Paring Knives Reviews

Among my assorted bird's beak paring knives, this one has a special place. There's no hiding place for any transfer of salmonella bacteria from poultry to produce, for this knife is made of a single piece of steel, and the solid handle has good weight. (Not all knives in this line have a solid handle.) Furthermore, it stands up to use and abuse, unlike any other knife I've ever had.

I bought mine in a specialty knife store (which has since gone out of business) close to ten years ago. After a nameless family member helped out in the kitchen, it seemed to have disappeared, and I mourned for this little knife. Turns out said family member had accidentally dumped it in the composter, along with a small mountain of vegetable waste. I boiled it and it rejoined the household.

Comfortable to hold, it does a variety of paring tasks well in the kitchen. Slipperiness mentioned in reviews of other knives in this line has not been a problem. Weight and balance are excellent. I like the completeness with which it can be cleaned.

If you have a kitchen or flower garden, you'll find good uses for it outdoors as well. I grow edible ginger, as well as the kind with flowers. For cutting the rhizome from the plant, this can't be beat. I also use it when it's time to thin the heliconias and strip old leaves off lilies.

In perusing reviews about other knives in this line, there appears to be concern about sharpening the Japanese-made steel. I use a Chantry knife sharpener and find it brings this knife back to an acceptable edge.

BOTTOM LINE: If you like the bird's beak style of paring knife, you are likely to find a use for this one. Amazon's price is excellent. I paid about twice the amount and would recommend it even at that price. If you've never tried a bird's beak paring knife, this one is reasonably priced and especially versatile for the reasons mentioned.

If there's one item most of us can't get along without in the kitchen it's a paring knife. It's a simple tool but necessary.

Pluses for this knife are the three inch blade - longer and it may not be manageable and the non-slip handle. Show me the person who can pare vegetables and fruit and keep their hands dry, thus an easy to grip handle that won't slide is a good safety precaution.

Having been a Sabatier fan all my life, I was a little skeptical when I saw some of my chefs using these Japanese knives, but having handled them I decided to try one at home. I love this knife. It is beautifully balanced and takes an edge easily. I use it all the time and will get around to getting some larger ones when I can afford them! Right now, this is my all purpose knife for all veg prep and sundry general slicing and paring. It is no good for chopping, though they make plenty that are. Highly recommended.