8 Best Knives for Cutting Apples 2026

The targzier Paring Knife Set is a vibrant, no-nonsense solution for households that demand variety and value in one compact package. With six full-colored stainless steel paring knives, each boasting a precision 3.35-inch blade, this set excels at tackling the small, intricate tasks that define fruit prep—especially when slicing apples with speed and control. The high-precision cutting edge, born from advanced blade hardening tech, delivers clean cuts through apple flesh without bruising, while the ergonomic PP handles ensure a secure, slip-resistant grip even with wet hands. It’s the kind of set that turns a mundane chore into a smooth, almost playful experience.

In real-world use, these knives shine during batch prep—slicing apples for pies, dicing pears for salads, or peeling mangoes for smoothies. At 8.5cm blade length, they’re slightly longer than standard paring knives, offering more reach without sacrificing control. The lightweight build (just 27.5g per knife) makes them ideal for kids or seniors learning knife skills, though heavy-duty jobs like dense squash will quickly expose their limits. While not forged for heavy chopping, they maintain surprising edge retention over weeks of fruit and veg prep. Dishwasher-safe construction adds convenience, but frequent machine washing may dull the edge faster than expected.

Compared to premium single knives like the Victorinox or CAT CORA models, the targzier set trades individual blade refinement for sheer quantity and color-coded practicality. It’s perfect for families, classrooms, or beginner cooks who need multiple tools for group cooking or want to avoid cross-contamination with color separation. While each knife lacks the heft of German steel, the set as a whole offers unmatched versatility per dollar—delivering solid performance and cheerful functionality where a single high-end knife might be overkill or impractical.

The Victorinox Swiss Classic Paring Knife is a masterclass in balanced, no-frills precision—a true workhorse for apple prep that feels like an extension of your hand. With a 3.9-inch high-carbon stainless steel blade that’s ice-tempered for lasting sharpness, it slices through apples with surgical accuracy, leaving clean, even cuts without crushing or tearing. The Swiss-engineered balance between blade and handle delivers exceptional control, making it ideal for detailed tasks like coring, peeling, or creating uniform apple wedges. If you value reliability over flair, this knife answers the call with quiet confidence.

In daily use, the Victorinox proves its mettle across a range of textures—from soft, juicy apples to firmer pears and carrots. The conical grind ensures a razor-sharp edge that resists chipping, while the non-slip textured handle stays secure even during prolonged use or wet conditions. It’s equally effective for delicate garnishing or tougher jobs like trimming stems, though it’s not designed for prying or heavy chopping. After months of use, it retains its edge remarkably well, especially when hand-sharpened occasionally. Its lightweight yet sturdy build makes it a favorite for both home cooks and pros who need a dependable go-to parer.

When stacked against the CAT CORA or Zyliss models, the Victorinox holds its own with Swiss precision and a lifetime guarantee, offering a more refined feel than budget sets without the premium price of German steel. It’s the ideal choice for cooks who want one reliable, all-purpose paring knife rather than a collection of specialized tools. While it lacks the ergonomic soft-grip of higher-end models, its blend of durability, precision, and value outperforms many pricier contenders—making it a smarter long-term investment than flashy but fragile alternatives.

The Augenblick 2-in-1 Fruit Knife & Peeler is a game-changer for on-the-go apple lovers, delivering compact functionality in a palm-sized tool that fits seamlessly in backpacks, lunchboxes, or travel kits. With a dual-sided design—one side a small stainless steel knife, the other a sharp peeler—it effortlessly handles pre-sliced apples, peeling pears, or trimming fruit on camping trips. The food-grade stainless steel blade glides through apple skin and flesh with minimal resistance, while the protective covers keep both edges safe and hygienic. It’s the ultimate minimalist tool for anyone tired of hauling full-sized knives outdoors.

