Types Of Knives: How To Use The 4 Most Common Knives
Knives come in various types, each designed for specific purposes. Here is a list of common types of knives and some specialized knives, and how to appropriately use them.
Who is types of knives micro-class for?
If you are hosting, learn how to choose the most appropriate knives for your menu and table setting.
As a guest, knowing how to use the most common types of knives helps you avoid any embarrassment and enjoy the dining experience.
Types of knives etiquette micro-class
1) Common types of knives
There are 4 common types of knives that you are likely to find on a formal table setting. Use them according to the general rules of cutlery etiquette.
Dinner knife
Description: A large, blunt-edged knife with a rounded tip.
Average Size: Approximately 8 to 10 inches.
Use: Used for cutting main course items, such as meat and poultry.
How to Use: Hold the handle with your dominant hand, and use a fork in the other hand to stabilize the food while cutting.
Fish knife
Description: A narrow, pointed knife with a slightly curved blade.
Average Size: About 8 to 10 inches.
Use: Specifically designed for cutting and filleting fish.
How to Use: Hold the handle gently, and use a fork to steady the fish while slicing along the bone.
Dessert knife
Description: A smaller and often narrower knife with a blunt edge and a pointed tip. It may have a slightly serrated or straight edge, depending on the specific design.
Average Size: From 6 to 8 inches in length.
Use: Used for cutting and eating desserts, such as cakes, pastries, and pies. They are designed to facilitate the delicate cutting of sweet treats without squishing or damaging them.
How to Use: Hold the dessert knife gently and use it to cut through dessert items with a smooth, controlled motion. It’s important to avoid using excessive force to maintain the presentation of the dessert.
Fruit knife
Description: A small, usually curved knife with a narrow, pointed blade. The blade may be straight or serrated, depending on the specific design. Some fruit knives have a forked tip for picking up fruit pieces.
Average Size: From 3 to 4 inches in length.
Use: Designed for peeling, slicing, and preparing various types of fruits. They are particularly useful for fruits with delicate or thin skins, such as apples, pears, and citrus fruits.
How to Use: Hold the fruit knife with a secure grip and use it to peel or slice fruits as needed. The curved blade allows for precise and controlled cuts.
2) Types of specialized knives
There are a few types of specialized knives in dining etiquette. Specialized knives are not always present on the dining table at the beginning of the meal.
Butter knife
Description: A small, flat knife with a rounded tip.
Average Size: Typically 6 inches.
Use: Used for spreading butter or other condiments on bread or rolls.
How to Use: Hold the handle and apply gentle pressure to spread the butter evenly.
Steak knife
Description: A sharp, serrated knife.
Average Size: Around 4 to 5 inches.
Use: Designed for cutting through cooked steak and other tough meats.
How to Use: Hold the handle firmly and saw back and forth to cut meat.
3) Common types of cooking knives
Cooking knives are common utensils in the kitchen. However, you are unlikely to find them at the dining table.
Chef's knife
Description: A versatile, multipurpose knife with a broad, pointed blade.
Average Size: Typically 8 to 10 inches.
Use: Ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
How to Use: Hold the handle with a firm grip and use a rocking motion for efficient chopping.
Paring knife
Description: A small, sharp knife with a pointed tip.
Average Size: Usually 3 to 4 inches.
Use: Suitable for precise tasks like peeling, trimming, and garnishing.
How to Use: Hold the handle delicately and make controlled, detailed cuts.
Bread knife
Description: A long knife with a serrated edge.
Average Size: Generally 8 to 10 inches.
Use: Designed for slicing bread without squishing it.
How to Use: Gently saw through the bread with minimal downward pressure.
Utility knife
Description: A smaller version of the chef’s knife, with a narrow blade.
Average Size: Typically 4 to 6 inches.
Use: Versatile for various cutting tasks, from slicing to trimming.
How to Use: Hold the handle securely and adapt to the specific task at hand.
Additional resources & links
- Etiquette references: cutlery etiquette, how to rest cutlery, how to set cutlery on the dining table, table setting etiquette
- Etiquette for foods that require special knives: bread, butter
- Interesting reads and sources: The Art Of Dining – The History Of The Table Knife johnstoncollection.org