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by Debbie Lee
When it comes to tackling small-scale kitchen tasks, a utility knife is the go-to tool of choice. The best kitchen utility knives have sharp blades and feel comfortable in your hand.
Blade material should be your first consideration. Most kitchen utility knives are constructed from stainless steel, which combines chromium with steel for a durable blade that resists corrosion. Stainless steel is less prone to chipping and also retains its edge longer than other materials — perfect for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to invest in a strict knife maintenance routine. Unadulterated carbon steel utility knives have a stronger and harder blade; however, they require regular sharpening and run the risk of rusting if they aren’t treated with food-grade mineral oil. Many knives are advertised as “high-carbon stainless steel,” which marries the best characteristics of both materials. There are also utility knives made with ceramic, which are a great option for cooks who want a lightweight blade that maintains its razor-sharp edge.
The blade’s shape is also important. Straight edges are the most common, all-purpose choice, but serrated edges are helpful for sawing through delicate items like ripe fruit and bread while preserving their shape.
As for length, kitchen utility knife blades are typically between 4 and 9 inches. The best knife comes down to whichever size blade is easiest for your particular hand to maneuver.
Also, be sure to choose a handle that works best for you. The most common materials used for utility knife handles are plastic and thermoplastic elastomers, which are easy to clean and resist warping. Note that brands use a range of names for their handle materials — such as Fibrox or polyoxymethylene — but these are all different ways of saying they’re durable synthetics. For those who prefer a natural material, there are utility knives with handles made from a range of exotic woods. These are eye-catching, but keep in mind that they require regular oiling or waxing to maintain their shape and functionality.
Most importantly, kitchen utility knives should feel good in your hand while you slice and dice. Many knife aficionados put a premium on balance and weight distribution between the blade and handle. This often requires a full-tang design, in which the blade tapers and extends all the way to the end of the handle. Half-tang blades limit leverage and force while cutting, but the trade-off is that they’re lighter, more affordable, and still perfectly serviceable for simple tasks. Comfort ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may want an ergonomic handle for an easy grip, or prefer a lightweight blade to reduce hand fatigue. Others may favor the feel of thicker, heavier handles and blades.
If you’re ready to add a new workhorse to your knife block or kitchen drawer, scroll down to find the best kitchen utility knives on Amazon right now.
1
A Classic Utility Knife From An Iconic Brand
- Blade length: 6 inches
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Handle material: polymer
Think of this Wüsthof 6-inch utility knife as a dependable counterpart to your favorite chef’s knife. Forged in Germany from stainless steel, the blade is designed to handle a range of smaller everyday tasks, from slicing fruit to mincing herbs. The full-tang construction provides balance, and the curved black polymer handle is easy to clean and grip. One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer described using it as akin to “slicing butter with a hot knife,” which is probably why it boasts an overall 4.8-star rating.
Helpful review: “This knife is everything you would expect in a quality stainless steel knife. Well balanced with a comfortable grip it holds an edge well and slices meats and vegetables easily. I expect that we will be using this knife for many years to come.”
2
A Budget-Friendly Utility Knife With Over 3,000 Five-Star Ratings
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
- Blade material: high-carbon stainless steel
- Handle material: plastic
With more than 3,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this budget kitchen utility knife packs a big punch in a small package. The 4.5-inch, half-tang blade is made with rust-resistant, high-carbon stainless steel, and the soft grip plastic handle makes kitchen prep a comfortable task. Best of all, it includes a protective sheath with a built-in sharpener, so your knife blade will always maintain its edge with minimal effort.
Helpful review: “I love to cook, and the blades I've been using have been lacking, even the more expensive ones. I was so happy that this knife had a sheath with an edge keeper. I used it for the first time today. It was fabulous! Not only did it cut vegetables beautifully, but it also sliced chicken breasts as if I were slicing through softened butter. I am in LOVE and just ordered another one!”