During real-world testing, the Augenblick proved surprisingly capable for its size—peeling a whole apple in under a minute with smooth, continuous strokes and slicing it into manageable chunks without slippage. The lightweight, pocket-friendly build makes it ideal for office snacks, school lunches, or backpacking meals, though the short blade limits deep cuts or precise dicing. It’s not meant for kitchen counters or batch prep, but as a portable apple prep tool, it outperforms multi-tools and spork combos. The lack of a locking mechanism means caution is needed during aggressive slicing, but for gentle fruit work, it’s impressively safe and efficient.

Compared to full paring knives like the OAKSWARE or Victorinox, the Augenblick sacrifices kitchen versatility for ultra-portability and dual functionality. It doesn’t replace a countertop knife but complements it perfectly for mobile users. Ideal for hikers, students, or frequent travelers, it fills a niche no other product in this lineup addresses. While it can’t match the precision or durability of a 4-inch parer, its smart design and travel-ready form make it a standout—offering more utility in a smaller footprint than any single-purpose knife at any price.

The Crinkle Cutter Fnife isn’t your average apple knife—it’s a culinary showstopper designed to turn ordinary apples into eye-catching, wavy-edged snacks that dazzle kids and guests alike. With a stainless steel crinkle blade that cuts through apples in one smooth motion, it creates fun, ripple-cut slices that resist browning slightly longer due to reduced surface crush. The ergonomic rubber handle delivers a firm, non-slip grip, making it easy to press down without hand fatigue—even through denser fruits like green apples or pears. If you’re looking to make apple prep exciting, this tool delivers instant wow factor.

In practice, the Crinkle Cutter shines when used for kid-friendly snacks, party platters, or decorative garnishes. It slices apples into uniform wavy strips faster than a standard knife, minimizing prep time and maximizing visual appeal. The full stainless steel construction is rust-proof and dishwasher-safe, with a seamless design that prevents food buildup. However, it struggles with very soft or overripe apples, which can tear under pressure, and it’s not suitable for peeling or fine dicing. While it’s a one-trick pony, that trick is executed with professional-grade precision and durability.

Compared to traditional paring knives like the CAT CORA or Victorinox, the Crinkle Cutter serves a completely different purpose—fun and presentation over precision. It’s not a replacement for a standard knife but a creative add-on for parents, educators, or entertainers. While the OAKSWARE or Zyliss models offer superior control for cooking tasks, this tool wins on engagement and novelty. For those who want to make healthy eating more appealing, it offers unmatched performance in its niche—transforming apples from mundane to magical with every slice.

The CAT CORA Paring Knife is a benchmark in ergonomic excellence, engineered for comfort without sacrificing performance—making it a top pick for anyone who slices apples daily. With a 4-inch high-carbon German steel blade and a soft-grip Santoprene handle, it delivers smooth, fatigue-free cutting even during extended prep sessions. The NSF-certified design ensures food safety and professional durability, while the balanced weight distribution allows for precise control when coring, peeling, or dicing apples with surgical accuracy. If hand strain is your enemy, this knife is your ally.

In real-world testing, the CAT CORA excelled at producing uniform apple slices with minimal effort—the razor-sharp edge gliding through skin and flesh without slipping or crushing. The non-slip grip remained secure even with oily or wet hands, a critical advantage when prepping multiple apples. It handled everything from crisp Honeycrisps to softer Fujis with confidence, though aggressive twisting or prying could risk blade stress. Dishwasher-safe but best hand-washed, it maintains its edge well over time, especially with occasional honing.

Against the Victorinox or Zyliss models, the CAT CORA stands out with superior hand comfort and brand-backed craftsmanship from Iron Chef Cat Cora herself. While the Victorinox offers better value, the CAT CORA delivers long-term comfort and professional ergonomics that justify its slight premium. It’s perfect for home cooks with arthritis, long prep routines, or high-volume apple processing. Though pricier than some, its blend of comfort, precision, and durability surpasses most in its class—offering a noticeably smoother experience than stiffer-handled rivals.

