You don’t need a ton of stuff to cook like a pro. Build this small set of high-quality knives—recommended by our favorite food writers and editors—and you’ll be ready to tackle any recipe that comes your way.
CHEF’S KNIFE
Essential for chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing
To Buy: Try the reasonably priced but high-quality Mac Knife Chef Series Chef’s Knife, 7-1⁄4 inch; $60 via Amazon
PARING KNIFE
Necessary for peeling small fruits and veggies
To Buy: A top pick at Cook’s Illustrated, the Victorinox Swiss Army 3-1⁄4-inch Fibrox Straight Edge Paring Knife is effective and affordable; $10 via Amazon
SANTOKU KNIFE
A supersharp, lighter-weight multipurpose knife for meat, fish and veggies
To Buy: Wüsthof offers a 7-inch hollow-ground Santoku; $70 via Crate & Barrel
CARVING KNIFE
A long knife with a strong blade for slicing meats and carving chicken and turkey
To Buy: Try the German stainless steel Zwilling Pure 8-inch Carving Knife; $67 via Zwilling
BREAD KNIFE
Effortlessly cuts bread into neat slices
To Buy: They don’t take much abuse, so you don’t need an expensive one. Try the Dexter Russell Traditional Scalloped Bread Knife; $24 via Amazon