3
A Compact Utility Knife With A Ceramic Blade
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
- Blade material: ceramic
- Handle material: plastic
For an alternative to a standard stainless steel knife, this Kyocera ceramic utility knife is a popular option with over 1,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. The 4.5-inch, opaque white blade is made with ceramic, which is 50% harder than steel, and the ergonomic plastic handles are available in nine fun colors. This knife is also rust-proof and lightweight compared to its steel counterparts. Note that ceramic utility knives shouldn't be used on frozen or hard foods. However, if you use this one correctly, you may echo the reviewer who wrote, “I have many achievements in my life. Buying this knife is in my top 5.”
Helpful review: “Bought this mostly to try a ceramic knife. As they have rounded tips, I wasn't really interested in the paring knife so I went for the utility type knife. I was surprised at how sharp it was and how well it performed. I have used it mainly thus far to cut small vegetables and fruit and it works great. [...] It works well for my use and I would purchase one again.”
- Available colors: 9
4
A Premium Utility Knife From A Celebrity Chef-Loved Brand
- Blade length: 5 inches
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Handle material: stainless steel
Smaller than a chef’s knife but larger than a paring knife, this 5-inch utility knife by Global is a reliable and razor-sharp tool that slices neatly through produce, small cuts of meat, cheese, and more. An endorsement of the brand by the late Anthony Bourdain doesn’t hurt its reputation, either. The blade is made with a special ice-tempered and hardened stainless steel alloy known as Cromova 18, and the brand claims that its rust and stain-resistant edge stays sharper longer than the competition. The stainless steel handle has signature dimples for a nonslip grip, while hollow construction provides good balance. As one Amazon reviewer put it, the shape and weight “makes it part of your hand.”
Helpful review: “If I could buy only one knife this would be it. If you've never used a global product prepare to be impressed. This knife has held up to constant use and all manner of cutting boards. It stays sharp for a long time but I'd still buy a Mino-sharp sharpener so you can enjoy that ridiculously experience for years to come. Cuts ripe tomatoes and other thin skinned things like a light-saber!”
5
A Set of Serrated Utility Knives With Colorful Handles
- Blade length: 4 inches
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Handle material: Fibrox
This budget-friendly set of utility knives adds some cheer while you’re performing everyday kitchen chores. The half-tang knives are made with serrated stainless steel blades that have a mirrored polish finish, while the patented Fibrox handles are ergonomically designed and slip-resistant. They come in four bright colors, but don’t let their playful appearance deceive you — as one Amazon reviewer wrote, “the weight is perfectly balanced and the cutting power is amazing.”
Helpful review: “These are the best utility knives I have ever had; believe me I have paid 3x more for just one knife and these are better! As the reviews stated, they are very sharp and lightweight. But the weight is perfectly balanced and the cutting power is amazing. They slice cleanly without damaging the vegetable or fruit so you also get a wonderful appearance for salads, etc. (think tomatoes and hard boiled eggs). This is one of the best buys yet!”
6
A Razor-Sharp Utility Knife With An Elegant Rosewood Handle
- Blade length: 5 inches
- Blade material: steel
- Handle material: rosewood
For those who take pleasure in the routine of knife maintenance, this handsome 5-inch utility knife would make a great addition to your kitchen arsenal. Its steel blade slices through soft ingredients like produce and meat with ease, and the dimpled texture releases food from the blade between cuts. And if aesthetics are a deciding factor in your knife purchase, the octagonal handle crafted from African rosewood is a bonus.
Keep in mind that this half-tang knife should be dried thoroughly between every use and shouldn't be used on hard ingredients or cutting surfaces. It’s won over many shoppers on Amazon, with one rating it a "20/10" and another declaring that it is "By far the best quality and sharpest knife I’ve ever owned."
Helpful review: “What to say first? It came razor sharp. I hate saying that because you see every cheap garbage knife labeled "razor sharp". This came face shaving sharp. I tested that because I'm your stereotypical knife guy. [...] If you are getting this as a kitchen knife (like it's made for) it will do what you need it to. It cuts chicken, beef, veggies, etc like a lightsaber.”
