20 Best Bar Knives For Making Garnishes With Ease In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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It's no secret that a good knife is an essential bar tool . A high-quality one can make slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables a breeze, which means less wasted time and fewer mistakes behind the bar.

Some also have the features of a bottle opener and a citrus peeler . There are many types of bar knives out there, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Generally, you have to ensure that it's durable and can withstand frequent use.

In this post, we'll take a look at the best bar knives on the market, provide reviews of each knife, and offer advice on what to consider when purchasing one for your bar. After all, having the right tools is key to success in your bartending skills and career.

Our Top Picks

The Best Bar Knives To Make Garnish

Paring Knives

1. Mercer Culinary Millennia Paring Knife - Best Overall

What Customers Have To Say

Many customers praised this paring knife because of its unrelenting sharpness and sturdiness, which are two qualities one should look for in a knife. The handle comfortably fits the hand curves and is designed with a rubberized texture for safety.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Mercer Culinary Millennia Paring Knife is ideal for a wide range of tasks, from slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables to mincing herbs and garlic. The blade is made from one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel, renowned for its sharpness and durability.

The Santoprene handle is also ergonomic and non-slip, making it comfortable even during extended prep times. Additionally, the textured finger points provide added control, making it easy to dice, mince, or chop your garnishes precisely.

Who Should Buy It

If an affordable but reliable paring knife is what you're searching for, this product is what you need! With high reviews and a low price tag, no wonder people keep buying it!

2. Kuhn Rikon Straight Paring Knife

What Customers Have To Say

The first thing that convinced people to buy this set was the pretty colors, which gave the set a lively vibe to them. After using the knives, they attested to their sharpness and versatility. They also liked that they're dishwasher-safe and come with matching covers.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Kuhn Rikon Straight Paring Knife is just the perfect colorful tool to keep in your bar packed with flair! The set of three comes in different colors to brighten up your prep area, and the razor-sharp Japanese stainless steel blade makes quick work of slicing and chopping.

The nonstick coating ensures that food slides right off the blade, and the easy-to-grip handles make it comfortable to use. Best of all, the knives come with sheaths, so you can safely store them away when not in use.

Who Should Buy It

If you like to lean more on color and life when it comes to bar tools, this colorful set is just the splash of color you need. Attractive and functional—they'll surely deliver!

3. TUO BLACK HAWK SERIES Paring Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Customers said that this knife is quite on the heavy side, which some people liked and some didn't; however, its sharpness is one thing that the customers have agreed on. Plus, they commented that the product feels like a professional knife.

Why We Think It’s Great

The blade of the TUO BLACK HAWK SERIES paring knife is made from special-forged high-carbon steel that has been heat-treated and nitrogen-cryogenically tempered for added strength and durability.

It is also sharpened using the 3-step Honbazuke method, resulting in a 14 to 16-degree sharp edge that can hold for a long time.

This amazing knife also boasts a Pakkawood handle for a comfortable and sturdy grip and features full-tang construction for extra strength. It also comes with triple rivets to ensure that it stays intact and strong even when you're using it for hard ingredients.

Who Should Buy It

This knife would be great for people with bigger hands because of its big handle and heaviness. It's also a fantastic choice if you're looking for a versatile knife.

4. Victorinox Swiss Straight Edge Paring Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Customers were impressed by the amazing quality of this knife, mostly about its sharpness and lightweight design. Due to its great weight distribution, it fits snugly and feels good to hold and use. It is great for cutting citrus peel from small and big citrus fruits.

Why We Think It’s Great

Victorinox Swiss Straight Edge Paring Knife features a lightweight Swiss stainless steel blade, making it extremely sharp, durable, and easy to use. This also gives it excellent cutting-edge retention, meaning it will stay sharper for longer. Additionally, the knife is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Additionally, the handle's ergonomic design ensures that it will fit comfortably in your hand. It is made of polypropylene material, making it heavy-duty and long-lasting, while the textured, non-slip grip ensures a firm grasp on the knife, even when your hands are wet.

