The Cooks' Den » Paring Knives http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Furi Rachael Ray Young Cooks Safety Paring Knife Set w/ Glove http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/ http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 20:42:36 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4775 Furi Rachael Ray Young Cooks SafetyI've been cooking for a very long time now and I still have close calls with knives. Putting one of my razor edged santoku into the hands of a kid with great ambitions would be a nerve wracking event for me--there are all sorts of things that could go wrong. Might be a better idea to wait until they're thirty-two years old.

Kids don't have that much patience, though, and cooking is a skill you need to learn young, before anyone else's preconceptions of who should do it or whether it's fun gets in the way of those first unbiased thoughts. Chef Rachel Ray provides the cautious parent with a way to introduce children to the kitchen safely, with this set of two specially designed prep knives and a safe cutting glove.

The four inch blades of the paring and serrated utility knives have rounded tips which should not interfere with practical function and do enhance the protection of the mesh cutting glove. The rubberized knife handles are shaped for young hands, with generous finger notches that encourage a proper and safe grip. Blade guards are provided to protect the knife edges when not in use.

The quality of the blades is high, equal to the other professional quality chef's knives produced by Furi Cutlery of Australia. The bright orange (Chef Ray's favorite color) should appeal to young people and encourage participation.

The glove is large and will probably be awkward for people with small hands and easily frustrated young ambitions. If you want your kids to use one, use one yourself and set a good example.

And the Furi line even has a matching, functional set for the parents, too.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/feed/ 0 Calphalon Contemporary Fruit & Vegetable Knife Set | Stainless Steel 2 Piece Full Tang http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-contemporary-fruit-vegetable-knife-set-stainless-steel-2-piece-full-tang/ http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-contemporary-fruit-vegetable-knife-set-stainless-steel-2-piece-full-tang/#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 20:38:47 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4772 Calphalon Contemporary Fruit &This set of two small prep knives from Calphalon of Germany offers both a 6" utility knife and a 3.5" paring knife in full tang forged stainless steel patterns. The comfortable shaped and durable polymer handles add a modern look.

With heavy blades and bolsters, these knives won't have the slicing efficiency of lighter Japanese knives, but for the work intended the extra strength can be a bonus. Forged knives do resist twisting and bending forces better than stamped steel, and the wider bevels and tough alloy used here will not chip if used for heavy work. For the lighter jobs make sure you keep the blades razor sharp.

Sharpening is usually only a matter of a few strokes on a sharpening steel if you keep the knives in good condition, touching up up the blades regularly. Cleaning these blades should be done by hand, and don't forget to dry them off, too--modern stainless steel will blemish if not properly cleaned and stored. The lifetime guarantee covers defects in workmanship but not improper care.

The paring knife is always one of the most useful knives in the kitchen, good for removing blemishes in fruit and vegetable, peeling difficult roots, and for small jobs that require fine control. The utility knife is a size many choose for sandwich prep, and makes a good boning knife as well.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-contemporary-fruit-vegetable-knife-set-stainless-steel-2-piece-full-tang/feed/ 1 Henckels Twin Pro-S Classic Paring Knife | Stainless Steel 4 Inch Full Tang http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:53:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4638 Henckels Twin Pro-S Classic ParingBuilt with the same high standards as the larger knives in Henckels TWIN Classic series, this 4" Paring Knife could be one of the most used knives in your kitchen. For the mundane chores of cutting blemishes from fruit and vegetables and peeling onions, many people choose the worst knives in the bargain bin. For those common tasks a good knife like this one makes good sense, and with it the unpopular chores go faster.

The short but strong blade combines with a forged bolster and full tang riveted slab handle to give comfortable service and accurate control. When you work on the tiny details, a small knife is often the most efficient. Use it for light point work or when you need twisting strength. Unlike cheap stamped knives, this knife won't fail.

Guaranteed for life, the sturdy and proven construction of the Classic series lives up to the warranty. The steel is chosen for edge retention and easy sharpening; dishwasher safe, the knives fare better if washed and dried by hand. The environment of a dishwasher, with high heat, vibration and harsh chemicals, is tough on both edge and finish. Edge upkeep is easy, with a few strokes of a honing usually all that's required.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/feed/ 0 Henckels Four Star Chef’s Knife Set | 2 Piece Stainless Steel Paring Blade http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:38:34 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4505 Henckels Four Star Chef's Knife Set These are the two knives that most home chefs will use most often--the 4" paring knife and 8" cook's knife. By themselves they are not a complete set, but unless you've shifted over to santoku these are still the ones most often in hand. Even if you prefer the santoku style, you'll probably have a chef's knife around as a backup.

This pair of good knives from Henckels provides us with old designs created with new technology. The Henckels Sigmaforge process results in full rat tail tang handles of permanently bonded polypropylene along with forged bolsters and strong blades. Blade shape and edge are laser tested during manufacturing to detect even microscopic variation from the company's high standards. The FRIODUR ice hardening tempering process gives Solingen stainless steel even better durability than before.

