Best Tomato Knife

A tomato knife is a specialty kitchen knife designed specifically for slicing tomatoes. It has a short, curved blade with a serrated or scalloped edge that effectively cuts through tomato skin and flesh without tearing or squishing the inside of the tomato. The short pointed tip allows for slicing tomatoes of any size and shape. Tomato knives are much better suited for the task than using a plain kitchen knife.

Why is a tomato knife necessary?

A tomato knife is necessary for a few key reasons:

• The serrated edge cleanly slices through the tomato skin without tearing it. Regular straight-edge knives often just squish or crush tomatoes when slicing.
• The short curved shape and precise tip gives you optimal control and visibility when slicing tomatoes of any size.
• Tomato knives make quick work of slicing tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, bruschetta and more. Their specialized design makes tomato prep much easier.
• The smaller size of a tomato knife allows for better precision and safety than using a large chef’s knife for the delicate task of tomato slicing.

What are the benefits of using a tomato knife?

Some of the benefits of using a tomato knife include:

• Clean, thin slices without crushing the tomato flesh or tearing the skin
• Ability to neatly and effortlessly slice tomatoes of any size or shape
• Precise cutting and visibility due to the short, curved blade
• Versatile for slicing other soft fruits and vegetables like kiwis, strawberries and peppers
• Safer to control than a large chef’s knife for tomato prep tasks
• Serrated edge stays sharper longer than plain edges
• Durable knife designed to withstand tomato acids and wear-and-tear
• Overall easier, faster tomato prep for salads, salsas, sandwiches and more

Types of Tomato Knives

Serrated Tomato Knives

• Most common type of tomato knife
• Serrated or scalloped blades effectively slice through tomato skin without tearing
• Cuts tomatoes cleanly without crushing the inside flesh
• Serrations allow the knife to slice smoothly without needing frequent sharpening

Straight Blade Tomato Knives

• Feature a straight-edged razor-sharp blade
• Allow for very precise, thin slices
• Require more frequent sharpening to retain sharpness
• Best for skilled cooks who prize precision

Fork-Tipped Tomato Knives

• Have a two-pronged forked tip on the end of the blade
• Useful for piercing and picking up tomato slices
• Forked tip provides added control and visibility

Bread Knives as Tomato Knives

• Long serrated blades can also slice tomatoes
• Not specifically designed for tomatoes, but will work
• The long blade makes precision more difficult
• Better options are shorter tomato-specific knives

5 Best Tomato Knives in 2023

Knife	Blade Length	Blade Type	Handle Material	Price Range
Wüsthof Classic Tomato Knife	5 inches	Serrated	Polypropylene	$$$
Victorinox Paring Knife with Serrated Edge	3.5 inches	Serrated	Fibrox	$
Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife	10 inches	Serrated	Polypropylene	$$
Winco KFP-51, 5-Inch Carbon Steel Tomato Knife	5 inches	Serrated	Plastic	$$
Victorinox Tomato Knives	4-6 inches	Serrated	Fibrox	$$

Wüsthof Classic 5″ Tomato Knife

This knife is perfect for cutting tomatoes and many other vegetables. It is extremely sharp and well balanced, making it one of the best tomato knives in the market.

• Pros: Extremely sharp blade, perfect balance, durable high-carbon steel construction.
• Cons: More expensive than other tomato knife options.

Victorinox Paring Knife with Serrated Edge

This high-quality bread knife is also great for cutting tomatoes. Its serrated edge allows for easy slicing of tomatoes without crushing the flesh.

• Pros: Affordable price point, trusted Victorinox brand quality.
• Cons: Smaller blade not ideal for slicing larger tomatoes.

Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-Inch Bread Knife

This bread knife is perfect for cutting large, beefy heirloom tomatoes. Its long blade and serrated edge make it easy to slice through the tough skin of large tomatoes.

• Pros: Long blade can slice large tomatoes with ease, serrated edge won’t crush tomato flesh.
• Cons: Large size provides less control and precision.

Winco KFP-51, 5-Inch Carbon Steel Tomato Knife

This serrated knife is designed to cut through tomatoes and bagels with ease. Its serrated edge allows for easy slicing of tomatoes without crushing the flesh.

• Pros: Serrated edge slices tomatoes cleanly, dual use for tomatoes and bagels.
• Cons: Plastic handle may be less durable than other materials.

Victorinox Tomato Knives

Victorinox offers a range of tomato knives with serrated edges that are perfect for slicing through tomatoes. These knives are available in different sizes and are great for both left-handed and right-handed users.

• Pros: Variety of blade sizes for different needs, trusted Victorinox brand quality, serrated edges slice tomatoes cleanly.
• Cons: Prone to staining from tomato acids.

Features of a Good Tomato Knife

Blade Length and Shape

• Blade should be 4-6 inches long for good maneuverability
• Short, curved shape allows for precision slicing of various tomato sizes
• Pointed tip makes piercing skin easy before slicing

Serration Type and Spacing

• Small fine serrations or scallops work best
• Closely spaced teeth provide more slicing points
• Avoid large, widely spaced serrations

Handle Material and Grip

• Contoured, ergonomic handles provide comfort
• Non-slip materials like plastic, rubber, or wood important for wet conditions
• Full tang construction adds durability

Blade Material and Durability

• High-carbon stainless steel maintains sharp edge
• Stain resistant to prevent corrosion from tomato acids
• Sturdy, one-piece construction avoids joints that can break

How to Choose the Best Tomato Knife

Consider the size and type of tomatoes you will be cutting

Take into account the size and variety of tomatoes you typically slice to determine the ideal blade length for your needs. Small paring knives with 3-4 inch blades work best for snacking tomatoes like cherry and grape varieties. For slicing average sized tomatoes for sandwiches or salads, a blade length of 4-6 inches allows you to easily slice the tomato in half or into rounds. Giant beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes may require a longer serrated bread knife with an 8-10 inch blade that can slice through their thick flesh and tough skin with ease.

