Types of knives: 10 types to know and use

The manufacturing of household utensils has existed in humanity for millennia. Whether bringing convenience to people's daily lives or being objects that reinforce a group's power, understanding the purpose of each knife is essential today, especially for cutlery professionals.

Surely you, a professional cutler, know that there are different types of knives. Some are for cutting food, others for boning pieces, and there are also types for preparing meat for that delicious Sunday barbecue.

But do you know how to identify the types of knives and what each one is for? If your answer is no, we at Cutelaria CIMO have prepared a complete guide with the main models, after all, when used for the correct purposes, they greatly facilitate the life of the cook who is busy in the kitchen. That said, what is each knife for? Let's see!

What are the types of knives?

As important as learning what each knife is for is knowing the main types of knives that exist. To help your search, we have selected the 10 most used knife models. See:

1. Chef's knife;
2. Kitchen knife;
3. Sashimi knife;
4. Oyster knife;
5. Santoku knife;
6. Cheese knife;
7. Bread knife;
8. Cleaver;
9. Boning knife;
10. Paring knife.

There are many models, aren't there? Each one has a specific use, offering greater safety and practicality for those who are cooking. Next, come with us to understand what these main types of knives are for.

1. Chef's knife

As the knife's name suggests, the chef's model is a fundamental cutlery item for every cook. Featuring a design with a slightly curved tip, as well as a length ranging from 14 to 31 centimeters, the chef's knife glides through food. This type is perfect for crushing garlic and cutting all types of food and seasonings.

2. Kitchen knife

Beginner cutlery users may confuse kitchen knives with the chef's model. But believe me, there are differences between them. The kitchen knife has a smaller blade and is used for peeling vegetables and fruits, cutting small foods, and even for preparing seasonings, such as mincing garlic and herbs.

3. Sashimi knife

The sashimi knife is known for its elongated blade. On one side, it has a beveled cut, and on the other, it has a thin edge used for slicing fish and assisting in preparing a variety of seafood.

4. Oyster knife

Despite being called an oyster knife, this cutlery item has a short blade – as well as being very resistant, in addition to helping to open shells, it is also used to open nuts and other foods with shells.

5. Santoku knife

The Santoku knife model deserves a special mention when we talk about what each knife is for. Curious to know what a Santoku knife is? This classic of Asian cuisine features a wide and short blade, as well as assisting in thin and precise cuts.

6. Cheese knife

Although called a cheese knife, these household utensils have many versions. After all, each type of cheese requires a different blade, varying in thickness, weight, or length. Start your cutlery collection now!

7. Bread knife

The bread knife is a type of knife used for precise cutting of bread. With it, you can remove the crusts without altering the shape or composition of the crumb. A professional feat, isn't it?

8. Cleaver

The cleaver is a large-bladed knife used for cutting rigid foods, as well as assisting in boning different pieces of meat. If you want to acquire products that excel in resistance, this is a great option.

9. Boning knife

The boning knife model, as its name suggests, is used to remove bones, fat, and sinews from meat – just like the cleaver, which we mentioned earlier. For this, boning knives have long, resistant, and very sharp blades.

10. Paring knife

And to conclude our list, paring knives have curved and resistant blades. These cutlery items are used for peeling round foods, perfect solutions for finishing in different cuisines.

What is each knife for?

Each type of knife has a unique design, characteristics that define the history, origin, and functionality of each cutlery item. Check out the parts of the knives below, as well as their functions:

• Tip: allows for perforations in different foods;
• Belly of the blade: the part of the knife closest to the tip;
• Spine: the unsharpened part of the knife, aids in safe handling;
• Knife handle: there are different materials for knife handles, the most traditional are wood and stainless steel.
• Knife edge: a characteristic of the knife that provides precise cuts and sharpening.

Regarding the function of each knife and its blades, the main ones are defined as:

• Smooth blade: used for precise cuts;
• Serrated blade: used for cutting crusts or tough surfaces;
• Wavy blade: welcome for cutting soft meats.

So, did you enjoy learning more about what each knife is for? Stay up to date with the news here on the Cimo blog; we weekly prepare complete content related to the Cutlery Universe. Take the opportunity to learn about the best knife sharpeners and ensure a prolonged lifespan for your companions.