Why Every Parent Needs Multiple Paring Knives (Yes, Multiple!)

As parents, we often talk about the essential tools that make life in the kitchen easier—slow cookers, high chairs that don’t require a master’s degree to clean, sippy cups that don’t leak. But today, let’s shine a little spotlight on the humble paring knife—a small but mighty hero of the kitchen.

And here’s the real tip: you shouldn’t just own one. You should own several.

The Unsung Hero of the Kitchen

Paring knives are the workhorses of everyday life, especially in a busy home. They’re small, nimble, and insanely useful for just about everything. You probably already know they’re great for slicing apples or peeling carrots. But if you start paying attention, you’ll notice you reach for your paring knife for all sorts of things:

• Slicing fruit for lunchboxes
• Peeling oranges for a snack
• Cutting the plastic wrap off a stubborn package
• Opening up those seemingly impenetrable food bags
• Removing bruised spots on produce
• Even quick prep when you don’t want to haul out the big chef’s knife

In a house with kids (or just a lot going on), this little knife gets a lot of action.

Why You Need More Than One

Here’s the thing: if you only own one paring knife, chances are it’s always in the dishwasher when you need it. Or maybe it’s in the sink, crusted with dried fruit juice, mocking you while you try to peel a kiwi with a butter knife.

That’s why it’s a game-changer to keep a whole collection of paring knives in your drawer. A few in use, a few in the wash, and still one or two clean and ready to go. It’s a small investment that pays off every single day.

A Sharp Knife is a Safe Knife

While you’re stocking up, don’t forget that a dull paring knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one. Dull blades slip and slide, increasing the chance of nicks and cuts. So whether you’re buying inexpensive paring knives or investing in higher-quality ones, make sure you keep them sharp. A simple knife sharpener or honing rod will do the trick—and your fingers will thank you.

The Bottom Line

If you find yourself constantly reaching for your paring knife, you’re not alone. It’s the go-to tool for dozens of everyday tasks—and once you own several, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with just one.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a small set of paring knives. Toss a couple extras in your cart next time you’re at the store or ordering online. Because in the world of parenting, where time is short and snacks are never-ending, it’s the little things—like having a clean, sharp knife ready when you need it—that can make a surprisingly big difference.