The Cutting Edge A chef's knife. Typically six to 10 inches long with a wide, slightly curving blade, this knife is excellent for chopping. The best of the bunch have a bolster or a thickening of the blade at the handle to give the knife weight and keep your hands from slipping onto the sharp edge. A serrated knife. This miniature saw is ideal for cutting bread or any other food that has a firm crust or skin and a soft inside.
Bread knives are usually about eight inches long.
If you're just beginning your knife collection perhaps start out with a shorter blade, it's more versatile. A paring knife. This small, easy to handle knife is excellent for peeling fruits and vegetables and chopping herbs. Paring knives are usually about three to four inches long. If you haven't broken the bank then add kitchen scissors to the list.