Have you ever consulted an eye specialist for a toothache? No. Then, why are you cutting your vegetables and meats with the same kitchen knife? Each knife specializes in a specific task, and bladesmiths make hundreds of knives mainly for cutting vegetables.
Once, I was cutting vegetables for guests using a normal knife. But the outcome was not satisfying. That’s when I got to know an insight from my sister. She told me that we need a separate knife model to cut vegetables more efficiently.
Most of our meals include veggies but not because they are easier to prepare. Prepping vegetables takes a lot of time with washing, chopping, and cooking. For easy preparation, you need the best knife for cutting vegetables. It cuts down on time and energy and makes the chore quicker and more comfortable.
Today, we have round-up ten vegetable cutting knives for you to choose from. You will need the best knife for cutting raw vegetables, whether you are a professional chef or an experienced home cook. You can finely slice squishy tomatoes, mince garlic, julienne carrots, and chop basil into perfect ribbons with these knives.
What is the best knife for cutting vegetables?
As vegetables vary in many shapes and sizes (compare mushrooms with pumpkin), you will need a broad-bladed knife. With a wide blade, it is easier to cut large produce like butternut squash. Additionally, while shopping for the best kitchen knife for cutting vegetables, you must consider the sharpness and material.
Carbon steel or stainless steel gives a knife the most extended lifetime. Thus, the best vegetables knife must have a broad and sharp steel blade.
- Wusthof Gourmet 8″ Vegetable Knife
- Dalstrong Asian Vegetable knife
- Shun Classic 7-inch Vegetable Cleaver
- Wellstar Kiritsuke-Nakiri Vegetable Cleaver Kitchen Knife
- Kasumi – 7-inch Vegetable Knife
- Paudin Nakiri Knife
- Global 5.5″ Vegetable Knife
- Mac Knife Japanese Vegetable Cleaver
- Zwilling Vegetable knife
- Professional Chef Knife Vegetable Knife
Vegetable knife vs chef knife
There is one subtle difference between vegetable and chef knives; that is, chef knives are multi-purpose, and the former is used for specific tasks. Chef knives can do anything that can be done with a kitchen knife. From chopping fruits to cutting thick bones, it can handle everything.
On the other hand, vegetable knives can only chop, slice, and slice veggies and fruits. Sure, you can use them on meat, but it will damage the blade.
Vegetable knives typically have a broad blade with a square tip. Compared to chef knives, they have thin and straight blades for slicing food evenly. On the contrary, chef knives are designed to have a triangular blade, with a curve along the edge and end in a pointy tip.
One common feature of both knives is the handle. Typically the handle is made from wood that offers a firm grip and excellent leverage.
There are three versions of chef knives; German, French, Japanese. They all differ slightly from one another. The most common vegetable knives are the Japanese Nakiri ones. Vegetable knives can be both single and double beveled, but chef knives generally have a double-edged blade.
Lastly, chef knives are the ones you will use when you cannot decide which one to use. They do the job well, while a specialized knife will do it correctly.
Review of the Top 10 knives for cutting vegetables
Presumably, you have experience working with a Chef’s knife and a fillet knife if you are here. You are looking for a knife specific for slicing and dicing vegetables. So, here is a list of different types of vegetable knives. You can find out the best knife type for cutting vegetables from this list:
01. Wüsthof Gourmet Vegetable Knife
A knife is one of the most helpful tools in the kitchen. A quality blade nicely chops ingredients to bring out all the flavors. And a knife set collection is incomplete without a vegetable knife like the Wusthof Gourmet knife.
It comes of German origin with a 1-inch blade. With its distinctive and useful features, it hits all the right marks. The makers carved out this knife with a durable Carbon steel blade with synthetic polypropylene handles.
Compared to all other knives we will cover, this is one of the lightest knives, weighing only 7.2ounces. With this light-weight knife, you can slice any amount of onion, and it will not make your hand hurt.
The handle offers a firm grip and resistant to discoloration, fading, heat, and impact. It also provides a flexible motion to slice up veggies pronto. The blade with incredible sharpness cuts vegetables with precision.