Who Should Buy It

If you've been cut countless times trying to clean a knife, just get a dishwasher-safe one just like this product! This is also ideal for users who prefer a light knife.

5. Kyocera Revolution Series Paring Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Many shoppers say not to underestimate this knife's sharpness. It may look less intimidating than steel knives, but its sharp blade is up to the task and does not disappoint. However, it can only be used for soft ingredients; otherwise, the edges will chip over time.

Why We Think It’s Great

This knife's blade is made from Kyocera's proprietary zirconia material, produced in Japan and known for its strength and resilience. It can retain its edge up to 10x longer than its steel counterparts, so you can use it for various tasks without worrying about it becoming dull.

It can handle delicate slicing and trimming with a beveled, double-sided cutting edge. It is also light and easy to maneuver, making it a great option for those who are new to bars. And because it is made from ceramic rather than steel, it resists rust and acid.

Who Should Buy It

If you need a sharp knife that will surely not rust, no matter how much you use it, you should try this ceramic knife. It won't absorb different odors too!

6. DALSTRONG Paring Knife Set - Best Set

What Customers Have To Say

Many shoppers are glad that they invested in this set because each knife boasts sharpness and serves its function really well. They also loved the luxurious look of the knives and the packaging. Some say the knives are a bit heavy but manageable.

Why We Think It’s Great

This fantastic set comes with three different knives—a peeling, serrated, and professional paring knife, allowing you to always have the right tool on hand. The blades are crafted from German high-carbon steel that is tempered and stain-resistant to ensure durability and longevity.

With a 56+ Rockwell hardness and full tang design, the blades are incredibly sharp and can handle even the toughest jobs. Meanwhile, the handles are made from G10 Garolite, a strong and lightweight material hand-polished to a satin finish.

Who Should Buy It

If you're planning on buying different knives, you can start with this set. Each knife has a different purpose, providing great versatility.

Utility Knives

7. XINZUO Utility Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Customers thought this knife's overall design and appearance were beautiful, which is expected from the Damascus blade and the matching handle. The handle also feels full and comfortable when gripped.

Why We Think It’s Great

One thing that makes XINZUO stand out is its use of 67 layers of high-carbon Damascus steel, which gives its knives their unique wavy pattern that looks visually stunning. With a 10Cr core for strength and durability, the knife has a 62HRC hardness, making it one of the hardest knives on the market.

It also features a traditional 15-degree edge on both sides and a modern Pakkawood handle. The ergonomic design is comfortable to use, and the luxury finishing gives it a look that complements its commendable purpose.

Who Should Buy It

This could definitely pass if you're looking for an attractive-looking knife to display in your bar. Aside from serving looks, it also works amazingly, making it an excellent gift idea.

8. SENBON Japanese style Utility Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Aside from its keen sharpness, customers applaud this knife's ergonomic handle and solid feel because they could feel the knife's sturdiness just by holding it. They also shared compliments about its Japanese look and its unique shape.

Why We Think It’s Great

The foldable and portable design makes the SENBON utility knife easy to take with you wherever you go, while the stainless steel blade ensures that it will stand up to any task. The blade is also hand-sanded for precise sharpness, ensuring that you can easily tackle any cutting job.

Furthermore, the blade is hand-polished for a high-quality look. Furthermore, it's built with a liner lock, ensuring that it will stay securely in place when in use. The natural olive wood handle is beautiful and comfortable to hold, and the textured surface provides a good grip.

Who Should Buy It

This knife is perfect for traveling bartenders and those who compete in mixology and bartending competitions. It's designed like a pocket knife but functions more like a utility knife.

9. Zyliss 31380 Utility Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Most customers consider this as their go-to knife in their bars and kitchens because of its amazing functionality. It has an excellent sharpness that holds up for a long time. It hones pretty quickly as well and comes at a low price.

Why We Think It’s Great

This purple-colored powerhouse is made from a steel material that is high in carbon, allowing it to remain sharp and be easily re-sharpened when needed. The blade is also designed to resist corrosion, making it a great option for both home and professional bars.

