The Only 3 Knives You Really Need

1. Shun Fuji paring knife, $220
The dense wooden handle has ridges on both sides for supreme grip and comfort, key for extended paring jobs.

• Budget Option: Victorinox Fibrox Pro
  Dishwasher-safe, this 3 1/4-inch paring knife performs as well as many pricier models. $8

2. Zwilling Pro wide 6-inch chef’s knife, $80
The 6-inch length makes it light and easy to handle, the broad curve lets it rock smoothly, and extra width helps to scoop chopped items.

• Budget Option: Calphalon Katana 6-inch chef’s knife
  It’s stylish and slim-handled with a razor-sharp Japanese steel blade. $50

3. Wusthof Classic double-serrated 9-inch bread knife, $109
Ingenious double serration slices items like crusty bread and crispy phyllo dough cleanly with a minimum of crumbs.

• Budget Option: OXO Good Grips bread knife
  Comfy handle, 8-inch blade, easy to wield. $10