9 Best Kitchen Utility Knives of 2023 Chosen by Our Chefs
Choosing the best kitchen utility knife to add to your collection can be a challenging task. The work of a utility knife might just as easily be accomplished with a chef’s knife or a paring knife. So, why should cooks consider purchasing a utility knife, too?
There are a number of reasons a good kitchen utility knife should have a place among your everyday kitchen tools. A utility knife can be a useful alternative to the best chef’s knife or best paring knife when preparing certain ingredients or accommodating anything from smaller hands to limited storage space. Understanding what a utility knife is and how it can be used can help you choose the best kitchen utility knife to add to your cutlery collection.
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- What Is a Utility Knife Used For?
- Best Kitchen Utility Knives
- Best Overall: Miyabi Artisan 5" Utility Knife
- Most Versatile: Miyabi Evolution 5.5" Utility Knife
- Best for Aspiring Cooks: Zwilling Pro 6" Utility Knife
- Best for Busy Cooks: Zwilling Four Star 6" Utility Knife
- Best for Everyday Use: Henckels Classic Precision 6" Utility Knife
- Best Petty Knives
- Best Multipurpose: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Petty Knife
- Most Comfortable: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Petty Knife
- Most Attractive: Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6” Petty Knife
- Best for Entry-Level Chefs: Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 6” Petty Knife
What Is a Utility Knife Used For?
A utility knife is typically made smaller and with a thinner blade than a chef’s knife with the blade length ranging between four and seven inches. The size and shape of the knife makes it an ideal tool for complex kitchen tasks as it has the versatility to cut, chop and peel among other preparations. Utility knives are an excellent counterpart to a chef’s knife to handle kitchen jobs that require more dexterity, and they can also stand in for other knives while traveling or dealing with limited storage space. Those with smaller hands or who are intimidated by larger knives might prefer the smaller, lighter utility knife to a heavy chef’s knife.
The Japanese knife type that complements the Western utility knife is the petty knife. Like the utility knife, the petty knife is a mid-sized knife that is used for a variety of kitchen tasks. Unlike the Western utility knife, which has a slight curve to the blade, the petty knife is traditionally made with harder metals and is more triangular in shape with a straight edge to accommodate the up and down style of cutting preferred by many Japanese chefs.
The best kitchen utility knives and petty knives combine strength and agility with durability and craftsmanship for a multi-functional addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Best Kitchen Utility Knives
1. Best Overall: Miyabi Artisan 5" Utility Knife
Both functional and stylish, the Miyabi Artisan 5" Utility Knife is a stunning addition to any cutlery collection. Paying homage to the Samurai swords of old, this best kitchen utility knife is beautiful and effective with a hammered tsuchime finish to prevent food from sticking for quick and smooth cutting, a durable hand-crafted and ice-hardened blade with a true katana edge and artisan details from tip to handle.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This knife's historic beauty and modern functionality make it one of our favorite kitchen utility knives of the year.
2. Most Versatile: Miyabi Evolution 5.5" Utility Knife
The Miyabi Evolution 5.5" Utility Knife combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with German engineering to create one of the best kitchen utility knives. The shape and style of this unique type of kitchen knife supports both the Western rocking and Asian chopping techniques, making it a versatile and innovative tool. The artisan design makes this knife as beautiful as it is functional.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love the understated beauty and history behind this knife as much we're impressed by the modern functionality it shares with other Miyabi knives.
3. Best for Aspiring Cooks: Zwilling Pro 6" Utility Knife
The user-friendly Zwilling Pro 6" Utility Knife is one of the best kitchen utility knives for aspiring cooks, featuring a unique construction that makes this knife safer and easier to use. The specially-designed blade facilitates both Western and Asian styles of cutting while offering stability and comfort throughout every kitchen task.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal Approved
Durability, comfort and versatility make this Zwilling knife one of our top picks. It's perfect for everyone from home cooks to professional chefs.
4. Best for Busy Cooks: Zwilling Four Star 6" Utility Knife
The Zwilling Four Star 6" Utility Knife comes from the brand’s top-selling knife series. This best kitchen utility knife combines safety and comfort into a sleek, ergonomic design. The blades are harder and sharper than the average utility knife while remaining flexible and balanced. The special formula steel retains its strength and sharpness while resisting chips and stains over long periods of time.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
As far as we're concerned, you can't go wrong with Zwilling, and this knife is no exception. Flexible, durable and (of course) lastingly sharp, this Zwilling knife is another winner.
5. Best for Everyday Use: Henckels Classic Precision 6" Utility Knife
The durability and craftsmanship of the Henckels Classic Precision 6" Utility Knife make it one of the best kitchen utility knives. The sharp, stainless steel blade is perfect for everyday use including heavy-duty kitchen tasks.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
To our team, this utility knife isn't just beautiful; it also displays the high-quality craftsmanship that Henckels cutlery is renowned for.
Best Petty Knives
6. Best Multipurpose: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Petty Knife
One of the best petty knives, the Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Petty Knife uniquely pairs a Western handle with a Japanese blade for a hardy and agile kitchen tool. This thin yet sharp and durable knife features a hand-hammered finish that easily releases food for cleaner and safer chopping.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love the versatility of this knife. It's thin and agile enough for peeling and chopping produce but durable enough for boning chicken or filleting fish. It also happens to be beautiful to look at.
7. Most Comfortable: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Petty Knife
Honoring the balance of simplicity and complexity inherent in Japanese design, the Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Petty Knife showcases both strength and beauty. The strong core allows this best petty knife to easily handle breaking down proteins, while the ergonomic octagonal handle provides a comfortable grip for everything from segmenting fruit to peeling potatoes.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
Chef Jordan W. enthusiastically recommends this petty knife for filleting raw fish or breaking down chicken, pork, beef or other proteins.
8. Most Attractive: Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6” Petty Knife
The nimble Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6” Petty Knife offers agility and versatility in its modern Japanese design. Crafted to easily maneuver a variety of kitchen tasks, the thin and agile Damascus blade is paired with a rosewood and ebony handle for an effective and attractive kitchen showpiece.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
The unique, nimble design of this nickel and stainless steel knife is what first caught our attention. Its agility throughout a variety of tasks, from peeling apples to boning chicken, is what won our hearts.
9. Best for Entry-Level Chefs: Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 6” Petty Knife
An excellent choice for aspiring cooks, the Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 6” Petty Knife is sharp, sturdy and easy to care for. The strength and fine edge of the blade make it ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks from deboning fish to preparing garnishes.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We chose this knife because it's perfect for the entry-level chef. The Western handle and Japanese blade make this a comfortable, multifunctional piece of cutlery that will take you to pro level in no time.
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The best kitchen utility knife or petty knife can handle nearly any kitchen task with ease, from breaking down poultry to peeling fruits and vegetables. Whether you are looking for a complement to your cutlery collection or a stand-alone multitasker, these best kitchen utility knives are certain to fulfill your culinary needs.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cutlery in the Cozymeal Shop.
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