The OAKSWARE Paring Knife is the undisputed champion of overall performance, combining German engineering, razor-sharp precision, and full-tang durability into a single, no-compromise tool for cutting apples and beyond. Crafted from imported X45CrMoV15 German steel and hand-sharpened to 15 degrees per side, it slices through apples with whisper-quiet ease, leaving clean, unbruised cuts every time. The full tang construction and forged bolster create perfect balance, while the ergonomic handle fits securely in both left and right hands, reducing fatigue during repetitive tasks. This is the knife that does everything right.

In real use, the OAKSWARE proved exceptional across the board—peeling, coring, and dicing apples with the same confidence it shows when tackling onions or garlic. The 56±HRC hardness ensures long edge retention, and the straight-edge blade allows for precise control in tight spaces. Whether you’re julienning apples for slaw or creating intricate garnishes, it performs flawlessly. The only caveat: it’s hand wash only, a trade-off for maintaining its elite sharpness and finish. But for those willing to care for it, the payoff is years of flawless service.

Compared to the Victorinox and CAT CORA, the OAKSWARE offers superior blade quality and balance at a lower price, making it the best all-around choice. While the Victorinox wins on warranty and the CAT CORA on grip, the OAKSWARE outperforms both in sharpness, durability, and versatility. It’s the ideal knife for serious home cooks and pros who want one reliable, high-performance tool. When performance, build, and value are weighed together, it delivers more for less than any other model in this lineup.

The Zyliss Utility Knife is a precision powerhouse, designed for those who demand laser-sharp accuracy in every apple slice. With a 5.5-inch carbon stainless steel blade, it offers more reach than standard paring knives, allowing for longer, uninterrupted cuts through large apples or thick-skinned varieties. The soft-touch rubber handle provides exceptional grip and comfort, minimizing hand strain during prolonged use, while the included sheath ensures safe storage and transport—making it a top pick for cooks who value both performance and protection.

In practice, the Zyliss excels at thin, uniform slicing—perfect for apple rings, tarts, or dehydrated chips. The high-carbon blade retains sharpness impressively well, even after repeated use, and resists rust with minimal maintenance. It’s equally adept at peeling, mincing, and light meat trimming, bridging the gap between paring and utility knives. However, its longer blade can feel unwieldy for tight tasks like coring or peeling small fruits. While dishwasher safe, frequent machine washing may compromise its fine edge over time.

Versus the OAKSWARE or Victorinox, the Zyliss offers greater blade length and a protective sheath, making it better suited for mobile or multi-tasking cooks. It’s ideal for those who want one knife to handle both delicate and slightly heavier jobs. While the OAKSWARE has superior balance, the Zyliss delivers more cutting surface and added safety—a compelling trade-off for users who prioritize reach and portability. For precision with protection, it outclasses shorter parers without stepping into chef’s knife territory.

The Chef Craft Select Vegetable Knife is the affordable entry point into decent apple prep, offering a no-frills, functional tool for budget-conscious buyers. With a 4.5-inch stainless steel blade, it delivers surprisingly clean cuts through apples, thanks to its thin, sharp profile that minimizes resistance and tearing. The pack includes two identical knives, making it ideal for households that want backups or dual prep stations. At under $5, it’s the most cost-effective option for those who cook apples occasionally and don’t want to invest in premium tools.

In real use, the Chef Craft performs adequately—slicing apples for salads or snacks with reasonable precision. The stainless steel blade resists rust even after repeated washes, and the dishwasher-safe design adds convenience. However, the handle feels lightweight and plasticky, offering minimal grip security when wet. The blade lacks the hardness of German or Swiss steel, dulling faster with regular use. It’s best suited for light-duty tasks, not heavy peeling or prolonged cutting.

Compared to the Victorinox or OAKSWARE, the Chef Craft is clearly a budget model, sacrificing durability and ergonomics for price. But for students, casual cooks, or emergency kitchen kits, it’s a smart, functional fallback. While it won’t last years like a Swiss or German knife, it delivers basic performance where cost matters most. When value is the top priority, it offers twice the utility for a fraction of the price—a practical pick, not a perfect one.