The product is considered the best knife for cutting fruit and vegetables. It has large holes on the blade’s bottom edge to make air pockets between the ingredients. The air pockets prevent the blade from getting stuck while cutting large vegetables.
What is more, there is a horizontal elevation on the edge that minimizes friction and drag to ensure easy chopping. The ridge also avoids food slices sticking up on the knife between dicing.
The cutlery is resistant to corrosion and dulling, which is an essential characteristic of the knife. Even when you sharpen the knife with a whetstone, the blade does not lose its shine.
However, the incredibly sharp knife does not need sharpening often. It will be best if you use your hands to wash the blade. Using sponge and soap regularly may make it susceptible to rust.
Pros
- Light-weight yet highly effective
- Easy to maintain and comfortable
- Veggie slices do not stick to the blade
- Compact size fits in hand quickly
Cons
- Chances of rust formation if not handle with care
- Limited warranty
02. Dalstrong Nakiri Asian Vegetable Knife
This nakiri knife is the best Japanese knife for cutting vegetables among various kinds of Japanese knives. Knife smiths crafted this with forged Thyssenkrupp High-Carbon German steel that makes it durable and corrosion-free.
The blade has a satin finish, which gives it shine. It is hand-sharpened to ensure incredibly sharp edges. The knife has a black, wooden handle to make your shopping more flexible and time-efficient.
Comparatively heavier than the previous knife, it does not hinder your comfort and maneuverability. The blade has been designed with outstanding craftsmanship and premium materials that make it long-lasting and tough to rust.
Its stunning, cutting-edge technology and design elements make it the best knife within its price range. The double-bevel blade ensures that you can use both sides and is great to use with either hand. It is a combination of a cleaver and Chef’s knife with a square blade.
The square tips help it to make deep cuts. Moreover, the hollow divots on the side of the edge minimize food sticking to it and reduce friction by making air pockets. It also helps to transfer food from the cutting board to a bowl or pan.
An amateur can face difficulties working with this knife, despite its attractive features if you are a newbie. It is heavy, with a thick blade and handles that are perfect if you can maneuver it.
You can use its razor-sharp blade for dicing veggies, while the wide, flat surface is utilized for crushing garlic cloves. But it would be best for you to opt for a lighter knife and practice till you can manage any knife!
Pros
- Hand polished shiny blade
- Chromium for stain resistance
- Ergonomic handle shape for maximum comfort
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Heavy body, It weighs around 11 ounces
- Uncomfortable to hold between two fingers
03. Shun Vegetable Knife
Like Dalstrong, Shun is identified as a Japanese knife known for its exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. If you a hardcore vegetable eater, this knife will be the best for you.
It resembles a cleaver with its short and vast size. The wide blade is made from VG-max steel mixed with metals like tungsten, cobalt, carbon, and chromium to generate strong steel.
Shun’s blade is hardened with a heat process, and this process is only possible because of all metals in the steel. Compared to Western knives made with softer steel, its blade is more susceptible to rust and dullness.
The main advantage of heat treatment is that the edge does not lose its sharpness quickly and does not regularly sharpen it. Moreover, more hardened steel means a thinner blade. A thinner blade is sharper and makes the knife lighter, ensuring the comfort of the user.
The concave handle is designed with ebony pakkawood, an authentic hardwood infused with resin. The pakkawood ensures that the handle is water-resistant and durable. It has a square blade, ideal for cutting small to medium size vegetables like potatoes and broccoli.
The knife is very convenient for regular use. Additionally, while cleaning this blade, make sure you use a gentle soap. Also, avoid soap with citrus extracts; it promotes corrosion.
The tall blade ensures that your knuckles do not graze the chopping board while working. More importantly, it’s perfectly weighted body enables it to handle thicker, heavier cuts and more delicate, detailed work. This knife is a must for any professional kitchen and welcome addition to any home kitchen.
Pros
- Perfectly engineered knife with a satisfying heft
- Blades are lighter with amazingly sharp edges
- Designed with advanced steel
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- No holes or dents for air pockets
- The wooden handle may decay overuse
04. WELLSTAR Nakiri Vegetable Knife
Like the other Nakiri knives, this Asian knife is also forged from premium quality German Steel. You might be wondering what German steel means; it is high-quality steel that prevents thin blades from chipping.
