← Knives

Choosing Your Knives

What knives are actually useful at home, what each one is designed to do, and why most kitchens do not need a huge collection.

A chef's knife, bread knife and paring knife on a wooden board

You don't need a drawer full of expensive knives. A few good knives that feel comfortable and secure in your hand will do most jobs in a home kitchen.

Chef's knife

A good everyday knife for chopping, vegetables, herbs and general preparation.

Boning knife

My first choice for meat preparation. The smaller blade gives you control when trimming meat and working around bones and joints.

Slicing knife

Useful for portioning meat and cutting clean slices from cooked meats and roasts.

Bread knife

The serrated blade is useful for bread and foods with a firm outside and softer centre.

Expensive doesn't automatically mean better. Choose knives that are comfortable, practical and suitable for the work you actually do.

Michelle's Tip

If I could only choose one knife specifically for meat preparation, I'd start with a good 6-inch boning knife.