The Different Types of Knives That Are Used as Tools


Knives were one of the first kinds of tools developed by

early humans and although they are most commonly thought of as weapons they are

still used as tools. Take a look at this guide to the most commonly used tool-knives.

 

 

Retractable Blade Utility Knife

 

This is a general-use tool designed to cut materials such as

drywall, cardboard boxes, laminates and plastic.  The blade retracts into the body of the knife

for safer operation and storage.

 

Some models have up to 3 different blade positions for

different cutting depths. Higher-end models have rubber grips and ergonomic

designs for better gripping.

The handle generally unscrews or swivels open to permit

blade changes. Many models have extra blade storage in the handle and some

models have spring-loaded blades that automatically retract when the knife is

released.

 

Fixed Blade Utility Knife

 

The blade on these knives locks between the halves of the

knife to provide more blade stability than retractable models.  The handle generally unscrews or swivels open

to permit blade changes. As with retractable knives, higher-end models have

rubber grips and ergonomic designs for better gripping.  Unlike retractable knives, these knives

accept larger or special-purpose blades that can’t retract into the handle.

 

Snap Blade Knife

 

The blade sections snap off (generally between 8 and 13 per

blade) without having to open the tool to change blades. They are generally

used for cutting light- and medium-duty materials such as wallpaper, rubber,

vinyl and leather, or materials with adhesive backing that will stick to the

blade and prevent sharp, accurate cutting.

 

Carpet Knife

 

Carpet knives are designed for trimming and cutting carpet

and other flooring materials. Their angular design provides easier access to

hard-to-reach places. Many models feature retractable blades and blade storage

in handle.

 

The Precision Knife

This is a pencil-sized tool used for precision cutting of

lightweight materials, such as paper or poster board. It is also called a hobby

knife or X-Acto® knife. It is equipped with ultra-sharp blades made from

surgical steel and the blades come in a variety of sizes and in triangle and

curved shapes. These knives contain a built-in chuck to hold and secure the

blades. Some models feature blade storage in the handle.

 

Cooking Knives

 

Cooking knives comes in many shapes and sizes and are

designed for specific tasks.           Selecting

the knife you need depends on your culinary experience, the style of cooking

you prefer and how much money you wish to spend. Here is a list of the common

types of knives and the basic purpose behind their design:

 

Boning Knife: It has a 4-5" blade and is a

flexible knife for separating meat from the bone. This knife is more efficient

for this purpose than a rigid knife

 

Bread Knife: With a 9" blade these knives have sharp,

scalloped blades that “bite” the bread without squashing the loaf.

 

Chef's Knife: Sporting a 4-12” blade, these versatile

knives serve a variety of purposes but are particularly suited to chopping and

dicing. When buying a chef’s knife you should select a blade length that is

comfortable for you.

 

Cleaver: With a strong 6" blade the cleaver chops

through bones and joints. You can even use the flat side of the cleaver to

crush peppercorns and other spices.

 

Fish Filet: It has a 7" blade. This thin, long

blade has great flexibility and is perfectly suited for filleting fish. It is a

superior tool.

 

Ham Slicer: With a 10" blade it has been

specifically designed for slicing through the unique texture of a ham.

 

Oriental Cleaver: It has a 7" blade and it's

called a "cleaver" but it's really a fine chopper and dicer of

vegetables, herbs, meats and fruits. It is not to be used to chop bones.

 

Paring Knife: It has a 3½-4" blade and is the

most commonly used knife in the kitchen. It is used primarily for hand-held

tasks when control is essential. Variations of this knife include the Bird’s

Beak which is designed for peeling small round fruits and vegetables.

 

Salmon Slicer: It has a 12" blade. This long

thin and exceptionally flexible blade is designed for slicing smoked salmon.

 

Slicer/Carver: 

An 8-10" blade that is used for carving paper-thin slices of meats,

fruits and vegetables. The pointed tip cuts around bones or pieces of melon.

 

Steak Knife: With a 5" blade this sharp knife

cuts through thick steaks and chops.  It

is designed to be an integral part of any place setting.

 

Tomato/Bagel Knife: 

This serrated knife has a 5" blade and is great for cutting

something that's soft on the inside and tough on the outside, like a tomato or

a bagel!

 

Utility Knife:  With

a6" blade it is a cross between a paring and chef's knife. This

all-purpose knife is designed for a variety of everyday tasks.

 

There you have it. These are the most common knives that we

use as tools in our everyday life.