Which Kitchen Knives Do You Actually Need?

Eating a natural paleo diet – more real food – means more food preparation. Which knives do you have in your kitchen and are you using the right ones for the right job?

One of the most important tools in the kitchen is the knife. You use your kitchen knives every day and if you buy good ones, you will be able to use them for many years to come.

If you’re about to buy a kitchen knife, have you worked out which type you need and what to buy?

It’s not easy to say a particular knife “is the best knife”. The best knife depends on you and how you will use it. The most important criteria is that the knife should be easy to use by the person who will use it the most.

When you walk into a shop, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by the amount and variety of knives. Don’t worry, you will never use all of them, nobody does. A basic set of knives for in the kitchen usually consists of 3 to 6 different knives.

What you need to know about kitchen knives:

Wrought knives

Some people say that the best knives are wrought. Whilst this used to be the only way to make steel suitable for making knives, it’s no longer the case. Nowadays, techniques are much more developed and even the steel is different. A knife doesn’t need to consist of one piece either, this has no added value for it’s cutting abilities.

Hardness

The hardness of the knife is an indication for the speed a knife can get blunt. Knife hardness is expressed in Rockwell C (HRC). Generally, the higher the hardness, the longer the knife stays sharp. However, the steel can get more susceptible to chipping of the cutting edge (the steel gets brittle) and to the occurrence of rust.

The handle

When choosing a kitchen knife, always look for the construction of the handle. If you want to be able to put your knives in the dishwasher (but please wash by hand!), choose knives with a molded on handle or welded on handle of stainless steel. Knifes with a riveted handle are less adequate for a dishwasher. Wood and the dishwasher are of course not the best combination either.

There are five knives that are completely indispensable in a paleo kitchen:

Chef’s knives

A knife collection always starts with a chef’s knife. A chef’s knife has a high blade with a slightly rounded cutting edge, used for cutting meat, fish and vegetables. This knife is less suitable for the smaller carvings, you’d be better use a paring knife for that.

Chef’s knives are usually used for cutting everything that is raw, before it goes into the pan, such as meat and fish – but also vegetables or cheese. Thanks to the large blade, it’s easy to cut onions and herbs without hitting the cutting board all the time. The most selected size is 20cm, but some people (mainly women) choose a smaller size.

Paring knives

This knife has a small blade with a sharp point, suitable for peeling and cutting smaller vegetables and fruits. The knife comes in various sizes, between 8 – 12cm. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to use this knife for everything!

Tomato knife

The third knife that you should get is a tomato knife. It always has a small serrated blade and you use it for cutting vegetables with a rigid outside and a soft inside, such as tomatoes.

Boning knife

A boning knife has a long low blade with a smooth surface. You can use it to cut meat, fish and poultry into equal slices.

Every knife, no matter how good or expensive it was, gets blunt. Consider buying a knife grinder, or taking your knives to get professionally sharpened. To keep your knives in good condition, wash them by hand, instead of using the dishwasher!

Which knives do you have in your kitchen? Have you found a good brand? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Choosing the Right Knives for Real Food Cooking

When you’re preparing fresh meals every day — especially on a Paleo diet — having the right tools can make all the difference. A few well-chosen knives will make your kitchen prep faster, safer, and far more enjoyable. From a reliable chef’s knife to a precision paring knife, quality really does matter more than quantity.

If you’re investing in just a few pieces, focus on how they feel in your hand, how well they hold their edge, and how easy they are to maintain. Wash them by hand, keep them sharpened, and they’ll last you for years.

Do you have a favourite kitchen knife or brand that’s stood the test of time? Or a must-have knife that’s missing from this list? Share your experience and recommendations in the comments — I’d love to know what works for you in a Paleo kitchen.

Switching to a Paleo diet naturally means preparing more whole foods from scratch. Whether you're chopping fibrous vegetables, trimming meat, or slicing through tough roots like sweet potato, having the right knife can be the difference between an enjoyable kitchen session and a frustrating one.

Unlike processed food or ready-made meals, Paleo cooking involves more hands-on preparation — and that calls for durable, reliable kitchen equipment. While you can certainly make do with a basic knife or two, investing in high-quality blades suited to specific tasks will elevate your cooking and save you time and effort in the long run.

Understanding Blade Materials

When buying knives for a Paleo kitchen, it’s worth considering what the blade is made from. Most modern kitchen knives are crafted from stainless steel, which offers durability and resistance to corrosion. However, high-carbon stainless steel blades are considered superior by many chefs due to their sharpness and ease of honing — a definite advantage when regularly preparing raw ingredients like carrots, onions, and beef cuts.

Ceramic knives are popular too, but they’re more brittle and difficult to sharpen. They may work well for slicing softer fruits and vegetables, but a stainless steel chef’s knife will be a better all-rounder for serious Paleo cooking.

Other Knives Worth Considering

In addition to the essentials already listed in the post, here are a few more knives that can make a real difference in a Paleo kitchen:

• Santoku Knife – A Japanese-style knife that’s great for slicing and chopping vegetables quickly. It has a slightly shorter blade than a chef’s knife and works well for those with smaller hands.

• Carving Knife – Perfect for slicing cooked roasts, especially useful if you batch-cook brisket, lamb, or whole chickens as part of your weekly meal prep.

• Utility Knife – This versatile mid-sized knife fills the gap between a chef’s knife and a paring knife. It's ideal for slicing fruit, cheese (if you’re Primal), and smaller cuts of meat.

• Cleaver – If you regularly prepare your own meat from whole cuts or bones, a cleaver can be a powerful tool. It’s heavy and designed for cutting through tougher parts like joints.

Knife Safety and Storage Tips

A sharp knife is actually safer than a dull one. Dull knives require more force, increasing the likelihood of slipping and injury. Always keep your blades honed – a honing steel or whetstone can help maintain their edge between proper sharpening.

For safety and longevity, store knives properly:

• Use a magnetic knife strip for easy access and hygiene

• Consider a wooden knife block or in-drawer organiser

• Avoid tossing them in a drawer where they can get damaged or cause injury

Keeping Your Paleo Kitchen Running Smoothly

As you get deeper into your Paleo journey, you’ll find yourself preparing everything from bone broth and fermented veggies to slow-cooked roasts and fresh salads. Having the right knife for each task will save you time and frustration – and make cooking a pleasure instead of a chore.

A well-maintained knife doesn’t just help you cut – it helps you cook with confidence.

What’s in your Paleo knife kit? Have you discovered a hidden gem of a blade or a game-changing sharpener? Leave a comment with your best knife tips – or share a photo of your favourite tools in action!