Almost any good cook will tell you that a good-quality knife is the single most important tool in the kitchen. However, there is no reason to buy a lot of knives. Just be sure to stock 3 top-quality ones: a chef's knife (for chopping, slicing, and dicing), a paring knife (for paring), and a serrated knife (for bread and tomatoes). The chef's knife is most important. Men are usually comfortable with an 8" or 10" chef's knife; many women prefer a 6" knife for its lighter weight. Hold the knife in your hand. It should feel comfortable and be easy to grip. The knife that feels good in your hand is the right knife for you.

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