Tomato Knives
By Kira Hamman
I used to haul out my favorite chef’s knife to slice tomatoes – a big, heavy number that my woodworker husband keeps nice and sharp for me.
I’d draw the blade along the tomato a few times, eventually get through the skin, and try to minimize the inevitable squashing and bruising.
Then I tried a tomato knife.
With apologies to Neil Diamond, now I’m a believer! Not a trace of doubt in my mind. I’m in love, and I couldn’t go back if I tried.
Tomato knives are, as the name suggests, designed for cutting tomatoes.
They’re serrated, which gets you through that skin layer in one slice and finishes the job without a single smush or bruise. Hallelujah! So, as a service to fellow tomato-lovers everywhere, I’ve put together this list of fabulous tomato knives.
Best Overall: Williams-Sonoma, $15
Slices easily, cleans easily (in the dishwasher!), and has a handy round tip for scooping up the slices when you’re finished cutting.
Best Inexpensive: Rada, $5
I have a soft spot for Rada knives because they’re made in Iowa. Oh, and they’re great knives, too.
Best Splurge: Wusthof Classic, $100
Naturally the best knife out there, great for not just tomatoes but most other delicate things. Naturally also the most expensive.
Most Fun: Kershaw Pure Komachi, $20
Who can pass up a bright red tomato knife? I mean really.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Great post, Kira! That is one weird-looking knife. I’m trying to picture someone coming up with that… I love my Wusthofs and agree that they’re the best. But you’re right, I also love red and would definitely go for the little red knife!
August 11th, 2008 at 8:38 am
“I’m a believer” was a song by “The Monkees”, AKA the “pre-fab four”.
They were one musician and three actors hired to do a take off of the Beatles movies, basically zany antics interspersed with songs.
Not sure who wrote their songs, maybe it was Neil Diamond.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Dave - the Monkees sang it but Neil Diamond wrote it. Actually, a lot of people sang it over the years, as it turns out. So who gets credit? Too deep a question for me! I’m crediting Neil