The edge of these blades have wider bevels, in the European pattern, which makes them less efficient for slicing than the newer thin bevel Japanese designs, but also makes them less vulnerable to damage. These knives can handle twisting, flexing, and even chopping chores that would void the warranty on high end Japanese products.

Thicker blades and wider cutting bevels will still do that lighter slicing work, but with a slight drag you won't like if you spend too much time with the new generation of blades. You can compensate by keeping these knives in top condition and understanding that no one knife will meet every standard. A razor sharp Henckels is still a great knife.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/feed/ 1 Henckels Twin Pro Paring Knife | Solingen Stainless Steel Full Tang 2.75 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:54:38 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4496 Henckels Twin Pro Paring Knife One of the two knives many cooks use most, the Henckels TWIN Pro Paring Knife makes a perfect companion for either a chef's knife or a santoku. Often reserved for only the light duty chores, this forged pattern from Henckels Solingen stainless steel is strong enough to do tougher jobs. Trim fat and gristle from meats, bone poultry, and separate joints with this stout blade.

The 2 3/4" full tang knife has a full sized triple riveted slab handle for a solid grip and extra leverage, and is comfortable when used for finer tasks like removing blemishes from fruit and vegetables. The stain free alloy used in this knife has been specially chosen for edge holding ability and easy sharpening; it requires only simple maintenance. A few strokes of a sharpening steel keeps the blade in fine shape.

Modern stainless steel will blemish if run through the harsh environment of a dishwasher, so hand washing and drying after use is recommended. The best way to store this paring knife is in a wooden storage block--extra care that paring knives seldom see. You might throw a two dollar bargain bin knife in the kitchen drawer, but the Henckels Pro deserves better treatment.

If you get a lot of use from your paring knife, you may want more than one. Check out this paring set by Wusthof Emerilware.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/feed/ 0 Chroma Type 301 F.A. Porsche Oyster Knife | Kitchen Full Tang Stainless Steel Cutlery http://www.thecooksden.com/chroma-type-301-fa-porsche-oyster-knife-kitchen-full-tang-stainless-steel-cutlery/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chroma-type-301-fa-porsche-oyster-knife-kitchen-full-tang-stainless-steel-cutlery/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:16:11 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/chroma-type-301-fa-porsche-oyster-knife-kitchen-full-tang-stainless-steel-cutlery/ Chroma Type 301 F.A. Porsche OysterAlthough I've been very impressed by Chroma knives from the Type 301 series, I do wonder whether in this oyster knife they've gone a step too far. The 301 knives have won several awards for design because of the unique and efficient combination of blade and ergonomic handle shape, but does that design extend equally well to all knives? Here's your chance to find out.

Oyster knives are made to do one job--shuck oysters. Some people wear a cutting glove on the hand that holds the oyster, because there's usually some prying and pushing going on when you attack the hinge of the shell or the gap beside it. Oyster knives often have an exaggerated bolster and a thick handle to provide extra safety and twisting leverage. The Chroma design doesn't give an inch here, and considering the quality of the steel and the edge, even a cutting glove might not be enough protection if you slip. The smooth solid 18/10 stainless steel handle and the small metal pearl bolster don't seem adequate for this work.

As a paring knife this will surely be a better choice--the 2 1/4" leaf point blade seems well adapted to smaller kitchen work and the handle design has already proven itself for those applications. You won't go wrong by buying this knife, but use it on oysters with caution.

Pair this with the Chroma 301 boning knife.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chroma-type-301-fa-porsche-oyster-knife-kitchen-full-tang-stainless-steel-cutlery/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels Twin Cuisine Paring Knife | Kitchen Stainless Steel 4 Inch Full Tang http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-twin-cuisine-paring-knife-kitchen-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-twin-cuisine-paring-knife-kitchen-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:12:15 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4025 J.A. Henckels Twin Cuisine Paring Knife With a patented new handle design, the build of the Henckels 4" Twin Cuisine Paring knife brings full sized features to the most abused knife in the kitchen. Many cooks work with paring knives retrieved from someone's bargain bin, awkward to hold and inefficient to use--the Henckel's Twin Cuisine model will be a true pleasure to hold and easy on the hands as well.

The new design of the forged full tang handle allows permanent bonding of polypropylene handle slabs to the horizontal tang, without rivets. Knives with a lighter build will flex in use, making precise cuts hard to follow, but the stiffer steel of this forged pattern will track easily through all types of food.

Use the paring knife to remove blemishes and peels from fruits and vegetables or trim away gristle and fat from cuts of meat. The sensible handle gives you the grip and fine control you need for accurate work.

