With a blade typically between 2.5 and 3.5 inches long and a handle roughly the same length, a paring knife allows you a degree of delicacy, finesse, and precision.

Paring knives are perfect for handling delicate ingredients that need a light touch or for techniques requiring precision like peeling delicate skins from fruits like kiwi.

Their size makes them the go-to tool for removing cores, segmenting small citruses like kumquats, and hulling the tops of fruits such as strawberries.

Paring knives are also great for mincing small quantities of herbs, garlic, or shallots and decorative work like cutting out heart-shaped cucumbers or tomato roses.

However, ensure that your paring knife is sharp, as a dull blade risks hacking away too much good flesh, leading to food waste and kitchen frustration.