Kuorimaveitsi

Kuorimaveitsi, literally “peeling knife” in Finnish, refers to a small kitchen knife used primarily for peeling and trimming fruit and vegetables. It is the Finnish equivalent of the paring knife found in many culinary traditions and is a common tool in home and professional kitchens. The exact blade length varies, but kuorimaveitset typically feature short blades ranging from about 3 to 10 centimeters, designed for precision work.

Design and varieties vary to suit different tasks. Most kuorimaveitsi have a straight or slightly curved blade with a sharp tip for delicate peeling, trimming, and removing blemishes. Edge options include plain edges for clean peels and serrated edges for tougher skins. Some models also have a gently curved blade to facilitate maneuvering around rounded produce. Handles come in a range of materials, such as wood, plastic, or composite, and may be fixed or full tang for balance and control.

Materials and maintenance are similar to other kitchen knives. Blades are commonly made of stainless steel or high-carbon steel. Care guidelines include hand washing, thorough drying, and regular sharpening with a whetstone or honing steel. Proper storage away from moisture helps prevent rust and edge damage.

Typical uses include peeling apples or potatoes, trimming vegetables, deveining and seeding small fruits, and shaping vegetables for garnishes. While the kuorimaveitsi is versatile, some tasks are better suited to other specialized tools, such as a utility knife or a peeler, depending on the desired precision and texture.