The Solingen stainless steel of this highly polished blade is flat ground and has a wide strong bevel for a lasting cutting edge that won't fold or chip. A few strokes of a honing steel are usually all the maintenance the knife will need. The paring knife is dishwasher safe but edge and polish will last longer if the knife is hand washed and dried immediately after use.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-twin-cuisine-paring-knife-kitchen-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/feed/ 0 Full Tang Wusthof Chef’s Knife Starter Set | Classic Kitchen 3 Piece Stainless Cutlery http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-chefs-knife-starter-set-kitchen-3-piece-full-tang-stainless-cutlery/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-chefs-knife-starter-set-kitchen-3-piece-full-tang-stainless-cutlery/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:58:39 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3489 Wusthof Classic Chef's Knife StarterFor chef's who prefer the extra heft and stiffness of forged blades this three knife set from Wusthof of Solingen, Germany, is a good first step towards a complete professional quality knife set. The paring, utility, and chef's knives here can cover all but the heaviest chopping work, and will still be useful when your selection expands.

Many good knives today feature stamped steel blades of a different character than these old style Wusthof products. With forged bolsters, stiff blades, and sturdy full tang riveted slab handles, these knives can stand up to prying and twisting stresses other styles can't tolerate. Even for a light task like peeling potatoes, a paring knife with a strong blade is easier to control, skimming under the skin accurately where a thinner blade would flex and wander.

It's always a trade off, with both styles being better for some purposes, but when you need knives to cover all the chores this trio of strong blades is a very reasonable option. The chef's knife style has often been used for both fine mincing and heavier chopping (with the rear edge of the blade). The utility knife is useful for boning meat, fish, and poultry as well as for quick slicing of tomatoes, vegetables and fruit.

The set is machine washable, but fares better in terms of edge retention and polish if you wash and dry them by hand. Hand honed at the factory, upkeep is simple, requiring regular touchups with a sharpening steel. The longer you use them, the better they get.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-chefs-knife-starter-set-kitchen-3-piece-full-tang-stainless-cutlery/feed/ 1 Global Cromova 18 Utility Paring Knife | Kitchen Cutlery | Stainless Steel 4 1/2 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/global-cromova-18-utility-paring-knife-kitchen-cutlery-stainless-steel-4-12-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/global-cromova-18-utility-paring-knife-kitchen-cutlery-stainless-steel-4-12-inch/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:14:30 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3166 Global Cromova 18 Utility Paring Knife Global Cutlery first introduced its fine Japanese style chef's knives to western markets in the 80's; their light and efficient knives, like the 4.5" Utility blade here, still surprise American and European chefs with thin hard forged blades ground to a fine taper and balanced by slim stainless steel handles. With dimples to enhance the grip and a slender shape that's held wedge-style in the crook of the fingers, the handle of this knife may be a little small for large hands accustomed to heavier tools. The efficiency of the flat taper ground blade usually balances out any initial awkwardness. It's easy to get used to fine tools.

The special steel in this knife contains a high percentage of chromium for stain resistance, and two exotic metals, vanadium and molybdenum, which enhance the knife's edge retention. Harder than famous alloys from Western cutlers, Cromova 18 blades need a little special care. They shouldn't be used for heavy chopping work, and may be damaged if sharpened with a honing steel. Global recommends diamond hones or other special sharpening systems.

Marketed as a general purpose kitchen knife, this Global knife is a fine choice for paring knife work as well as for slicing larger vegetables for sandwiches or salads, trimming meat, or boning fish and poultry. The all stainless steel forged construction means there are no gaps to fill with food particles; a quick cleanup by hand keeps the utility knife sanitary and protects the edge from dishwasher damage.

Compare this with the smaller Cromova paring knife.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/global-cromova-18-utility-paring-knife-kitchen-cutlery-stainless-steel-4-12-inch/feed/ 0 Wusthof Trident Classic Knife Prep Set | Kitchen Cutlery | Full Tang Stainless 3 Piece http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-trident-classic-knife-prep-set-kitchen-cutlery-full-tang-stainless-3-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-trident-classic-knife-prep-set-kitchen-cutlery-full-tang-stainless-3-piece/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:58:01 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3163 Wusthof Trident Classic Knife Prep Set The two paring knives and the poultry shears in this Wusthof Classic Prep Knife set are bound to be among your most useful and favorite kitchen tools. Although the heavier construction of German forged cutlery is often outclassed by more refined Japanese designs today, for smaller prep knives it's a fine choice.

The 3.5" and 4.5" knives in this set will take a razor edge and are strong enough to handle tough jobs. The forged one piece full tang design won't flex and wander like the thin blades of stamped steel in cheaper knives. These knives are capable of a lot more than peeling potatoes, with quality and versatility that will find constant application in your kitchen. Use them for trimming cuts of meat, boning fish and poultry, slicing vegetables and coring fruit.

The poultry shears have short cutting blades and strong high leverage handles, with serrated inner grips that can loosen the tops of small containers. All three tools are dishwasher safe but shouldn't be run through the machine--modern stainless steel fares better with a quick hand wash and dry.

Maintenance is simple. Triple riveted synthetic handle slabs are stable and gap free. The high carbon alloy is easily sharpened with a honing steel. The factory ground bevel, laser tested for accuracy, doesn't have the thin profile of a Japanese knife--most owners will touch that up a little beyond what Wusthof recommends.

You might want to add a santoku to round out your prep knife set.

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