7
A High-End Serrated Utility Knife That You’ll Use Forever
- Blade length: 5 inches
- Blade material: high-carbon stainless steel
- Handle material: polyoxymethylene
This serrated kitchen utility knife has all the hallmarks of a classic Wüsthof knife, only with the added benefit of a saw-tooth blade. It's made with high-carbon stainless steel using Precision Edge Technology — a special process that makes the blade 20% sharper than previous models. The German-made, full-tang knife also has a curved, ergonomic handle made from durable and fade-resistant polyoxymethylene. While it dices and minces just as well as a straight blade, the scalloped edges make this the preferred choice for cutting cleanly through delicate items like bread and soft fruit.
Helpful review: “A nice step up due to the ergonomic design and curved handle. Wustof is carbon steal and great balance. Oh- and sharper than anything!”
8
A Budget-Friendly Utility Knife With A Serrated Blade
- Blade length: 5 inches
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Handle material: plastic
The Henckels serrated utility knife is a wallet-friendly but high-performing option, with a 5-inch blade that’s made from ice-hardened, high-carbon stainless steel and a professional satin finish. The full-tang construction provides balance, while the durable polypropylene handle is curved for a comfortable grip. You can use this all-purpose knife to cut any soft ingredient, but with its razor-sharp teeth, it can slice through baguettes, bagels, rolls, and more without you having to break out a much larger bread knife.
Helpful review: “When your holding the knife it just screams ‘I can cut that’. Big dense bagels no problem, tomatoes, rolls, Kilbasa, [Sausages.] Easy! [...] You have to try this well balanced well made solid knife.”
FAQs
What is a utility knife used for in the kitchen? ›
Utility Knife
The blade is longer than a paring knife and narrower than a chef's knife. A utility knife is generally six inches long and works well for slicing fruit, tender pieces of meat, or sandwiches. As the “knife of all trades,” it's a handy go-to for the everyday chef.
The paring knife has a short blade, typically between 2 ½ and 4 inches long, and an edge that looks like a smaller, plainer version of a chef's knife. Its simple, straightforward and sharp blade is ideal for intricate work such as peeling fruit or vegetables, deveining shrimp, or creating delicate garnishes.
What is a utility knife called? ›A utility knife — also called a box cutter, a razor blade knife, a carpet knife, or a stationery knife — is a common tool used in various trades and crafts for a variety of purposes.
What is a utility knife also called? ›Also referred to as the “tomato knife” or the “sandwich knife”, the utility knife is often one of two serrated knives included in a set.
Are utility knives useful? ›Because of its sharp blade, compact size and ease of operation, a utility knife is a great tool to have on hand whenever something needs to be cut. In drywalling operations, it is the most common tool to use when cutting drywall to length or width.
What are the 3 most important kitchen knives? ›There are only three knives that are crucial in a kitchen: a chef's knife, a paring knife and a serrated knife.
What is the safest type of utility knife to use? ›The safest type of utility knife is undoubtedly the Smart-Retracting Utility Knife. The Smart Retract design retracts the blade into its handle – as soon as it loses contact with the cutting material, even if you still have your finger on the forward slider button.
What is a small kitchen knife called? ›Paring Knives
The paring knife is a small, short-bladed knife, used for intricate cutting, peeling, mincing and dicing. The blades are simple, sharp and precise. Length Range: From 3.5-4 inches, although some come in 2.5 inch ranges. Ideal for: Peeling and cutting small fruit and vegetables.
A pocketknife is a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle. They are also known as jackknives (jack-knife), folding knives, or may be referred to as a penknife, though a penknife may also be a specific kind of pocketknife. A typical blade length is 5 to 15 centimetres (2 to 6 in).