Moreover, it features an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to grip, even during extended use. The soft-touch rubber handle provides excellent traction, preventing slipping and accidental cuts. And the blade guard ensures that you won't accidentally hurt yourself after using it.

Who Should Buy It

This knife would work well for people who often like to sharpen their knives. It's also an ideal option for making beautiful garnishes without breaking the bank.

10. PAUDIN Utility Knife

What Customers Have To Say

The evident excellence of the knife's workmanship is one of the things the customers acknowledged. Its functionality wasn't overlooked, either; people said that it could cut through food products effortlessly, attributed to the blade's sharpness and the handle's comfortability.

Why We Think It’s Great

PAUDIN blade is made of high-quality German stainless steel, which has excellent hardness and rust resistance. With a 56+ Rockwell hardness rating, this knife will hold its edge like no other. Moreover, the 14-16 degree bevel provides optimum cutting performance and is ideal for various uses.

The blade also displays a special wave pattern that is both eye-catching and functional. Moreover, the Pakkawood handle is comfortable to hold and provides a non-slip grip, even when your hands are wet. The ergonomic design reduces wrist fatigue, making it easy to use for extended periods.

Who Should Buy It

Purchasing new knives to replace broken ones is such a hassle, so if you want to have a long-lasting knife, this one is for you. It's also great for people with arthritic hands.

11. WALLOP Utility Knife - Most Comfortable Grip

What Customers Have To Say

Customers are satisfied with this knife's sharp blades, which worked precisely for them. It also has a well-balanced weight and ergonomic shape, making it comfortable to hold. On top of that, they think the knife's style was decent and modern.

Why We Think It’s Great

The WALLOP Utility Knife is beautiful with its high-quality German steel blade. It is high in carbon, rust, and discoloration-resistant and has a hardness of up to 56±2 HRC.

Additionally, the knife has been honed using the 3-step Honbazuke method, which gives it a keen edge that will make your slicing and cutting job easier.

The 8-12° double-bevel blade also allows you to make precise cuts. To complement this, the full tang structure and Pakkawood handle make the product extremely durable, while the non-slip and comfortable grip help make sure you can always keep a tight grip on it.

Who Should Buy It

This knife is known for being extremely hard and sharp, so if this is your preference, this knife is for you. It also makes a practical gift for your bartender or home-cook loved ones.

Pocket Knives

12. AYADA Travel Pocket Fruit Knife

What Customers Have To Say

A lot of customers didn't expect this knife's sturdiness and sharpness. They also loved how compact and lightweight it is, but they could feel that it holds up really well with any task. A customer even used it to cut open a whole watermelon!

Why We Think It’s Great

This knife from AYADA is conveniently foldable, so you can easily carry it wherever you go. It's also lightweight, perfect for those who don't want to lug around a heavy knife. Meanwhile, the blade is of food-grade stainless steel, so you don't have to worry about it retaining flavors.

The knife itself is sharp and can easily handle slicing citrus fruits or vegetables. And the handle is lightweight but strong due to its ABS material. The best part about it is its multifunction design, featuring a knife, peeler, scaler, and bottle opener.

Who Should Buy It

Pocket knives are handy but sometimes a bit complicated. If you're looking for a less complicated but still multifunctional one, this one is for you.

13. Gentlemen's Hardware Multi-Tool

What Customers Have To Say

Customers were glad that every tool in this multifunctional product works well and showcases a nice quality. The wood frame also adds uniqueness to the entire thing. They use this tool in the kitchen, bar, and outdoors.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Gentleman's Hardware Multi-Tool is a handy pocket knife designed for the modern bartender. This sleek and stylish tool provides 12 different functions, including a cheese grater, zester , garlic crusher, channel knife, small paring knife, and more.

The compact design of the multi-tool makes it easy to carry with you on the go, and the two-piece design allows you to use one tool at a time or split the tool into two different pieces for even more versatility.

The handsome frame is crafted from beautiful Acacia wood, with leather hook tie accents, adding a touch of class.

Who Should Buy It

This compact tool would be useful for people with compact bars as well. With so many tools joined in a single product, it'll save you a lot of space for your other tools.

