The Shun Classic Paring Knife is a must-have for every kitchen. Think of it as the mini version of the chef's knife because, like the chef's knife, the paring knife is quite versatile. It gets its name from its main function—removing or “paring” away things like peels or pits from fruits and vegetables. Its small size gives you complete control over the tip and edge of the blade. Generally, you use this knife in your hand rather than against a cutting board, though paring knives can also be used for cutting small foods, such as garlic cloves or ginger.