What is the smallest knife cut called? ›Brunoise. The brunoise knife cut (pronounced BROON-wahz) measures 1/8 inch × 1/8 inch × 1/8 inch, which makes it the smallest of the dice cuts. Brunoise is usually used for garnishes.
What is the most popular type of knife? ›
- Chef's Knife. Buy: Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife on Amazon. ...
- Santoku Knife. Buy: DALSTRONG 7-Inch Gladiator Series Santoku Knife on Amazon. ...
- Carving Knife/Slicing Knife. ...
- Bread Knife. ...
- Utility Knife. ...
- Boning Knife. ...
- Paring Knife. ...
- Meat Cleaver/ Butcher Knife.
- Chef's Knife. A chef's knife is also referred to as a cook's knife and is distinctive with its blade which measures between 6 and 14 inches long. ...
- Paring Knife. ...
- Utility Knife. ...
- Bread Knife. ...
- Carving Knife. ...
- Cleaver. ...
- Steak Knife. ...
- Kitchen Shears.
The main difference between chef knife and utility knife is that chef knife has a larger blade and is used for cutting medium-to-large-sized ingredients while utility knife has a smaller blade and is used for cutting small-sized ingredients. Chef knife and utility knife are two versatile knives we use in the kitchen.
What can a utility knife cut? ›- Cutting mid-sized fruits and vegetables. Reach for your utility knife to cut and peel mid-sized produce, like large potatoes and apples, small winter squash, and cucumbers. ...
- Slicing cheese. ...
- Cutting small citrus. ...
- Cutting meat. ...
- Slicing sandwiches.
Section 16470[2] of the California Penal Code states that: “a non-locking folding knife” or “a pocket knife” can be used as a stabbing weapon “only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.” This means that you may carry a folding pocket knife or utility knife if it closed or if the blade cannot be ...
Are utility knives legal? ›Pocketknives, Swiss Army knives, box cutters, and utility knives are all considered folding knives. Under California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and can be concealed if they are in the folded position.
How do you not use a utility knife? ›- Instead of drawing the Utility Knife away from your body drawing it toward your body. ...
- Keep working with a dull blade. ...
- Trying to perform heavy cutting works that exceed the capacity of the utility knife. ...
- Storing utility knife blade in extended mode.
They can cut through wood cleaner and are much safer than power tools. Utility knives, pliers or even scissors will cut through most thin wood easily.
What are the benefits of a knife? ›A sharp knife is safe.
Sharp blades are predictable, so they don't slip when they hit the surface of the food. It is easy to control how the blade will forgive through food. It also controls chopping and slicing by which food can be cut into any shape.
Essential kitchen knives, including paring, bread and cook's knives. Meat knives, including butcher, boning and carving knives. Fish knives, including salmon, fillet and santoku knives. Vegetable knives, including tomato, peeling and nakiri knives.
Why is it called a utility knife? ›
A utility knife is any type of knife used for general manual work purposes. Such knives were originally fixed-blade knives with durable cutting edges suitable for rough work such as cutting cordage, cutting/scraping hides, butchering animals, cleaning fish scales, reshaping timber, and other tasks.
What is a normal kitchen knife called? ›1. Chef's Knife. Also called a cook's knife, this is the most important blade in your kitchen. The chef's knife typically has a broad blade tapering upward to a point, allowing it to rock back and forth for fast mincing.
What is a utility blade? ›Utility Blades are trapezoidal shaped blades with two or three "notches" along the top. The unique shape of these blades allows them to fit into standard utility knives and allow for easy swapping out when the blade becomes dull. Utility blades are a convenient and economical razor blade for everyday use.
What is a hobby knife called? ›An X-Acto knife may be called an Exacto knife, utility knife, precision knife, or hobby knife. It is a blade mounted on a pen-like aluminum body, used for crafting and hobbies, such as modelmaking.
What is a short sharp knife called? ›A push dagger (alternately known as: punch dagger, punch knife, or push knife) is a short-bladed dagger with a "T" handle designed to be grasped and held in closed-fist hand, so that the blade protrudes from the front of the fist, either between the index and middle fingers, or between the two central fingers, when the ...