The Japanese knife guarantees a safe, optimum performance. You can easily slice vegetables with precision and promptness.
Working with the knife, you will feel perfectly balanced with a wide heel for support and leverage. The rectangular blade gives you ultimate comfort and a smooth shopping experience.
With the 2.2-inch edge, it ensures a wider cutting surface and efficient slicing and chopping. You will see that the knife provides you with more room to grip it firmly and is safer even if you work fast.
This knife is unique compare to all the other blades for its exquisite bend handle. The rounded handle is ergonomically designed to minimize finger pains from chopping vegetables for a long time.
Additionally, the product comes in an elegant box so you can gift-wrap it a fantastic wrapping paper and present it to closed ones on their birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc.
When chopping vegetables, always remember to use your shoulders to exert the force on the knife, not your wrist. This way, the tension in your wrist will be less even if you chop for a long time.
Moreover, please refrain from using it on hard foods or bones (meat, dried food, frozen food, shelled nut, etc.) to keep the sharpness intact. And before cutting frozen veggies or fruits, make sure they are fully thawed.
Pros
- Easy to grip handle
- Incredible 12-degree blade edge on each side
- Premium quality German steel blade
- Ergonomic Full Tang Handle
Cons
- The knife is relatively heavy, weighing 1.2pounds
- It needed to cover with a sheath
05. Kasumi Vegetable Knife
Japanese knives are so durable that they usually last a lifetime if handled with care and love. So, you will just only one blade from this list to create your knife set. And for that, you have to choose wisely according to your needs.
Now, a lot of knives here differ hugely from one another. Some have a wider blade, heavier body, and light-weight structure with a moderate size blade. Kasumi knife’s features match with the latter type.
As it is a light knife, it can cut vegetables quickly with delicate strokes. The blade has a Damascus pattern that attracts everyone.
The bladesmiths made slopes on both sides of the blade edge. The handle is asymmetric and created with wood layers engraved with plastic resin.
The knife has a rectangular shape while maintaining the thinner flat blade. This is a specialized knife, so it will be best to use this knife to cut vegetables. It is an excellent chopping tool but can also be utilized for slicing and dicing when required.
Although the knife is relatively low maintenance, you need to be careful about a few things. Always use a wooden chopping board, refrain from cutting food on hard surfaces like ceramic, tiles, glass, etc.
I would advise you not to test the sharpness of the blade on your hand. You can use a tomato instead. If a knife slices tomatoes into perfect pieces without squishing them, then the edge is sharp.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- They are specially designed for vegetables
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comparatively smaller build but sharp blade nonetheless
Cons
- Not suitable for large veggies or fruits
- The exceptionally smooth surface thus more friction
06. Nakiri Vegetable Knife
Nakiri is a Japanese-style vegetable knife. With an even, flat blade, the knives are not crafted for the rock chop method like the Western knives. But they are great for processing all kinds of vegetables.
However, since they have quite a thin-edged blade, they are not ideal for multi-purpose. If used to cut meat with bones or even fish, there is a high chance of damaging the edges. This means it will be better if you stick to just veggies.
Compared to nakiri knives, this particular product, Paudin Nakiri, differs a little. While it is not a multi-purpose tool, it can cut lean meats without bones and veggies. But you will have to sharpen the knife often if you use it for various tasks.
You can use the knife to finely chop your veggies like peppers or cut your carrots into small or large cubes. Moreover, you can slice chicken tenders into thin pieces for your tacos or burritos.
For its relatively versatile nature, you may assume that it will be sturdy. To your amusement, it is not. It has moderate weight, weighing only 8ounce, and ensures ease of movement. Its black, wooden handle is comfortable, non-slip, and easy to control. For its high-quality material, it is often considered the best knife for cutting vegetables.
As the blade is not rust-free, it must be wiped dry after every wash to prevent corrosion. We will recommend handing wash the tool; it is not dishwater safe. And finally, do not ever cut bones with the knife; it can chip the blade.