14. Kizer Cutlery Begleiter Folding Pocket Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Many customers loved how this pocket knife weighs, feels good to hold and control, and doesn't cause hand fatigue. Moreover, they could see that this knife was made with keen attention to detail, making it functional for multiple jobs, including cutting fruits and vegetables.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Kizer Cutlery Begleiter Folding Pocket Knife is a handy tool for your bartending adventures. It is made with an N690 stainless steel blade resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. The stylish design makes it an attractive addition to your bar arsenal while remaining functional for slicing duties.

On the other hand, the handle is crafted from G10 fiberglass, which provides a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions, and the liner lock ensures that the blade will not close unexpectedly. It is also built with a tip-up pocket clip, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.

Who Should Buy It

This knife will save you from slippery knife moments if you always deal with wet ingredients. Its scale patterns are ergonomically designed for an extra grip.

15. Spyderco Tenacious Folding Pocket Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Customers rave about this knife's ability to withstand constant use, with many saying they've been using it for years without any issues. They also praised the knife's edge that stays sharp for a long time and its surprisingly lightweight design.

Why We Think It’s Great

The blade of the Spyderco Tenacious knife is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, known for its exceptional durability and edge retention. The full-flat grind of the blade also contributes to the incredibly sharp edge. Plus, the blade is coated with a non-reflective black finish that helps reduce glare and increase camouflage.

Moreover, this knife sports a black G-10 handle that is comfortable to grip and extremely durable. Additionally, it has been ergonomically milled to reduce fatigue and increase comfort during extended use.

And to top it all off, the knife comes with a 4-way pocket clip that makes it easy to carry around and has a liner lock to ensure safety and functionality.

Who Should Buy It

If you like to carry a bar-worthy knife with you at all times, just in case you want to prepare a garnish, this one is for you. With its 4-way clip, you're sure it stays with you anywhere you go.

16. Prepara Fruity Multi-use Fruit Tool - Best Versatile

What Customers Have To Say

This tool has become a "staple" in many customers' bartending kits because it is very useful for tasks that would otherwise take up extra space in their drawer. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store, and it has a simple design, so it is user-friendly.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Prepara Fruity Multi-use Fruit Tool is the Swiss Army Knife for preparing cocktail garnishes . It can do it all—be it pitting, hulling, cutting, coring, zesting, and peeling fruits.

The base of the handle even works also as a fruit reamer! Aside from being multifunctional, it is also stylish due to its sleek lines, modern design, and bright color, adding a pop of fun to any bar.

The tools are crafted from stainless steel, and they easily fold into the handle. This nifty tool is ideal for use with all kinds of fruit, like citrus, apples, strawberries, cherries, and peaches, which are common garnishes for cocktails!

Who Should Buy It

This tool would be a great space-saver for bartenders that travel a lot since it won't take much space and won't weigh them down. And it's a great choice if you're saving money because you don't have to buy individual tools.

Other Bar Knives

17. W&P Bartender's Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Customers said that once you sharpen this knife and keep using it for a few weeks or months, the edge will stay nice. They also praise this product's packaging, and giving it as a present is a great way to welcome new bartenders into the profession.

Why We Think It’s Great

W&P's Bartender's Knife is the perfect tool for both amateur and professional bartenders alike. It is composed of a high-quality steel blade, making cutting fruit effortless. Moreover, it has polished brass rivets that add a touch of style and sturdiness and the full tang design ensures that the knife will be durable for years.

The handle is created from water-resistant hardwood, so you won't have to worry about it warping if it gets wet. With the included natural sharpening stone, you can conveniently keep the blade nice and sharp. Its multi-purpose blade design lets you peel, slice, and pick ingredients with ease!

Who Should Buy It

If you're one to worry about wooden knife handles being rotten after it gets clean with water, this knife could take that worry away. The versatile blade design also gives it an edge.

