Max the Knife

A high-quality, sharp knife makes cutting up in the kitchen a simple task. When shopping for a knife, look for one made of high-carbon stainless steel that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand. Keep knives from becoming dull by using a wooden or acrylic cutting board. A variety of knives are created with specific purposes in mind. The knives listed below should meet the needs of most home cooks.

Chef's or Cook's Knife: The flat, wide blade of this heavy 8- to 12-inch knife is ideal for crushing garlic and spices. The longer blade length means you can chop large quantities of food more efficiently.

Utility Knife: This knife has a 6-inch-long blade made thin enough to smoothly slice sandwiches and other somewhat softer foods, such as fruit and cheese. It's great for chopping herbs too.

Paring Knife: With a 3- or 4-inch blade, this knife is comfortable to handle when you're peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables or other small items. It is perfect for mincing just one clove of garlic or peeling an apple.

Bread Knife: Its serrated blade, which usually is about 8 inches long, allows you to easily cut through bread, bagels, tomatoes, or any other foods with tough exteriors and soft interiors.