9 Best Paring Knives for 2025

The best paring knives slice, peel and core cleanly and precisely. If your paring knives are doing more sawing than slicing, it may be time for an upgrade. A dull knife has no place in any chef’s kitchen, including home chefs!

When shopping for the best paring knives, there are a few options to consider: the style of the blade, the style of handle and the size of the knife. The list below contains a variety of blade types, from Japanese to western, as well as different knife sizes and handles types so you can find the best paring knives for you. 

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• Best Japanese Style: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Paring Knife
• Best Japanese-Western Style: Kikuichi Molybdenum Paring Knife
• Best Luxury: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Paring Knife
• Best Katana Blade: Miyabi Koh 3.5" Paring Knife
• Best Budget: Henckels Classic 4" Paring Knife
• Best Artisan: Miyabi Artisan 3.5" Paring Knife
• Best Western Style: Zwilling Pro 4" Paring Knife
• Best Cutting Board Set: True Small Cutting Board With Paring Knife Set
• Best Paring Knife Set: Wüsthof Gourmet 3-Piece Paring Knife Set & Gourmet 5" Tomato Knife

1. BEST JAPANESE STYLE: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Paring Knife

Inspired by the Japanese concept of shibui, the Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Paring Knife captures an elegant balance of simplicity and complexity. Following Kikuichi’s 750-year tradition of quality craftsmanship, this Japanese-made paring knife features a thin, precise stainless steel blade for peeling and slicing and a beautiful octagonal walnut handle. This is one of the best paring knives for lovers of Japanese knife types.

2. BEST JAPANESE-WESTERN STYLE: Kikuichi Molybdenum Paring Knife

The Kikuichi Molybdenum Paring Knife is one of the best paring knives and one of the best Japanese knives for chefs interested in a Japanese-style blade with a western handle. Handcrafted in Japan, this modern knife features Kikuichi’s famed craftsmanship, ensuring its long-lasting quality and place in the kitchen for years to come. 

3. BEST LUXURY: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Paring Knife

For professional and home chefs looking to buy a luxury Japanese knife, one of the best paring knives to invest in is the Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Paring Knife. With a thin and strong Japanese blade and western-style handle made of hardwood, this lightweight knife performs its tasks with elegance and precision. This knife will become your go-to tool for slicing, peeling and coring. 

4. BEST KATANA BLADE: Miyabi Koh 3.5" Paring Knife

Made in Seki, Japan, the stainless steel, katana-edged blade of the Miyabi Koh 3.5" Paring Knife harkens back to the samurai swords forged in Seki long ago. Following hundreds of years of forging tradition, it’s one of the best paring knives for those interested in katana blades. The sleek pakkawood handle accommodates both chopping and rocking cuts, making this a beautiful and versatile tool for any chef.

5. BEST BUDGET: Henckels Classic 4" Paring Knife

The Henckels Classic 4" Paring Knife provides precision, durability and sharpness at a budget-friendly price. The stainless steel blade maintains its sharpness, making this the exact type of kitchen knife you need for peeling, slicing and dicing. The ergonomic handle combats hand fatigue during use, and at less than $40, this is one of the best paring knives for those in search of a quality knife at a budget-friendly price.

6. BEST ARTISAN: Miyabi Artisan 3.5" Paring Knife

If you are looking for an artisan paring knife that is beautiful, precise and durable, the Miyabi Artisan 3.5" Paring Knife is for you. One of the best paring knives for lovers of artisan goods, this knife features a thin, authentic Japanese blade made of micro-carbide powder steel, honed by hand with a hammered finish. The handle, made of sleek Cocobolo pakkawood, is D-shaped to nestle comfortably into your hand. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, this beautiful paring knife will be your kitchen companion for dish after dish.

7. BEST WESTERN STYLE: Zwilling Pro 4" Paring Knife

Simple, classic and high-quality, the Zwilling Pro 4" Paring Knife checks all the boxes for a home or professional chef looking for the best paring knives to get down to business in the kitchen. Made from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, the blade will stay sharp and won’t chip. The triple-rivet handle provides stability, so your cutting, slicing and peeling is done with precision.

8. BEST CUTTING BOARD SET: True Small Cutting Board With Paring Knife Set

The True Small Cutting Board With Paring Knife Set is the best paring knife and cutting board set for preparing garnishes and small fruits. This set includes a stainless steel paring knife and a non-slip plastic cutting board. 

9. BEST PARING KNIFE SET: Wüsthof Gourmet 3-Piece Paring Knife Set & Gourmet 5" Tomato Knife

The Wüsthof Gourmet 3-Piece Paring Knife Set & Gourmet 5" Tomato Knife blends utility with the time-honored quality of all Wüsthof blades. The set includes one peeling knife, one straight paring knife and one clip point paring knife. As an added bonus, the trio comes with a gourmet tomato knife perfect for keeping the delicate fruit whole and undamaged during slicing. 

After reading through this list of paring knives, hopefully, you've found a good option for your own knifework needs. Whether you're looking for a certain shape, handle or style, there's something here for every cook and culinary connoisseur.

For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cutlery in the Cozymeal Shop.