Paring Knives - Which Size Is Best?

[dancedivine]

Hey, guys! I want to buy one of the high-quality paring knives, but I can't decide whether to buy the 3" vs. the 3 1/2".... What is the difference between these two knives?

Thanks!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I have both. I rarely use paring knives though (I prefer the utility or 5" santuko). But if I have to choose one of the paring knives I would use the 3 1/2 inch. The smallest one is just too small for most everything I do.

 

[DebbieJ]

I have both. The job dictates which knife to use, so it's hard to recommend one to you. The Petite one is really small, though, so maybe go with the regular one--it's more of a "one size fits all" for everyone to try at your shows.

 

[Grandmarita]

One warning: They are very, very sharp. I like the smaller 3" because I have a small hand. I will have to change the way I cut off the tips and tops of carrots after pealing them. I was holding the carrot in my left hand, and was cutting toward my thumb. From now on, I will lay the carrot on the cutting board and cut into the board. I have been in the habit of using our little green knife, and never had the blade do any harm. What a difference with the forged cutlery sharpness!!! It just scored the first layer
and fortunately did not pierce the skin - enough for me to have a very healthy respect for that knife, in the future.

 

[stefani2]

The 3 1/2 inch is my recommendation.

 

[janezapchef]

I recommend the 3 1/2 also, but if you have small hands, as mentioned above, the 3" might suit you better. Is there someone around you (consultant) that would have both? I think it's really a "your call" kind of thing with how they feel in your hand.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Funny how we have preferences - I prefer the 3-inch. The 3 1/2 inch to me is just a short version of the 5-inch and it's too big for me to use as a paring knife. I have smaller hands and the 3-inch is perfect.

 

[wadesgirl]

Funny how we have preferences - I prefer the 3-inch. The 3 1/2 inch to me is just a short version of the 5-inch and it's too big for me to use as a paring knife. I have smaller hands and the 3-inch is perfect.

I agree with this, I prefer the smaller size because it's easier to handle.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I agree with this, I prefer the smaller size because it's easier to handle.

Me too!

For me, the 3 1/2 inch is the largest paring knife I've ever had. I never use it as a paring knife.

 

[dancedivine]

Yeah, I think I'm leaning towards the 3"....

 

[Michelle817]

I have the 3 1/2 and wish I had the 3 instead. The bigger one is a little too big for me to use easily as a paring knife.