Pros
- Multi-purpose to some extent
- Dish detergent can be used to wash it
- Easy to maneuver
- Light-weight body
Cons
- Not rust-free
- Lose its sharpness very quickly
07. Global Vegetable Knife
Of all the knives listed here, this one stands out with its whole silver, stainless steel body. The carbon stainless steel handles are the most striking features of these knives. Suppose you want a unique knife, then this the best for you.
The knife is molded to fit your hand. It has dimples in the handle to prevent slipping and provide friction. Additionally, there is a finger notch between the blade and handle so that your fingers do not touch the edge.
The knife is comparatively smaller than other Nakiri knives here. With its 7-ounce structure, it is one of the lightest Japanese knives. They are perfect for small-handed chefs or home cooks.
The square-tip knife is excellent for root vegetables as well as fruits. One of the best features of this product is that the edge retains razor sharpness exceptionally well.
It will be wise to tell you that the handle may be a little slippery if your hand sweat while working. As you can imagine, steel body things are sleek. And this knife is not the best knife for cutting hard vegetables like squash or gourds.
Because of its small body, it may get stuck halfway through. Though it has some demerits, it is easy to control and maintain. It is not that hefty, so your hand will not get tired of working for an extended period.
We recommend using a ceramic sharpener or diamond steel instead of metal sharpening steel for it. The blade is exceptionally sharp, so be extra careful during use. And it is best not to use the knife with any other ingredients other than vegetables as it will dull the edges.
Pros
- Light-weight body easy to maneuver
- Extremely sharp blade
- Warranty against defects and breakage
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Slippery handle
- Not suitable for large vegetables
08. Mac Vegetable Knife
This straight edge is ideal for chopping fruits and vegetables. Its square-tipped thin blade is typically used for julienne cut veggies. Though it can be used on meats and seafood, it will be best to avoid it for your knife’s extended lifetime. Moreover, I would not recommend using it as a heavy cleaver.
The best part is it weighs only 0.24 ounces! You will not even feel it in your hand while working for a long time. You can chop a large number of onions or celeries, and your hand will not even feel stiff afterward. Like most of the knives here, it is manufactured in Japan and imported to Western countries.
Unlike the other knives, its blade is made of molybdenum steel. The blade is thin and sharp enough not to need sharpening regularly. Similar to many knives, the handle is crafted out of pakkawood and provides a firm grip.
Many users have recommended it and claimed it by far the sharpest knife for them. It may be ideal if you are looking for something small and handy within the price budget. Let us give you a little tip; make sure the blade does not contact corrosive, hydrochloric acid kind materials.
Pros
- Incredibly sharp blade
- Compact size
- The firm grip provides good leverage
- It does not get dull quickly
Cons
- Blade may stain
- Not corrosion-free
09. Zwilling Vegetable knife
This is a small knife with an ice-hardened blade for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. Most reviewers said this is the best kitchen knife for cutting vegetables.
You will notice that it resembles a paring knife with a pointed end to remove seeds from fruits. While most of the vegetable knives have a 5-8 inch blade length, this one is only 3.5-inch, making it the smallest knife here.
However, do not determine its qualities by its size. It has an incredibly sharp blade, great for slicing and dicing with super comfort. Its ergonomic plastic handle provides a firm grip for hands. There is a bolster between the handle and the blade for your safety.
This German knife is solidly made and lies comfortably in your hand with balanced weight distribution. It feels great working with super sharp, outstanding craft with a beautiful transition from blade to handle. Chopping onions will be fun again with this comfortable knife!
Remember to keep the knife away from fire or heat. And refrain from soaking or cleaning with saline water because the blade may lose its shine. We will recommend always hand wash your knife as most knives are not dishwater safe like this one.
Pros
- It has a sharp blade with a pointy tip
- It fits in standard knife blocks for its small size
- Easy to clean and maintain
- No-slip handle
Cons
- The plastic handle may break off after prolonged use
10. Stainless Steel Vegetable Knife
The heaviest and sturdy knife on the list is crafted with a 3-layer high-quality, clad stainless steel. The steel makes the knife durable and maintains sharpness after long usage.