What is another name for pocket knife? ›Another name for a jackknife is a pocketknife.
What is one of the smallest knives used in the kitchen? ›Paring Knife
Generally the smallest of all the types of kitchen knives, a paring knife is a workhorse when it comes to your peeling, garnishing and detail-work needs.
What is a laceration? A laceration is cut, tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. These cuts may be small, and need only minor treatment at home.
What are 4 common knife cuts? ›- Baton. Thick cut chips or steak fries are cut in chunky batons about 8mm in thickness. ...
- Batonnet. Some common foods cut in this style are French fries and crudites or vegetable sticks for dipping. ...
- Julienne. ...
- Brunoise. ...
- Paysanne. ...
- Chiffonade.
An 8-inch chef's knife is the most common size, and in culinary circles it's widely viewed as hitting the sweet spot: long enough to cut through large foods like a roast but not so long that it's unwieldy or difficult to hold.
What is the most used all purpose knife? ›
A chef's knife is one of the most versatile tools. Any professional chef will tell you this is a must-have. It should feel like an extension of your arm. It's a go-to for chopping and dicing vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
What is the number 1 knife brand? ›| Rank | Brand Name | % Able to Recall |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | CRKT | 62.9% |
| 3 | Kershaw | 94.9% |
| 2 | Benchmade | 94.3% |
| 1 | Spyderco | 98.3% |
- Best Pocket Knife Overall: Benchmade 535 Bugout.
- Best Budget Pocket Knife: Kershaw Leek.
- Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: The James Brand The Redstone.
- Best Pocket Knife For Camping: Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight.
- Best Pocket Knife For Hunting: Buck Knives 110.
- Best Pocket Knife For Fishing: Victorinox Fisherman.
Paring knives (also called peeling knives) are very versatile, and a mainstay of the professional kitchen as a result. Many cooks use them to peel or cut fruit and vegetables into small pieces, or to carry out other similar precision work.
What is a 10 blade used for? ›The #10 blade is a commonly used blade for surgical applications. It is used for making large incisions through skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is similar to the #20 blade, which is somewhat larger.
What are the 3 most important knives in a kitchen? ›There are only three knives that are crucial in a kitchen: a chef's knife, a paring knife and a serrated knife.
Is a utility knife the same as a chef's knife? ›While a chef's knife almost exclusively arrives with a sharp, smooth-edged blade, the utility knife also comes serrated, which makes it ideal for slicing a roll in half or breaking down pieces of bread from the average-sized loaf.
Can a utility knife cut skin? ›Steel blades are extremely sharp and can easily cut skin. Ceramic blades are less sharp but just as effective, if not more, and can keep you and your employees safe. All of our ceramic utility knives are Slice brand.
Can a utility knife cut metal? ›Using a utility knife to cut sheet metal is an easier and quicker way. This process involves whipping out this knife and scoring the facade of light-gauge metal stock. When done correctly, this can provide cleanly cut that stock off without requiring to resort to a saw or snips.
Are utility knives considered weapons? ›Section 16470[2] of the California Penal Code states that: “a non-locking folding knife” or “a pocket knife” can be used as a stabbing weapon “only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.” This means that you may carry a folding pocket knife or utility knife if it closed or if the blade cannot be ...
What is a 5 in utility knife used for? ›
The blade is generally 5 to 6 inches, which is shorter than the average bread knife, but the serrated utility knife is still a great choice for small loaves. The sharp teeth slice through baguettes and bagels—as well as tender fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peaches and summer squash—without crushing them.
When using a utility knife you should not? ›- When using a utility knife:
- Establish a balanced body position.
- Look at the cut line. ...
- Place your non-cutting hand on the opposite side of the box, away from the cutting line.
- Do not draw the knife toward yourself.
- Do not put too much pressure on the blade.
- Do not cut more than the knife can handle.