What Are the Best Kitchen Knives?

Ask any seasoned home cook, and they’ll tell you having the right knife makes all the difference. You don’t need a whole drawer full of them either; just a few solid, reliable ones that do their job well. If you’re building your kitchen kit or replacing old knives that have seen better days, here’s a breakdown of the essential knives worth having (and what each one’s good for). 

Chef’s Knife – The All-Rounder

If you’re only going to own one knife, it will probably be this one. A good chef’s knife is the backbone of any kitchen. With its curved blade and solid balance, it’s designed for just about everything – slicing, dicing, chopping, mincing – you name it.

Crumble’s Chef’s Knife is built for everyday workhorse tasks. It’s sharp, well-weighted, and designed to stay that way with minimal fuss. Great for herbs, meat, veg and anything else you throw at it.

Santoku Knife – The Precise Slicer

A close cousin to the chef’s knife, the Santoku Knife is a Japanese-style blade that excels at the “three virtues” – slicing, dicing and chopping. Its shorter, flatter blade means cleaner, more controlled cuts – especially useful for fish, soft vegetables, and paper-thin slices.

It’s lighter than a chef’s knife, which makes it a favourite for precision prep or when you’re doing lots of slicing.

Bread Knife – The Carb Conqueror

A good bread knife should be your go-to for anything with a hard outside and soft inside. Think sourdough, bagels, cakes… even pumpkin and thick-skinned fruits.

Crumble’s bread knife features a long, serrated edge that glides through without crushing or tearing. Whether you're dealing with bakery-worthy loaves or hacking into a watermelon, it’s the blade you want in your kitchen. 

Paring Knife – The Tiny but Mighty One

Small but seriously handy, the paring knife is made for detail work. Peeling apples, trimming beans, slicing garlic, de-veining prawns – it’s like the kitchen’s little ninja.

Crumble’s version is compact and super sharp, with just enough flex to make delicate cuts feel easy and controlled. If you're into precision work or prepping fruit and veg, this one will earn its spot in your drawer.

Utility Knife – The In-Betweener

Not too big, not too small, the utility knife is the one you reach for when a chef’s knife feels like overkill, but a paring knife won’t cut it (literally).

It’s perfect for sandwiches, trimming fat, slicing fruit, or anything in that medium zone. Think of it as the everyday in-between cutter. Crumble’s utility knife is sharp, durable, lightweight and easy to handle and ready for just about anything.

Build Your Knife Kit Your Way

The best kitchen knives should be made with quality materials and be extremely versatile. A solid chef’s knife or Santoku will cover 90% of your prep. Add a bread knife, a paring knife, and a utility knife, and you’ve got a complete set that can handle anything without overcomplicating your kitchen.

The right knife makes cooking quicker, easier and way more enjoyable. Shop the complete knife bundle!

Crumble’s knife collection is designed for everyday use – sharp, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re upgrading your kit or starting fresh, these are the blades worth having in your rotation.

Explore the full knife range and find your go-to tools.

Looking for More Kitchen Favourites?

Once you’ve got your knives sorted, it’s worth upgrading the other tools you use every day. These Crumble favourites are just as functional, and just as nice to look at.

Casserole pots – From hearty bakes to stovetop simmering, these are our go-to for one-pot magic.
Non-stick cookware – Easy to clean, a dream to cook with, and perfect for everyday meals.
Cooking accessories – Non-scratch spoons, baking sets, and handy extras you didn’t know you needed.
🍷Drinkware – Our glass tumblers bring a little fun and colour to your table (or your desk).

Need more help choosing? Explore our full collections page or check out the best cookware for your cooking style.

👉 Also read:

What Kitchen Knives Do You Need (Based on Your Cooking Style)?

Underrated Cooking Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Do!)

How to Save Time (and Sanity) with Meal Prep