The Minimalist Kitchen: Knives

Reader Contribution by Mother Earth Living Staff
Published on December 9, 2014
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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

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