Find the Perfect Tourné Knife with our 5 picks

In this article, we will try to help you to find the perfect Tourne knife for your kitchen as well as provide you with insight and information as to its uses in food preparation and some pro tips to get you expertly fired up for success.

A Tourne knife, also known as a bird's beak, Peeling knife, or turning knife, is a small, curved knife used for intricate cuts and peeling fruits and vegetables. Its unique shape makes it an essential tool in any chef's kitchen, allowing for precision and control when working with delicate ingredients. You can also just use a regular paring knife if you prefer. In this article, we will explore five of the best Tourne knives on the market, examining their features, benefits, and unique qualities.

Tourné knife use & Tourne knife size

The typical length of this knife, sometimes referred to as a bird’s beak knife is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.35 to 8.89 cm). The blade is curved and tapers to a point, which makes it ideal for intricate and delicate cuts such as peeling, trimming, and shaping fruits and vegetables. The small size of the blade allows for precise control and maneuverability, making it a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks alike. The handle of these knives is usually designed to be comfortable and secure, providing the user with the control and grip needed for intricate tasks.

What is a Tourne knife cut?

The Tourne cut is a popular way of making vegetables, particularly potatoes, look more attractive when served. It’s a relatively simple technique that may take some practice to get right at first but it’s one that definitely adds flair to a dish and can really make it stand out! To get the tournée cut right, it requires a series of seven cuts from top to bottom. However, this may take some further cuts and adjustments to ensure the perfect shape and finish.

The tournée cut comes with the challenge of minimizing food wastage. If you’re not careful, you might leave yourself with a minuscule scrap and a lot of potato bits! Though, even the ideal scenario results in some wastage. It’s best to put the scraps to good use like for making mashed potatoes, purees, stocks, or slaws. In the video below, you can learn more about the Tourne cut.

5 Tourne Knife options you can consider!

1. Cangshan N1 Series 1020397 German Steel Forged Peeling Knife

The Cangshan N1 Series 1020397 German Steel Forged Peeling Knife has a full tang design for extra durability, featuring an ultra6 stage heat treatment and 58 +/-2 HRC on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. With its 5″ handle and 2.75″ blade, this peeling knife is ideal for small fruits and vegetables, garnish cutting, and creating decorative shapes. NSF certified and provided with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect, this knife should be washed with warm water and detergent then rinsed off and dried before storing away safely. This is a premium knife and slightly more expensive when compared to other options.

2. Tala Paring Knife

The Tala Paring Knife has a high-quality curved blade crafted from stainless steel, making it the perfect tool for rapid peeling and slicing. The natural beechwood handle has been ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, and the steel was developed in Solingen, Germany, as part of Herder’s long history of knife-making excellence. This knife is also very affordable and provides great value for money.

3. Tefal Ice Force Paring Knife

The Tefal Ice Force Stainless Steel Paring Knife has undergone a -70°C temperature blast after heating, giving it an optimal finish and performance. This knife features German stainless steel which is known to offer better resistance and durability compared to other brands. It also comes with a hand guard for added safety during use and is said to last up to two times longer than other Tefal ranges such as Comfort and Ingenio.

4. Mercer Culinary Paring Knife

The Mercer Culinary Paring and Tourne Knives are designed to provide comfortable, safe handling in the kitchen. Their ergonomic rubberized handle offers a comfortable grip while still providing durability and good slip resistance. The blades have been crafted from high-quality Japanese steel to ensure they stay sharp and last for a lifetime, backed by Mercer’s limited lifetime warranty. They are NSF certified for commercial use and are easy to maintain with sharpening abilities. Very affordable option if you are on a tight budget.

5. DALSTRONG Bird’s Beak Paring Peeler Knife

The DALSTRONG Bird’s Beak Paring Peeler Knife is an exceptional kitchen tool for creating decorative fruit and vegetable garnishes and for prepping small, spherical fruits. The incredibly sharp AUS-10V Japanese super steel cutting core makes it perfect for precise slicing, while the 66 layers of SUS410 stainless steel layers ensure strength, durability, and stain resistance.

The knife is finished with a military-grade G-10 handle made for superior hand control and comfort. Try it risk-free with the Dalstrong money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against defects. Enjoy luxury packaging when you experience the power of Dalstrong!

Summary

In conclusion, tourné knives are an essential tool in any kitchen, particularly for those who enjoy precision and attention to detail in their food preparation. When selecting your knife, it’s important to consider factors such as blade material, sharpness, and handle comfort. By selecting one of our top five picks for tourné knives, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality tool that will last for years to come. If you are looking for more information on what knives professional Chef’s use and for what tasks, check out “The Ultimate Guide to Chef Knives for Kitchen Success in 2023” We wish you many years of happy cooking and perfect preparation ahead!

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