18. Prince of Scots Bartender's Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Many customers reviewed that they gave this item as a gift to a loved one. Another customer mentioned that he likes this knife so much and uses it to cut, prep fruit, peel thin zest, and make fun zest. Plus, it’s sturdy and lasts long.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Prince of Scots knife showcases a blade crafted from 420 stainless steel and designed to be razor-sharp, making it ideal for precision cutting. The brass rivets provide a sturdy construction, complemented with a Pakkawood handle for a comfortable grip.

Furthermore, it features a quad-tang handle and is exceptionally weighted and balanced to provide smooth cutting action. The spear tip is ideal for piercing fruit, like cherries and olives, and the toothed tool can be used to open bottles.

This tool is also presented in a beautiful gift box, complete with a magnetic closure and foam lining.

Who Should Buy It

If you're looking for a great gift for a bartender, you can check out this knife! It is a one-piece tool but provides multiple applications.

19. R. Murphy/Ramelson Jackson Cannon Bar Knife

What Customers Have To Say

Many customers were impressed with the absolute sharpness of this knife. It makes precision cuts of different fruits, and it always garners compliments from other people due to its razor-sharpness and solid build.

Why We Think It's Great

This knife is the creation of renowned knife brand R. Murphy Knives and acclaimed mixologist Jackson Cannon who used a mixture of old tradition and modern technology. The hand-edged blade is made of 420 high carbon steel and is designed with a precision ground for maximum sharpness.

Moreover, the square tip adds a bit of uniqueness to the overall look. But this is also to ensure smooth cutting of citrus fruits that reduce oil loss and remove their seeds. The contoured handle also has a full tang design with three rivets for a balanced feel.

Who Should Buy It

If you want to invest in an R Murphy knife, you can add this product to your bar. It is specifically designed for a bartender's needs in making citrus garnishes.

20. Kiwi #504 Mini Cleaver - Most Unique

What Customers Have To Say

Shoppers were pleasantly surprised at how smooth this mini cleaver is in cutting veggies, fruits, cheese, and more. The tiny cleaver design is very cute but also sufficiently sharp, fits well in the hand, and always comes in handy.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Kiwi #504 Mini Cleaver is made from hardened stainless steel, making it up for any challenge in the bar, despite its size. It is also built with a double-riveted fine wooden handle to provide a comfortable grip.

Additionally, this tough little cleaver is well-balanced and easy to control, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice bartenders. Whether you're chopping vegetables for your Bloody Marys or cutting citrus garnishes , you can rely on this knife.

Who Should Buy It

If you want to incorporate a touch of quirkiness to your bar without sacrificing the quality of function, this cleaver is for you. It may also spark conversations due to its unconventional design.

Best Bartender Knife Buying Guide

Here are a few considerations to take note of when assessing bar knives. These can help you narrow down your choices as well.

• Blade

The most common materials for bar knife blades are high-carbon stainless steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and ceramic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

High-carbon stainless steel is the most durable option and can withstand repeated sharpening without losing its edge. This is also the common material used for a chef's knife. However, they tend to be on the expensive side.

Stainless steel is less durable than high-carbon stainless steel but is more resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also suitable for those who are allergic to nickel. Alloy steel is also a good corrosion-resistant material but is less strong than carbon steel. They can also be pricey.

Finally, ceramic knives are lightweight and can cut thin slices. Its downside is that it is difficult to sharpen and can be brittle.

You can either have the standard long and smooth, serrated, wide and short, or pronged edge knife when it comes to blade shape. Each shape does a different purpose that can be a basis for one's preference.

Some people find that a serrated blade cuts through tough ingredients more easily, while others prefer a non-serrated blade for greater control.

• Handle

The handle's material can also affect the knife's comfort, balance, and dexterity. The most common material is wood, specifically Pakkawood. This is known to be dense, durable, and water-resistant, making it more long-lasting.

Another common handle material is plastic which can be of different types. Plastic is non-porous and lighter than wood. Meanwhile, G-10 is a fiberglass laminate that's a popular choice for pocket knife handles as it is durable and has an excellent grip.

In terms of shape, the handle should fit comfortably in your hand and provide a good grip. A shorter and steeper handle may be more comfortable for smaller hands, while a longer and more curved handle may better control larger hands.

