What is a Utility Knife? And what exactly do you cut with it?
The Utility Knife: the all-rounder in the kitchen! Popular because of its functional, compact, and handy design. But what exactly makes a Utility Knife? And what exactly do you cut with it? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the utility knife!
What is the size of a Utility Knife?
What makes a Utility Knife is its size. The size is somewhere between a chef’s knife and an office knife. The average blade length of an office knife is between 2.7 inches to 4.5 inches (7 and 11 cm). And that of a Chef’s Knife around 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches (17 and 18 cm). With outliers towards 7.8 inches (20 cm) and sometimes up to 11.8 inches (30 cm) long. With an average blade length of about 5.1 inches to 5.9 inches (13 to 15 cm), a Utility Knife is right in between.
However, the format is primarily a guideline. It is quite common for a brand to call a knife that is similar in size to a Utility Knife an office knife. And Chef’s Knives and Japanese Santoku Knives also come with blade lengths of 5.5 inches to 5.9 inches (14 and 15 cm).
The shape of the Blade
This brings us to the second point: the shape of the blade. A Utility Knife has a pointed and slender blade shape. Rarely do you see a Utility Knife with a high blade or a blunt, rounded tip. Like a Paring Knife, Chef’s Knife or Santoku. So that’s how you immediately recognize a Utility Knife.
What do you cut with a Utility Knife?
It’s pretty broad to talk about “everything.” But if you can say that about a kind of kitchen knife, then it is the utility knife. This is already included in the name. The knife owes this versatile functionality mainly to the already mentioned blade length and blade shape.
The pointed, thin tip is great for precise cutting work. Remember to cut small vegetables into shapes. For example, chop a clove of garlic, a piece of ginger, or a chili pepper, as well as herbs. Also, the blade is long enough to cut fruits and vegetables in half. As long as the diameter of the material to be cut is slightly smaller or equal to the blade length. For example, with a Utility Knife, you can usually cut zucchini or eggplant well into small pieces.
Is a Utility Knife also suitable for cutting meat or fish? Absolutely. However, you should add that a kitchen knife designed specifically for a particular purpose is often a little better. So for cutting meat, you should use a meat knife, and for cutting fish a Fillet Knife.
For whom is a Utility Knife suitable?
Actually quite simple: for everyone! A Utility Knife is a great addition to any kitchen. Use the knife for smaller cutting tasks alongside a Chef’s Knife or a Santoku. But a Utility Knife is also great for those who find the average Chef’s Knife just too big or heavy.
