The 3 Best Kid-Safe Knives That Are Perfect for Tiny Chefs

Start really young cooks off with a nylon knife set, which mimics the weight, shape, and feel of a chef’s knife — without the sharp edge. The serrated edge makes cutting bread, cheese, soft fruit, and vegetables possible without any nicks or cuts.

Slightly older children can be introduced to safety knives, many of which have real metal blades with a flat blunt edge. They make easy work of most fruits and vegetables, save for hard squashes and watermelon rinds. You’ll need to monitor your kiddos closely during use, as these knives can still cut tiny fingers. This particular set from Uncommon Goods is a good way to practice safe knife holding and handling.

A smaller knife with a sharp edge is the perfect in-between knife for tweens and teens. Their hands aren’t quite large enough for a full-sized chef’s knife yet, but they have the hand-eye coordination required to manage a real blade. A paring knife might seem like a good transitional knife, but its dainty size doesn’t allow enough clearance between the handle and a cutting board for small hands. A small santoku knife, about 5 inches long and with a sheath for covering the blade, is a beautiful way to create a sense of ownership for your kid chef.