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Knife guide - types of kitchen knives

From slicing onions for curry to cutting fruit for snacks, every knife has its role. The right knife makes meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Curious about the different types of kitchen knives and the most commonly used knife in the kitchen? Let’s explore them together in this guide.

A dark grey VARDAGEN bread knife in the kitchen

Multi-purpose cook’s knife for everyday prep

The cook’s knife is the star of the kitchen tools. Designed to be multi-purpose, the cook’s knife is sturdy enough to handle meat and large root vegetables, but delicate enough to slice fruit and mince fine herbs.

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An IKEA 365+ cook’s knife of stainless steel is placed on a wooden chopping board with a fistful of nuts, partly chopped.
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A versatile utility knife for quick kitchen jobs

Quick chopping, slicing, and dicing, the best and versatile utility knife does it all. Sturdy, sharp, and easy to handle, it offers precision and control with every cut, perfect for everyday meal preparation.

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A VÖRDA utility knife is placed on an ARTISTISK chopping board in oak with a variety of vegetables, some of them sliced.
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A bread knife for the perfect slice

Slice perfectly every time with a bread knife. The serrated edge glides through bread and soft pastries without crushing them. Ideal for sandwiches or breakfast favourites, it helps keep your kitchen prep precise and stress-free. 

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An IKEA 365+ bread knife in stainless steel is placed on top of a wooden chopping board next to a sliced loaf of bread.
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Precision made easy with a paring knife

The paring knife is more agile compared to large knives when it comes to more detailed work, like cleaning and peeling fruit and vegetables. This small, light knife works almost like an extension of your hand when you use it.

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A VARDAGEN cook’s knife is placed on top of a white LEGITIM chopping board with carrots and tomatoes in different colours.
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Sharp and steady vegetable knife

Cut vegetables like a pro with a vegetable knife designed for control and precision. Perfect for slicing cucumbers for ulam or chopping long beans for stir-fry, it gives you control and precision for all your vegetable prep. Reliable, easy to handle, and built for daily use in Malaysian kitchens.

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There is an IKEA 365+ vegetable knife in stainless steel on a wooden chopping board next to tomatoes on top of a tea towel.
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Chef-level knives and tools for every home

Take your home cooking up a notch with chef-level knives and tools. Our durable chopping knife makes preparing dishes even faster and more precise. Perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different dishes, these tools bring efficiency and confidence to everyday cooking.

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Elevate your kitchen skills with the right knife from IKEA

Cooking becomes simpler and more enjoyable with the right knife. It saves time, reduces prep effort, and gives you better control over every cut. Our knife collection is also thoughtfully designed to be practical, durable, and suitable for cooks of all levels, helping you create meals with confidence, precision, and ease every day.