The weight of the handle is also something to consider. A heavier handle will provide more stability, while a lighter handle will be easier to maneuver.

• Size

Paring knives and pocket knives have blades around 3-4 inches long. This makes it ideal for precision trimming and slicing tasks. On the other hand, Utility knives have blades that are around 4-6 inches long. This makes it better suited for larger jobs like chopping fruits or vegetables.

A heavyweight knife can be difficult to control, while a lightweight knife may not have enough heft to make clean cuts. The ideal type is a well-balanced knife that will feel comfortable in your hand, provide greater control, and is less likely to slip out of your hand during use.

• Ease of Use

A knife that is uncomfortable or difficult to grip will slow down the bartender and could also lead to accidents. To prevent this, check if a knife is built with an ergonomically designed handle, and the blade should be the right shape and size for the job. In addition, the knife should be well balanced so that it is easy to control.

• Price

In general, higher-priced bar knives are made with better materials and are built to last longer. However, you don't necessarily spend a lot of money to get a good bar knife. Other knives are high-quality but at reasonable prices. Ultimately, the best bar knife is the one that fits your needs and budget.

Bar Knife FAQ

1. How to care for a bar knife?

When using a bar knife, always use a bartender cutting board to help protect the blade from becoming dull or damaged quickly. After use, make sure to clean the knife. A simple rinse with warm water and soap is usually needed, but you may need to scrub it with a soft-bristled brush if the blade is particularly dirty.

Furthermore, make sure to sharpen your bar knife regularly. Store the knife in a safe place where it won't become damaged or lost. A kitchen drawer or countertop organizer is a good option. By following these simple tips, you can keep your bar knife in top condition for years to come.

2. How to sharpen a bar knife?

One of the best ways to sharpen a bar knife is with a honing rod. Position the blade at a 20-degree angle to the rod. Next, use even strokes to move the blade up and down the length of the rod. Be sure to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly.

Finally, test the sharpness of the blade by slicing through a piece of paper. If the blade is still not as sharp as you would like, repeat the process until it meets your standards. With time and effort, you can keep your bar knife in top condition and make sure it always performs at its best.

3. Is a smooth knife better than a serrated knife in a bar application?

Several schools of thought about a smooth knife or a serrated knife being better for use in a bar. The first consideration is what type of fruit or vegetable you will be cutting.

A smooth knife may be best for soft ingredients like tomatoes, while a serrated knife might be better for hard ingredients like an apple or carving ice.

The second consideration is the size of the fruit or vegetable. A small piece of fruit may be easier to cut with a smooth knife, while a large piece may need the extra surface area of a serrated one.

The third consideration is personal preference. Some people find that they have more control with a smooth knife, while others find it easier to get a clean cut with a serrated blade. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you and the products you will be cutting.

4. What does a full tang knife mean?

A full tang knife extends its blade all the way to the end of the handle. This type of construction is considered the strongest and most durable, and as a result, they are often used for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping and slicing.

In addition, full tang knives typically have a more balanced feel and greater control than knives with a partial tang. While they are more expensive to produce, many users feel that the benefits of a full tang knife are well worth the extra cost.

Conclusion

We hope that we've helped you know more about bar knives and their importance in the bartending world. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so selecting the right one for your needs is important. Check out our top picks if you’re still unsure which knife is right for you.

If you want a reliable first bar knife, choose the affordable but high-quality Mercer Culinary Millennia Paring Knife . But if you want to have more than one knife, grab the DALSTRONG Paring Knife Set . Meanwhile, choose WALLOP Utility Knife if you prefer a knife that is comfortable to hold for prolonged use.

Prepara Fruity Multi-use Fruit Tool is the tool to get for doing more tasks while remaining compact. Finally, if you're looking for a fun but still functional knife, check out the Kiwi #504 Mini Cleaver .

Once you have your pick, test it out by peeling a citrus fruit when you're flaming a citrus peel for flair cocktails. Should you have any inquiries or require help getting started, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to help!