This is the first of an ongoing series in which we’ll offer tips and thoughts on basic but essential items for your kitchen. In this post, we look at knives.

A home cook can get by with just three knives:  a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.

A chef’s knife is a larger and longer (up to 12 inches long) knife often also called a cook’s knife.  Purchase one that feels balanced in your hand, in a length that you feel comfortable using.   If you can only afford one good knife, make this   knife the one you buy now and add others later.

Paring knives are short small knives used to trim and peel.  Handle the knife before you buy it.

Serrated knives are good for cutting bread and anything else with a crust on the outside.  There are serrated knives made for specific purposes, such as tomato knives or fish knives, but a good serrated knife is about 7-8 inches long. This will be a  multipurpose knife for cutting many foods.

What kind of knife do you find yourself reaching for in the kitchen? Do you have a particular knife to recommend?