A bird’s beak knife is a curved blade knife used for carving fruit and producing the “tournee cut.” It can be a useful tool in the kitchen and is available in various materials. When selecting a knife, look for one that feels right in your hand and has a solid, durable construction. Care instructions vary depending on the type of handle.
A bird’s beak knife is a knife with a specialized curved blade that is well suited to things like carving fruit and producing the “tournee cut,” which is often used in food presentation. While this type of knife isn’t a vital necessity for most kitchens, it can be a very useful tool. A number of companies produce bird beak knives, made from an assortment of materials for cooks of different needs. Most kitchen supply stores carry at least a small assortment.
Seen from the side, the blade of a bird’s beak knife really does resemble a bird’s curved beak. The blade is usually shorter than that of a paring knife, although it can perform many of the same functions. The curved blade can also make it a useful paring knife in the kitchen, as it can perform a variety of kitchen tasks.
An alternate name for the knife is a “tournament knife,” referring to the tournament cut that can be made with a bird’s beak knife. A tournee cut is any type of contoured cut in food that results in a carved piece of fruit or vegetable. Such cuts can be relatively mundane or extremely complex, as is the case with Thai fruit carving, which transforms whole fruits into elaborate displays of knives. Many people find that a bird’s beak knife is the ideal tool for this job, as the short curved blade can get into places other blades can’t.
When selecting a knife, look for one that feels right in your hand. As a general rule, try to avoid buying knives in a set, as you will often acquire ones you don’t need. The knife should fit comfortably in your hand and should have a solid, durable construction. The blades are usually metallic, although ceramic is also available. You can usually find solid molded knives or knives with plastic or wooden handles. A solid molded knife will hold up the longest and is generally the best choice.
Care instructions for a bird’s beak knife vary depending on the type of handle it has. As a general rule, never use kitchen knives in the dishwasher, as the blades can get damaged. Wash the knife in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly to avoid snagging or puncturing the blade. Store knives in a safe place out of the reach of curious children and pets.
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