Buying a Tomato Knife
A juicy, ripe tomato is a delicious pleasure, but cutting into one with a regular knife can crush or bruise the delicate tomato. So, when buying the essential tools for your kitchen, don’t forget about the multi-purpose tomato knife, which can be used to cut tomatoes, and other small, softer fruits and vegetables. Another great thing about having a tomato knife is that it keeps the insides of the tomato intact.
A tomato knife has a serrated edge, which allows it to cut through the skin easily, but not cause any bruising. Serrated knives are considered the sharpest of all the kitchen knives. Also helpful, many tomato knives also have forked tips, which allow for easy lifting of the cut slices of tomato.
Hold the knife, and make sure the fit and feel work for you. You want to make sure the handle balances the knife well and that it isn’t too small for your hand. Also, some knives are specifically designed for right-handed people, so make sure you check that your knife will work for you.
Sharpness is another key consideration. Some of the more expensive brands including Wusthof are known for their lasting sharpness. Most tomato knives have a blade that is about 5” long. Many people sharpen their knives weekly.
A basic tomato knife begins at $5, and several brands carry top rated tomato knives in this lower price range including Rada and Messermeister, which begin around $15. If you’re looking to spend between $50 and $75, two top of the line brands are Wusthof and Shun. Many of these professional grade knives come with lifetime warranties, so it may be worth spending the extra money.
You can purchase a tomato knife at a cooking or home store like Williams Sonoma or Crate and Barrel, or a restaurant supply store or at an online retailer.