The outside layer of the blade is durable and corrosion-resistant. It also boasts high plasticity. The ergonomically designed classic rosewood handle is non-slippery and offers a firm grip making it safe for your delicate hands.
It is so annoying when food slices stick to the knife, and you have to use your hand to remove them after every cut. But this knife has a non-stick coating to prevent veggie slices from sticking.
The blade design is very sharp. This design makes it ideal for chopping vegetables. This wide blade keeps your fingers far from the cutting surface. It also serves to scoop up chopped food for transport to the bowl. You can also crush garlic or ginger using the flat blade.
Working with the round handle, you will feel that it gives an excellent pivot point for strokes, stability, and extra weight. The knife is only suitable for vegetables, so please do not use it to chop hard bones or any hard materials. It must be stored in a dry and airy place, better if you can keep it in a knife block.
The knife should be appropriately sharpened with a sharpening tool after prolonged use to keep its edges sharp.
Pros
- The wide blade gives stability
- Beautiful wooden handle with round designs
- Best for cooking Chinese cuisines
Cons
- Heaviness may make your hands sore after extended use
How to choose the best vegetable knife for cut tomato?
Tomatoes are the trickiest vegetable to cut. As they are the softest fruits, there is a high risk of smashing them while slicing. Most of us end up in a mess of juice and squishy tomato dices when we are done chopping. You will need a knife that makes it easy to cut tomatoes into perfectly round slices.
So, when looking for knives to cut tomatoes, you have to keep in mind some of the factors mentioned below:
Blade Type
A serrated blade is the most suitable for cutting and slicing tomatoes. It slice through the thin skin and soft tomatoes’ flesh without smashing them. As a result, you can make any size of pieces to your choice for various recipes.
Unlike plain-edged Chef’s knives, the serrated blade does not need regular sharpening and even works when it is dull.
Steel Material
While buying a tomato knife, opt for high-quality steel. Good quality steel can hold sharpness for a long time and tend to be too sharp.
Sharpness is what you will need to serve perfect slices of tomatoes in your salads. Moreover, as tomato is an acidic fruit, make sure the blade will not stain and is corrosion-free.
Handle
Chopping tomatoes can be messy, and your hand can be covered in juices. Thus you will need a rubber or wooden handle that offers a comfortable grip.
Choose a knife that you can control easily and also can be used to cut veggies other than tomatoes. You will not buy a knife only to cut a single food item.
Always make sure that the blade is securely attached to the handle and will not come off quickly. Moreover, choose a knife that complements your hand size.
A wide, large knife will not work for you if you have small hands. And never use a steel-handled knife if you have sweaty hands. They may not kill you but surely can hurt you!
FAQ about the Vegetable knives
Which knife is best for cutting vegetables?
In my opinion, the best knives for cutting vegetables is the Dalstrong Nakiri knife. It is one of the perfect vegetable knives with a hefty design and sturdy hand for a firm grip.
What is the best type of knife for cutting vegetables?
With its thin, straight, flat blades, Nakiri is the best type of knife to work on vegetables. They are specially designed for one particular purpose. And they are excellent at it. They usually have a square tip and a wide heel so that your knuckles do not graze the board. Sometimes they have small indentations on the blade for air pockets.
Which size chef knife is best for cutting vegetables?
Ideal size varies depending on your profession and choice of cuisines you cook most. For professional chefs, 9-12-inch blades are perfect. If you are a home cook like me, you should stick to an 8-inch blade for easier control. However, if your meals include meat with thick bones often, you can choose a larger knife.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, at least one knife from here will take place in your fine knife collection. Working with specialized tools are essential for perfection. You would not want to make a salad with unevenly cut veggies or fruits. And if you like to keep things proper, you would not be comfortable with those hideous salads!
So, grab the best knife for cutting vegetables and chop your way into your guests’ hearts! And with regular practice with the perfect knife, you might as well get into the next Masterchef season.
I am Luna L. Rusk, a passionate content writer. Always I provide accurate product reviews and information for quicker shopping. I love to cook for my family. In my leisure time, I love spending time with chefs for learning new cooking.