 in | About 89 mm |
| ZWILLING Pro | 4 in | About 102 mm |
Our Six Picks
| Knife | Style | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Victorinox Swiss Classic 3.25 in | Stamped, straight edge, spear point | Black ergonomic non-slip handle |
| Wusthof Classic 3.5 in | Forged German | Black handle |
| ZWILLING Pro 4 in | Forged German | Longer blade |
| Shun Classic 3.5 in | Japanese-style | VG-MAX core, Damascus cladding, Pakkawood handle |
| Mercer Culinary Genesis 3.5 in | Forged-style budget pick | Model M20003, black handle |
| Global 3.5 in | Japanese-made, all steel | Seamless steel handle |
The 6 Best Paring Knives
1. Victorinox Swiss Classic 3.25 Inch
A stamped paring knife with a straight edge and a spear point, with a black ergonomic non-slip handle. The listing calls it an indispensable vegetable knife.
Suits: beginners and anyone who wants a simple, light knife. Strengths: a short blade and a non-slip grip. Weaknesses: a stamped blade is lighter than a forged one. Skip it if you want a heavier feel.
View Victorinox Swiss Classic 3.25 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
2. Wusthof Classic 3.5 Inch
A forged German paring knife from the Classic line. It is the small version of a well-known chef’s knife family.
Suits: cooks who want a durable forged paring knife. Strengths: a sturdy build. Weaknesses: heavier than stamped knives. Skip it if you want a light knife.
View Wusthof Classic 3.5 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
3. ZWILLING Pro 4 Inch
A forged German paring knife with a 4-inch blade, the longest in this group.
Suits: cooks with bigger hands who want more blade for trimming. Strengths: extra length for slicing fruit. Weaknesses: less control for tight peeling. Skip it if you want a short blade.
View ZWILLING Pro 4 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
4. Shun Classic 3.5 Inch
A handcrafted Japanese vegetable and fruit knife with a VG-MAX core, Damascus stainless cladding and a Pakkawood handle, per the listing.
Suits: cooks who want a refined, well-finished small knife. Strengths: a sharp, fine blade. Weaknesses: a harder edge calls for gentler use. Skip it if you use paring knives for rough tasks.
View Shun Classic 3.5 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
5. Mercer Culinary Genesis 3.5 Inch
A 3.5-inch paring knife in Mercer’s Genesis line, model M20003, with a black handle.
Suits: cooks who want an inexpensive knife that still performs. Strengths: a familiar profile at a modest cost. Weaknesses: check steel details on the product page. Skip it if you want a premium finish.
View Mercer Culinary Genesis 3.5 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
6. Global 3.5 Inch
A Japanese-made all-steel paring knife from a brand known for its seamless design.
Suits: people who like a light, modern knife. Strengths: a one-piece steel build. Weaknesses: the handle feel is a matter of taste. Skip it if you prefer a traditional grip.
View Global 3.5 Inch Paring Knife on Amazon
What a Paring Knife Is For
- Peeling and trimming fruit and vegetables.
- Hulling strawberries and deveining shrimp.
- Small, precise cuts in your hand.
It is not for chopping on a board, which is the job of a chef’s knife.
How to Choose
- Small hands or tight peeling: 3 to 3.5 inches.
- Bigger hands or slicing fruit: 4 inches.
- Straight edge or serrated: straight for most tasks; serrated for tomatoes and soft skins.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a paring knife for tasks that need a bigger blade.
- Tossing it in a drawer where the edge can chip.
- Putting it in the dishwasher.
- Letting it get dull; a dull small knife is more dangerous.
Paring Knife FAQ
Do I need a paring knife if I own a chef’s knife?
Most cooks still want one, for tasks that are awkward with a large blade.
Is a bird’s beak or a spear point better?
A spear point suits general use. A bird’s beak is for peeling and turning small fruit.
How often should I sharpen it?
It depends on use. Hone it regularly and sharpen when honing no longer helps.
The Short Version
For a simple, light knife, the Victorinox Swiss Classic. For a durable forged knife, the Wusthof Classic or ZWILLING Pro. For a refined Japanese-style knife, the Shun Classic or the Global.