Determine your budget

Tomato knives come in a wide range of prices to fit every budget. Inexpensive tomato knives in the $10-$20 range, such as the OXO Good Grips or KitchenAid brands, can make a decent starter knife for basic tomato slicing tasks. The moderate price range of $20-$50 offers very high quality knives from reputable brands like Wüsthof, Victorinox and Mercer with excellent blade construction. For the ultimate tomato slicing experience, premium high-carbon steel tomato knives from Messermeister or Shun can cost upwards of $50+ but will likely last a lifetime if properly maintained.

Look for a comfortable grip and balance

Opt for a tomato knife with an ergonomic handle design that fits comfortably in your hand and complements your cutting style. Lightweight knives with a good heft and proper balance give you the best control and stability when slicing. Full tang models where the metal blade extends fully into the handle tend to provide the most secure and durable grip. Avoid knives with small handles or uneven weight distribution which can make slicing tiresome.

Consider the maintenance and sharpening requirements

The serrated edge on a tomato knife stays sharper for longer than a straight edge, but will still require occasional sharpening to maintain optimal performance. High carbon steel blades are easier to sharpen at home than stainless steel. Be sure to immediately hand wash, rinse and dry your knife after each use to prevent stains from tomato acids. Regularly using a honing steel can keep the blade’s edge aligned between full sharpenings. Consider your willingness to sharpen and care for your knife to determine which type best suits your needs.

Tips for Using a Tomato Knife

How to hold a tomato knife

Hold the knife handle near the blade for maximum control. Grip it with your dominant hand using a proper grip – fingers curled under handle and thumb resting on top. Keep your knuckles pressed lightly against the table edge as a guiding guard. Use your other hand to hold the tomato steady on a cutting board. Apply light but stable pressure when cutting in a gentle sawing motion. Avoid a tight grip or pushing forcefully down on the knife which can lead to slipping.

How to slice tomatoes without crushing them

Always use a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion when slicing tomatoes to avoid crushing them. Never push straight down. Allow the serrated edge of the tomato knife to do most of the work. For round slicing tomatoes, cut horizontally from stem to bottom into 1/4 inch slices. For elongated tomatoes like roma, grape, or cherry, cut vertically for tidy slices. Whether cutting rounds or lengthwise, a tomato knife’s serrated edge will prevent tearing of skin and keep the inside flesh intact. Slice slow and steady for perfect cuts.

How to clean and maintain a tomato knife

It’s important to properly care for your tomato knife to prevent staining and keep the blade sharp. After each use, gently wash by hand with mild soap and warm water. Carefully scrub the serrated edges to remove bits of tomato. Rinse and hand dry thoroughly, especially near the handle. Allow 10 minutes of air drying before storing. Regular honing with a steel rod keeps the edge aligned between full sharpenings. Have your knife professionally sharpened once or twice per year depending on usage. Store in a knife block or sheath to protect the blade when not in use.

How to sharpen a tomato knife

Use a diamond sharpening rod designed specifically for serrated blades. Hold rod steady and gently drag blade across at about a 20-degree angle, applying light pressure. Slowly glide knife over rod using the full length of the blade for a thorough sharpening. Repeat the motion on each side of the blade 5-10 times. Finish by honing the knife edge with gentle strokes to align and refine the edge. Be careful not to over-sharpen or damage the fine serrations. Annual professional sharpening is still recommended for optimal performance and edge retention.

Caring for Your Tomato Knife

Caring for your tomato knife properly is key to its longevity. Never put it in the dishwasher, as harsh detergents can damage the blade. Hand wash gently after each use with mild soap and water. Carefully scrub to remove sticky tomato residue from the serrated edges. Rinse thoroughly, hand dry completely, and store in a knife block or sheath. Allow 10-15 minutes of air drying time before storage to prevent any moisture on the blade which can lead to rust.

Sharpen the knife regularly to keep the blade edge in optimal slicing condition. Use a diamond sharpening rod designed for serrated knives every few months. Annual professional sharpening is also recommended. Avoid cutting through hard materials like bone which can nick or dull the fine serrations. Store the knife properly between uses and check for any developing stains. With frequent honing and proper care, a quality tomato knife should last for years of service.

Buying a High Quality Tomato Knife

Investing in a high quality tomato knife is worth the upfront cost considering how much use you’ll get out of it. Look for durable construction with a full tang, tightly fitted handle, and sturdy bolsters. High carbon German steel is ideal for holding a sharp edge. Japanese steel like VG-10 is also excellent. The blade should be around 4 to 6 inches long. A shorter curved shape allows for control and precision. Smaller serrations are better than larger teeth.

Choose a reputable knife brand known for craftsmanship and quality materials. Wusthof, J.A. Henckels, and Victorinox are all excellent choices. Don’t just buy the cheapest tomato knife. With proper maintenance, a high quality knife can last decades, so view it as an investment. Pick a knife with an ergonomic handle design that fits comfortably and securely in your hand. The right tomato knife is a purchase you won’t regret.